Sydney Trains disrupted by protected industrial action and operational issues

Delays have begun to hit Sydney’s train network in a perfect storm of operational issues, urgent track repairs and industrial action.

Trains are delayed due to protected industrial action, operational issues and urgent track repairs.

Commuters have had an early taste of rail chaos on Sydney’s train network ahead this afternoon with operational issues, urgent track repairs and protected industrial action resulting in service reductions.

A notice on the Transport for NSW website attaching to every train line in Sydney revealed there was protected industrial action already unfolding separate from the complete shutdown flagged for Friday and Saturday.

“There are some service reductions and cancelled services on the Sydney Trains Intercity Network today which will continue through the weekend, due to protected industrial action,” the statement read.

“At this stage the notified bans in place by the union will bring the heavy rail network to a shutdown on Friday, Saturday, and through to the morning of Sunday.

“This will impact passengers including those travelling to and from Newcastle, The Central Coast, the Blue Mountains, the Southern Highlands, and the Illawarra.”

There are delays heading south out of the city and from the western suburbs.

Customers are also suffering delays on the T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra line due to urgent train repairs at Bondi Junction earlier, with Sydney Trains saying to allow extra travel time.

“There are train delays on the T4 eastern suburbs and Illawarra line due to an urgent train repair at Bondi Junction earlier,” a Transport for NSW spokesman said.

“Trains are now running but allow extra travel time due to previous delays.”

Services heading away from the city are currently delayed up to 30 minutes, with customers travelling between Sydenham and Martin Place advised to catch the Metro instead.

Trains were delayed for up to 25 minutes on the Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra line.

“Trains between Central and Edgecliff going to Bondi Junction may stop on platforms or between stations for longer than normal while the incident is ongoing,” a notice read.

“Stops and platforms may change at short notice. Trips may take longer than usual.”

Transport for NSW have been contacted for comment.

Multiple services heading from Sydney’s west and northwest are also delayed due to earlier urgent track repairs between Springwood and Lithgow, with customers advised to allow extra travel time.

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Originally published as Sydney Trains disrupted by protected industrial action and operational issues