NSW train strike: Regional areas affected by snap industrial action

Commuters have been left stranded on stations across the state after a last-minute strike over safety concerns about the new intercity train fleet.

A snap union strike has left hundreds of regional commuters stranded on train platforms this morning.

NSW Trainlink services were the worst affected – with commuters in the Blue Mountains, Central and south coast stranded due to the last-minute strike by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union.

Services are expected to resume around 7am but there will still be delays.

A NSW Transport Spokesman told The Daily Telegraph the strike will cause flow-on effects for Sydney commuters.

NSW transport Minister Andrew Constance. Picture: Richard Dobson

 “Transport for NSW is incredibly disappointed at the unplanned industrial action taken by the RTBU and its members,” he said.

“Transport for NSW apologises to customers affected today by these actions. Due to the unplanned action, some inter city services will be impacted this morning, alternative transport is not possible with customers advised to either avoid travel or to make their own travel arrangements.

“Customers should monitor transport apps for up to date travel information. Customers are advised to allow extra time and consider changing their journey to avoid delay and inconvenience.

Services on the Blue Mountains lines, Central Coast and Newcastle Line, Hunter Line, south coast Line and Southern Highlands Line were suspended from around midnight.

Alternative transport is not available due to the last-minute strike. Customers are advised to avoid travel or make their own arrangements.

The Daily Telegraph understands transport officials first learnt about the strike when they noticed that services were not starting as scheduled on Friday morning.

There are expected to be delays across the network. Picture: Rohan Kelly

The dispute between the RTBU is over the role of guards on a fleet of new trains. The new vehicles do not require a guard to check whether passengers are clear of the door before departing the station.

The union claims this is unsafe.

NSW Transport dispute these claims saying that it relies on hi-tech sensors and CCTV to check who is near the entrance to the train.

Peter was stuck at Gosford station and he told 2GB a union representative claimed they advised NSW Transport about the strike yesterday afternoon.

“I got to the train station at 4.30 this morning and there was a lady up there from the RTBU handing out flyers saying there was a train strike because of the conditions with these new trains that are running without any guards,” he said.

“She said state rail was told this yesterday afternoon around 3.30pm. I don’t know who was telling porky pies.”