Bring back express train services for Granville: Cumberland Council

Reinstating express trains to Granville is a long way off the track, the State Government’s response to a western Sydney council has indicated.

Granville commuters are being neglected, Cumberland Council says.

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Cumberland Council’s plans to bring back express trains to Granville, Auburn and Lidcombe have been derailed after the State Government expressed a failure to prioritise faster and more frequent services.

In July and September, the council wrote to the government to address fewer services since the timetable changes in November 2017 when express trains were axed, despite Granville station used as an interchange for the southwest and western lines.

But in a response, Transport and Roads parliamentary secretary Eleni Petinos ruled out any urgent changes.

Fewer trains are stopping at Granville.

“I am advised that regarding the restoration of the train services from Granville, there are no immediate plans to change the frequency or nature of this service,’’ Ms Petinos said.

“However, Transport for NSW will continue to monitor patronage and combined with feedback such as yours, will make improvement where they are most needed.’’

But mayor Steve Christou slammed the government’s response that left local commuters feeling like “third class citizens”.

Granville is experiencing significant growth. Picture: Tim Pascoe

“The correspondence is not good enough,’’ he said.

“Express train services at Auburn and Lidcombe weren’t addressed, and we were told

that in relation to Granville, the current frequency and nature of the service will not

change.

“Despite what they say, it’s a cost-shifting exercise. As someone who caught the train every day people are overcrowded and running late and the old express trains work a lot better.

“An express train used to be 35 minutes from Granville. The reality is they’re taking 55 minutes to an hour.”

Granville station warrants more services, Cumberland Council says.

Granville state Liberal candidate Tony Issa promised to restore the express trains during his campaign.

Cr Christou said the Liberals had to live up to the promise despite Mr Issa losing to incumbent Julia Finn.

“The Liberals were returned to government, so it’s time to live up to this promise,’’ he said.

“Council has a number of major infrastructure projects under way or starting soon in the

area – including the Granville Park stadium upgrade and construction of the new

Granville Centre, which is right on the rail corridor,’’ he said.

“We are one of Sydney’s largest councils and with a significant increase in the

population expected over the coming years, it’s absolutely vital that commuters have

efficient and regular transport to support our growing community.’’

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