Delays, cancellations, packed carriages infuriate commuters

COMMUTER chaos has gripped several major Sydney highways despite Monday’s strike being called off, causing delays.

SEVERAL Sydney city highways are gridlocked despite Monday’s strike being called off, causing delays and increasing frustration among commuters trying to get home.

Traffic chaos has been reported across the city, as cars on major roads, including the M1 from Moore Park to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the M7 and M2, grind to a halt. Live Traffic Sydney reported several lanes were earlier closed as a result of car breakdowns and prangs and warned heavy traffic is expected into the evening and tomorrow morning.

“If you have to drive in the peak please allow plenty of extra time,” its latest advice read.

Not even a joke!! An hour and 15 to get from crows nest to Alexandria #sydneytraffic #AustraliaDay2018

— Tahlia Antico (@tahliaantico) January 25, 2018

The car has been towed out of the way and all lanes have reopened. Traffic's returning to normal.
https://t.co/pb8axTLzbb

— Live Traffic Sydney (@LiveTrafficSyd) January 25, 2018

HINCHINBROOK: All northbound lanes are now open on the M7 after an earlier truck and trailer crash just past Cowpasture Rd. Traffic remains very heavy both ways.

— Live Traffic Sydney (@LiveTrafficSyd) January 25, 2018

CARLINGFORD: All westbound lanes have reopened on the M2 after an earlier multi-vehicle crash near Oakes Rd. Traffic's still very heavy, so continue to allow plenty of time. Emergency services remain in breakdown lane - take care too.

— Live Traffic Sydney (@LiveTrafficSyd) January 25, 2018

Network chiefs earlier suggested people leave work as early as possible, go shopping tonight or avoid the trains altogether.

In a dramatic development today, the Fair Work Commission ruled that Monday’s planned 24-hour rail strike was not allowed to go ahead.

The commision’s order comes into effect at 6pm tonight but is not expected to relieve pressure during this afternoon’s peak.

SEVEN HILLS: Allow extra travel time on Old Windsor Rd approaching Powers Rd due to heavy northbound traffic after an earlier 2 car crash.

— Live Traffic Sydney (@LiveTrafficSyd) January 25, 2018

Rail bosses earlier warned commuters to take leave, if possible, today as it was announced that 45 per cent of trains would be cancelled.

Tony Eid, Executive Director, Network Delivery, Transport for NSW told reporters that the network had “got it right” this morning and “got everybody to where they needed to be”.

However, he added that the worst was yet to come.

“We may need to close down platforms (at peak hour this afternoon) and, in the worst case scenario, we may need to close down stations.”

Leader of Transport Coordination at Transport for NSW, Marg Prendergast, said it is important for commuters not to descend on the CBD stations at the same time this afternoon.

“This afternoon, we are worried about what is going to happen about at Central, Town Hall and Wynyard,” she said.

She recommended that workers leave as early as possible or go shopping to delay their journey home.

“If you can’t do that, be patient. We will get you home,” Mr Eid said.

He added that there will be 70 security guards deployed and additional police resources allocated to deal with any station shutdowns today.

A crowded platform at Town Hall Station, Sydney, on 25th January 2018. Picture: Julian Andrews

Crowds gathered at several stations around Sydney as trains were cancelled. Picture: John Grainger.

Frustrated passengers told news.com.au that cancelled trains, packed carriages and “slow” replacement bus services meant their commutes were up to three times longer than usual this morning.

It is all because train services today and tomorrow — Australia Day — will be cut by nearly half.

One of those rushing to his CBD office job from Wolli Creek in Sydney’s south was David Shi who said his normal 20-minute commute had been more than tripled.

“It’s f****d,” he said. “We were waiting at Wolli Creek station, but every train that pulled up was completely full.

“There were four trains that stopped while we were waiting and each one was completely jam-packed. Only one or two people could board each train. You literally couldn’t get on.”

Mr Shi usually leaves his house at 7.45am for 20-minute commute to work, but when he was speaking to news.com.au at 9.10am he still had to walk another 15 minutes to Town Hall — because he couldn’t face trying to board another train.

His mate, Ray Ali, who was travelling from Glenfield, even further south of Sydney, said his commute usually takes an hour and 20 minutes — starting at 7.10am — but added that he would be lucky to arrive at work before 9.30am today.

They both had to catch a replacement bus service. However, they said the buses were slow and also very busy.

Rather busy on #sydneytrains for the commute to work this morning #ABCsydney pic.twitter.com/lOMAq2oDe1

— Liv Casben (@livcasben) January 24, 2018

Surprisingly empty train on a @T1SydneyTrains service towards the city #SydneyTrains #SydneyTrainstrike pic.twitter.com/3Z5tdFUfFE

— Qantas 94 Heavy (@qantas94heavy) January 24, 2018

One of those who had his train cancelled this morning was Surry Hills worker Daniel Winkler who had to take a replacement bus service from Eastwood — 17 kilometres northwest of the Sydney’s CBD.

“It was really bad. I’m really late for work now and I’m dreading trying to get home later,” he said.

“It doesn’t help that it’s hot and humid. There’s a lot of frustrated people packed on trains. They are doing what they can with the replacement buses, but it isn’t enough to cope with the sheer amount of people trying to get into the CBD.”

Commuters say some trains were too busy to board. Picture: John Grainger

The industrial action today will continue as an eleventh-hour deal to avoid it fell through yesterday afternoon.

Sydney and NSW Trains management came to the table with an offer for the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW.

But fewer than six per cent of NSW Rail, Tram and Bus Union members voted to suspend planned industrial action over a conditions and wages dispute.

Mr Winkler said he didn’t sympathise with the train workers taking industrial action.

“They’re paid more than $70k a year, which I think is a good salary. They get shift allowances and a good super too from what I’ve heard, so maybe they should just accept the deal.”

One commuter, who had travelled up from Wollongong to Sydney, told news.com.au that she had already heard quite a few “f bombs” on the way to work.

“A woman said, ‘We can’t get on if you’re going to block the doors’ but the train was packed; there was literally no where else for people to go.”

Replacement bus services were provided. Source: AAP Image/David Moir.

Another commuter, Matthew Stokoe from Waverton, on Sydney’s North Shore, said his train to work was cancelled and the services were packed.

“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be,” he added. “But, it might be a different story when I’m trying to get home.”

Many commuters said they planned ahead to find alternative methods of getting to work or said they were only mildly inconvenienced by the industrial action.

Laura Oxley, travelling from Pennant Hills in the city’s north, said: “It made barely any difference to my commute.

“I had to get a slightly different train. It was no big deal and I believe those who work on the trains have every right to stand up for better conditions and pay.”

Amara Singh, who travelled from Blacktown to Central station, said she found that her train was empty.

“I thought it was surprising actually, because I’d heard so much about the disruption but there was almost nobody on my train,” she said.

Transport for NSW released a statement, saying bus, ferry and light rail services will continue to run from January 25 and through the Australia Day long weekend — however it added that services will be busier than normal.