Transport for NSW: Major Sydney trains not running due to staffing, operational issues

Sydney is set to experience train chaos once more after major train lines are down due to staffing shortages, causing ripple effects across the train network.

Commuters scrambling to get on trains at Central Station after delays caused limited service. Picture: Garry Sanossian

Commuters were forced to catch the bus as trains across Sydney were down due to “operational and staffing issues”.

UPDATE: As of 5pm, all Sydney trains were running.

T1 Western, T5 Cumberland line and the Blue Mountains Line are down, leaving commuters scrambling for alternative routes home.

Derrick Peterson from Traffic Management Centre at Transport for NSW said buses would replace trains with commuters urged to delay their trips, consider alternative transport or allow extra travel time.

Large crowds replanning their route home. Picture: Matt Gazy

“Trains aren’t running between Parramatta, St Marys as well as Parramatta and Richmond due to staffing resources,” Mr Peterson said.

Mr Peterson said there were a “limited number of buses replacing the trains”.

“If you’re catching the North Shore T9 line, we advise you allow more travel time,” he said.

Sydney Trains said trains are expected to resume from about 4pm.

Tony Wilson, 41, from the North Shore said he had to replan his trip home.

“It’s not out of the ordinary,” Mr Wilson said.

Sydney trains had been delayed since Thursday morning due to staffing shortages - with some lines completely blocked.