Sydney train commuter chaos set to continue as new drivers join rail network
COMMUTERS should prepare for more disruption and delays tomorrow with a train driver shortage and a major railway junction reopening poised to cause chaos.
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COMMUTERS should prepare for more disruption and delays tomorrow with a train driver shortage and a major railway junction reopening poised to cause chaos.
After 14 days of remodelling, the Hornsby railway junction will reopen tomorrow.
Sydney Trains boss Howard Collins likened the process to performing open-heart surgery on one of the busiest and most complex railway junctions in Australia.
“My experience is when you commission new stuff, it’s very complicated,” he said.
“There could be delays through that area as we bring in the first trains and drivers use them for the first time.”
Mr Collins said there would also be a shortage of spare drivers available to swap with those on shift.
“Before you travel on Monday, check what is happening, make sure we are getting that smooth run through Hornsby,” he said.
Rail staff have been adjusting to a new timetable that has significantly increased services for commuters but put pressure on staffing and infrastructure on the network.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance, who was warned about the timetable concerns from rail bosses, asked for a review of this week’s meltdown from Sydney Trains hierarchy.
Mr Collins expects the review will highlight the need for more drivers on standby and better infrastructure to deal with the increased train services.
In the wake of this week’s debacle that left thousands of commuters crammed on platforms or late trains, Sydney Trains hopes a boost in driver numbers and better infrastructure will eventually help avoid a repeat of the debacle.
But, before a report into the painful few days is completed and handed to Mr Constance within two weeks, rail staff are bracing for more trouble.