Labor candidates propose train fare refunds for delayed passengers
TRAIN fares would be waived for delayed commuters under NSW Labor’s plan to win back marginal seats in Sydney’s south at next year’s State Election.
St George Shire Standard
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TRAIN fares would be waived for delayed commuters under NSW Labor’s plan to win back marginal seats in Sydney’s south at next year’s State Election.
Oatley Labor candidate Lucy Mannering said long-suffering train users on the Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra line would be able to apply for refunds if their train runs more than 30 minutes late.
“From Mortdale, Penshurst, Riverwood and Oatley, commuters are dissatisfied with the constant delays and overcrowding on our train network,” Ms Mannering said.
“Labor’s Fair Fares announcement is welcome news for train commuters in St George, who have spent too many mornings left waiting on station platforms.”
Under the Fair Fares policy Labor proposes charging the independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal with ensuring commuters hit by avoidable delays such as driver shortages, breakdowns, IT failures or maintenance are refunded.
Earlier this week commuters faced yet more peak hour pain across the network due to wet weather and significant staff shortages.
Labor transport spokesman Jodi McKay said avoidable delays kept occurring.
“Labor believes people should be treated fairly, and our policy will go some way to compensating for their inconvenience,” Ms McKay said.
Cronulla Labor candidate Teressa Farhart said the Fair Fares announcement was welcome news.
“Train commuters have spent too many mornings left waiting on station platforms,” Mrs Farhart said.