Taylor Swift fans planning to travel from the Central Coast to Sydney to see the star in concert this week are urged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time as essential trackwork continues.
Buses will replace trains between Newcastle Interchange and Wyong from 1.20pm on Friday, February 23, until 2am on Tuesday, February 27.
Transport for NSW is prepared to get Swifties there in comfort with additional rail replacement coaches running from Newcastle Interchange to Wyong, where fans can connect with limited stop trains to Sydney and with express trains to Olympic Park.
Twelve coaches will operate between Wyong and Newcastle exchange on an ‘as directed’ rolling timetable, providing a swift connection to rail services.
Passengers are reminded it will be hot, so they should carry water and stay safe.
Additional staff will be on the ground to direct bus movements and assist passengers.
Olympic Park has already seen crowds with the opening of the Taylor Swift merchandise tent this week and huge crowds are expected on all transport modes, on the roads and at the precinct for the concerts.
Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said extensive planning has gone into the transport plans for the night.
“We’ve got more than 1,200 extra train and bus services operating across the four nights to help event-goers travel to and from Sydney Olympic Park – this includes more than 700 extra buses and more than 550 extra trains,” he said.
“While some level of essential, safety-critical trackwork is unavoidable, we have put extensive preparation into getting our Hunter and Upper Central Coast Swifties quickly into the city with plenty of bus services providing a fast and regular service from Newcastle to Wyong.
“Trackwork is an essential part of maintaining a safe, reliable and resilient rail network and is planned 12 months in advance.
“While we do our best to minimise disruption to passengers, with multiple major events happening every weekend in Sydney, unfortunately some clashes are inevitable.
“The trackwork affecting the rail line this weekend is due to urgent, safety-critical repair and maintenance work to a number of bridges that are vital for rail freight services, and unfortunately could not be done another time.
“Based on ticket sale postcode data, we estimate up to 500 ticketholders will be travelling from the Hunter and Upper Central Coast to each Taylor Swift concert.
“It is going to be a warm weekend, so bring a water bottle and if you feel unwell ask a member of staff for help.
“Station staff will have bottled water at key locations for passengers in need.
“We’re urging people to get there early to soak in the Swiftmania, which will help spread the public transport crowds.
“I want to thank all our passengers for their patience while we work hard to provide the most reliable rail network possible.”
Travel on all modes of public transport is included in the Taylor Swift/The Eras Tour concert ticket.