NSW rail timetable changes axed after backlash from commuters
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The proposed timetable changes were due to come into effect next month. (ABC News)
In short:
Proposed timetable changes on the T4, T8 and South Coast lines have been scrapped by the NSW government.
The changes were due to begin next month but have been opposed by commuters.
Premier Chris Minns says the government has "listened to commuters and local MPs".
Major changes to train timetables in Sydney and the Illawarra have been scrapped less than a month before they were due to begin after a backlash from commuters.
The state government last week announced more frequent services along the T4, T8 and South Coast lines, but some trips were expected to take longer.
In a backflip, the government on Saturday said the changes due to take effect on November 15 would no longer go ahead after communities raised concerns.
“We've listened to commuters and local MPs, and we're not proceeding with these timetable changes," Premier Chris Minns said.
Chris Minns says the government has listened to commuters. (ABC News)
The proposed timetable was designed to deliver more frequent services and additional capacity across southern Sydney and the South Coast.
The proposed changes raised concerns from passengers and MPs.
Mr Minns confirmed on Saturday the changes would not go ahead and that the existing timetable would remain in place.
"Our priority is fixing reliability and giving passengers a railway they can depend on," he said.
Transport Minister John Graham said the government had decided to focus on "reliability first" after feedback from passengers.
"Our focus is on improving reliability across the existing network, while continuing to work with communities on future service improvements," he said.
Commuters have opposed the timetable changes. (ABC News: Berge Breiland)
One sore point was less direct trips to Sydney Airport for passengers travelling from Wollongong because of the planned bypass of Wolli Creek.
The loss of the stop would mean changing at Sutherland or Hurstville, then again at Wolli Creek, or travelling into Central and catching an airport train back south.
A key part of the plan was the untangling of the Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line and the South Coast Line to reduce bottlenecks and improve reliability.
The lines currently share a stretch of track, meaning a problem at Bondi Junction can cause delays on the South Coast.
The T8 would not longer have stopped at Sydenham, meaning an extra change to get on the Metro for travellers coming from south-western suburbs.
They would also have lost direct access to St Peters, Erskineville and Redfern stations at peak times.
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