Sydney commuters are struggling through another Monday of peak-hour traffic mayhem with the cancellation of 36 morning train services.
The mainly peak-hour services have been cancelled because of staff shortages, with the disruptions compounded by the reopening of Hornsby Junction.
The city’s rail system went into meltdown last week due to drivers calling in sick and lightning damaged signal equipment.
Sydney commuters are struggling through another Monday of peak-hour traffic mayhem as 36 train services are cancelled (pictured are last week’s delays)
The mainly peak-hour services have been cancelled because of staff shortages, with the disruptions compounded by the reopening of Hornsby Junction (pictured are last week’s delays)
The city’s rail system went into meltdown last week due to drivers calling in sick and lightning damaged signal equipment(pictured are last week’s delays)
Saturday saw little relief for passengers, with 92 services being cancelled because of ‘unexpected train crew changes’, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
A Sydney Trains spokesperson said it had cancelled a ‘small number of trains on Monday due to staff availability’.
‘To minimise disruptions we have analysed load data and cancelled services that are typically the least busy, are outside of peak hours or have another train scheduled soon after it,’ he said.
Sydney Trains CEO Howard Collins said morning services were running well, despite a ‘very small number’ of pre-planned cancellations, Nine News reported.
‘We have had some planned cancellations – 30-something over the day – that is in the background of almost 3000 trips out there, so a very small number,’ he said.
‘I think it’s good to plan in advance and I think, as we see the day unfold, I think so far we’re seeing an excellent service for this morning – obviously advising people of those cancelled individual trips.’
Saturday saw little relief for passengers, with 92 services being cancelled because of ‘unexpected train crew changes’ (pictured are last week’s delays)
A Sydney Trains spokesperson said it had cancelled a ‘small number of trains on Monday due to staff availability’ (pictured are last week’s delays)
Hornsby Junction, the area of train track where the T1 Northern and T1 North Shore lines meet, reopened Monday morning after a $120 million upgrade.
Mr Collins had warned of possible delays as the junction trains begin to pass through for the first time.
Speaking on the weekend, he said commuters should check the trains before they leave home, to ensure they were not going to get stuck.
‘Before you travel on Monday, check what is happening, make sure we are getting that smooth run through Hornsby,’ he said.
The work has majorly affected the way trains move in and out of the junction, with many slips and crossovers removed.
Sydney Trains CEO Howard Collins said morning services were running well, despite a ‘very small number’ of pre-planned cancellations (pictured are last week’s delays)
A spokesperson for Sydney Trains told Daily Mail Australia on Sunday cancellations for Monday had already begun, blaming a staffing issue for the inconvenience.
‘We have cancelled a small number of trains on Monday due to staff availability,’ they said.
‘To minimise disruptions we have analysed load data and cancelled services that are typically the least busy, are outside of peak hours or have another train scheduled soon after it.
‘The remodelled Hornsby Junction is also being commissioned on Monday and may have an impact on services due to the need to familiarise staff with the new junction.’
Trains on the T7 Olympic Park Line between Olympic Park and Lidcombe will be running every 20 minutes instead of every 10 minutes, but buses will be used to supplement the frequency of the service.
Hornsby Junction, the area of train track where the T1 Northern and T1 North Shore lines meet, reopened Monday morning after a $120 million upgrade (pictured are last week’s delays)
Monday’s troubles come just days after members of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union voted overwhelmingly to strike in the coming weeks over an ongoing pay dispute.
Nearly 95 per cent of voters approving ‘stoppages of up to 72 hours’ and nearly 85 per cent in favour of ‘one week or indefinite strike’ for Sydney Trains.
Union secretary Alex Classens said while the results indicate strong support for striking, industrial action was still a ‘last resort’.
‘Management are in a position to avoid that situation, and we’re still very hopeful they’ll come to the table and negotiate a fair and reasonable offer before we get to the point of action,’ he said.
‘This ballot result means workers now have the option of taking protected industrial action, but it’s important to stress that at this stage, no action is being undertaken.
‘Commuters will always be given as much notice as possible of any action.’
Monday’s troubles come just days after members of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union voted overwhelmingly to strike in the coming weeks over an ongoing pay dispute (pictured are last week’s delays)