Sydney commuters have been warned to expect delays on Monday morning after 10 rail services were cancelled because of staffing issues.
Cancellations began after 6pm on Sunday night, despite NSW Transport’s insistence trains would run a normal weekday schedule after the Fair Work Commission ordered unions to call off a planned 24-hour strike, according to 7News.
It has been reported the cancellations could be the result of several drivers calling in sick, but NSW Transport has not confirmed the claim.
Three trains on the T2 line from Leppington to Central Station were cancelled after beginning at 4.30am.
Four trains on the T1 line were also cancelled. The T3 from Lidcombe to Central line cancelled one train at 4.30am.
Monday morning commuters are facing delays after 10 train services were cancelled in Sydney
Extra bus services have been scheduled to offset delays caused by the shortage of staff and cancellations, according to 9News.
New South Wales Transport Minister Andrew Constance said previously he remains ‘pretty confident’ will be back on track on Monday when commuters return to work following the Australia Day long weekend.
‘We’re heads down, tails up making sure this network settles down and people can catch their trains … I’m fairly confident that’s going to happen given the fairly strong words of (Rail, Tram and Bus Union secretary) Alex Claassens,’ Mr Constance said.
New South Wales Transport Minister Andrew Constance hopes there won’t be a repeat of the recent rail network disruptions on Monday with services expected to return to normal
Thousands of teachers and students returning from holidays for the start of the new school year are expected to put added pressure on the rail network.
Services were shut down several hours early on Sunday night to prepare for Monday and avoid network meltdowns seen in recent weeks, according to the Sydney Trains website.
‘You should plan ahead on the Trip Planner and travel earlier if possible to minimise disruption to your journey,’ the Sydney Trains website states.
‘Where trains end earlier on Sunday, a limited bus service will be operating to get you home. Extra late night services will run at a reduced frequency. Don’t travel unless you have to after 9pm.’
Commuters were urged to stay at home last Thursday following the cancellation of more than 1300 train services.
Cancelled services were replaced with buses on Sunday night.
‘What this means is we actually have to wind up some of the train services a little bit earlier than normal,’ Transport for NSW coordinator Marg Prendergast said.
‘We are confident the train services will be back to normal tomorrow morning.’
On its website, Sydney Trains says it will continue to negotiate with relevant unions to avoid further network disruptions to commuters.
One train driver warned the worst of the train network could be yet to come on Monday