aecifo

Sydney faces commuter chaos as rail network closes for four days

Umito November 20, 2024

Sydney faces commuter chaos later this week, with the city’s rail network expected to be closed for four days.

A months-long dispute between the NSW government and the state branch of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) intensified on Tuesday when Transport Minister Jo Haylen announced that no train services would operate between Thursday and Sunday this week.

The railway workers’ union increased work bans and threatened to strike if 24-hour services were not available during these four days.

While the government agreed to this last weekend, transport officials said it was not possible this week and instead offered to provide a 24-hour service between Hornsby and Strathfield.

“If we continue to try to provide 24-hour services over the weekend, it will ultimately lead to the failure of our rail network,” Haylen said.

The industrial action is expected to impact Sydney’s intercity and suburban routes between 10pm Thursday and 6am Sunday.

RTBU secretary Toby Warnes said although the four-day closure was a government decision, the union was prepared to take on some responsibility.

“Yes, the public can hold us responsible for the closure, but they should only hold us responsible for the Friday and Saturday evening closure, and only to the extent that they understand or believe that the government cannot actually ensure 24-hour services,” he told reporters.

More than a million people use Sydney’s trains on a typical day.

Commuters are seen at Martin Place station in Sydney

More than a million people use Sydney’s trains on a typical day. Source: PAA / Bianca De Marchi

Additional buses and other services will be deployed, but the closure will strain replacement transport capacity.

This is expected to impact two Pearl Jam concerts at Sydney Olympic Park and an A-League match at Moore Park.

The Sydney Metro, from Chatswood in the north to Sydenham in the central west, is also closed for maintenance at the weekend, with Transport for NSW advising commuters to “utilize train services”.

Additional reporting from the Australian Associated Press