Sydney’s train network has been severely disrupted as more than 350 services were cancelled over the weekend, with commuters facing significant delays due to ongoing industrial action by rail unions.
On Saturday, up to 18 train services were cancelled by mid-morning, resulting in the cancellation of around 360 trips and delays of up to 40 minutes. Passengers planning to attend major events, including the Randwick Races, Carols in the Domain, and the Big Bash cricket, have been warned to expect further service interruptions.
The strike, which has targeted multiple lines, continues to affect daily operations. On the T1 North Shore Line, for example, half of the services scheduled between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM were cancelled, exacerbating the chaos. Other major lines, including the T2 Leppington and Inner West Line, T3 Liverpool & Inner West Line, and T8 Airport Line, have also been heavily impacted.
NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen and Sydney Trains CEO Matt Longland confirmed the widespread cancellations, attributing approximately 40 percent of Saturday’s service disruptions to the industrial action. Minister Haylen has called for an end to the strike, urging union leaders to return to the negotiating table to avoid further disruption to commuters.
While train services continue to operate, passengers have been warned that last-minute cancellations and gaps in the timetable are likely to result in extended travel times. With thousands of commuters relying on the network each day, the ongoing strike poses significant challenges for Sydney’s public transport system.
The industrial action is a result of ongoing disputes between the unions and the government regarding working conditions, pay, and safety issues. While the unions maintain that their actions are necessary to secure better conditions for workers, government officials have emphasized the negative impact on the public and urged the unions to reconsider their stance.
As the strike continues, it remains to be seen when an agreement will be reached, and whether further disruptions will affect Sydney’s transport network in the coming days.
