Sydney’s train network is in chaos today, with hundreds of services cancelled or delayed thanks to ongoing industrial action by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU).
Over 350 train services have been scrapped, leaving many commuters scrambling for alternative ways to get around as reported by The Guardian. Major lines like the T1 North Shore, T2 Leppington and Inner West, T3 Liverpool & Inner West, and T8 Airport lines are feeling the brunt of it, with some passengers facing gaps of up to an hour between trains.
Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland didn’t sugarcoat the situation. He noted that “passengers on some of those lines are experiencing gaps of 45 minutes to an hour… it could get worse later in the day”, per 9News.
With major events like the Randwick Races and Carols in the Domain happening tonight, Longland advised everyone to “avoid non-essential travel” and consider other modes of transport.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen echoed these sentiments, stating that close to 40 per cent of train services were expected to be cancelled or delayed. Haylen highlighted that the ongoing disruptions are having a “significant impact” on families and businesses alike, with reports of cancellations for bookings due to uncertainty in travel.
The situation has escalated to the point where NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has warned that she may have to recommend cancelling the New Year’s Eve fireworks if disruptions continue. “Leaving the city is based on access to (public) transport, including trains,” she said. “If trains aren’t available and people can’t leave the city, I have very large concerns of the risk that will create to the public.”
In response to these threats, RTBU state secretary Toby Warnes insisted that their planned actions for New Year’s Eve would not result in widespread service cuts.
He stated that “the actions planned for New Year’s Eve would not result in 50 per cent fewer services”, as there would be extra staff rostered on as a buffer.
Haylen remains adamant that “no amount of industrial action is tolerable” during this festive season. She called on the union to withdraw their actions so families can celebrate together and businesses can operate without uncertainty.
The unions are still open to negotiations as they demand 32 per cent pay rise over four years, which has become a major sticking point in negotiations. Warnes made this clear at a press conference on Thursday when he said, “We are still at an impasse. Our door is open for the next two weeks at least to get this deal done.”
The government is meeting with Fair Work on Tuesday to try squander any possible actions by the unions over New Year’s Eve.
We might be waiting a while till negotiations happen, so if you’re heading out this holiday period keep your plans flexible, grab a coffee (or two), DON’T forget your headphones and prepare for an adventure.
Lead image: Getty Images
The post Over 350 Sydney Train Services Scrapped Amid Ongoing Industrial Action appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
