Media Release: Train delays a result of poor timetabling and line closures

Transport workers are calling on commuters to take their anger out on the NSW Government, not on frontline workers, as today’s train delays cause chaos across Sydney.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW Secretary, Alex Claassens said workers are just as frustrated as commuters with the issues plaguing our transport network.

“The NSW Government closed down one of our major train lines last week, and they’re running a timetable that relies on workers doing overtime to keep it running. It’s no real surprise that we’re now seeing delays,” Mr Claassens said.

“If you’re running a service that completely crashes whenever there is an incident or a few workers are off, you’ve got serious problems.

“The Government needs to ensure we have capacity to handle these situations, and today has once again showed that we don’t have that. Commuters deserve better.

“Transport workers are working harder than ever to keep our transport system running and they’re doing it with incredibly limited resources. We’d like to remind frustrated commuters not to take their anger out on the frontline staff, but the NSW Government. We feel your pain – we’re frustrated too.

“Transport workers and commuters are right to be angry and frustrated at the NSW Government for its inability to effectively timetable our network, and have the necessary contingency plans in place to keep our trains moving.”