EDITORIAL
Another chaotic day on the Sydney rail network occurred on Friday, March 14, leaving tens of thousands of commuters delayed or stranded, exposing the fragility of the system and the disproportionate impact on Central Coast residents.
A seemingly simple signal failure at Ashfield and an untimely hazard reduction burn have once again highlighted how vulnerable the network is, particularly for long-distance travellers who have no viable alternative.
For months, Central Coast commuters have endured an endless cycle of delays and cancellations due to the protracted industrial dispute between rail unions and management.
Despite a Fair Work order halting further industrial action until at least June, there appears to be no resolution in sight.
The question must be asked: is this unresolved dispute contributing to the ongoing technical failures plaguing the network?
Transparency around the issue remains a key concern.
The rail data agency must bring forward real-time data and improve its transparency, providing the media and the public with factual reporting on train cancellations and lateness.
Commuters deserve clear answers on the true state of the network.
Equally, NSW’s new Transport Minister, John Graham, must take responsibility and offer a public assessment of the network’s health and plans for improvement.
The lack of alternative public transport options at Sydney Airport exacerbates the situation when train services are disrupted.
Historically, the airport and state government devised a plan that limited reasonable bus services to and from the airport, effectively compelling travellers to use the train services subject to additional levies.
These levies, initially intended to expire after a decade, persist over two and a half decades later.
Consequently, when train services fail, Central Coast travellers face exorbitant Uber or taxi fares to return home.
Sydney Metro
Meanwhile, the stark contrast between the struggling Sydney Trains network and the new Sydney Metro system is hard to ignore.
Since its launch, the driverless metro service has operated with remarkable efficiency—showing what a fit-for-purpose rail system should look like.
The comparison is not lost on commuters, nor should it be lost on the state government, which bears full responsibility for Sydney’s outdated and unreliable rail network.
Locally based state MPs on the Central Coast must step up pressure for real change.
Four government MPs represent this region—yet commuters still suffer daily disruption, often with little explanation or accountability.
Back to the office
At the same time, there are calls for workers to “get back in the office”.
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s push to force federal public servants back into offices five days a week fails to acknowledge the transport nightmare many workers face.
Hybrid and work-from-home arrangements have been a boon for Central Coast workers and their families, improving work-life balance and productivity while reducing unnecessary travel.
Until Sydney’s train system is operating reliably and efficiently, any demand for a five-day return to the office should be put on hold.
Commuters and workers deserve better.
If you wish to contribute to the debate please comment below or send an email to our editorial team editorial@centralcoastnews.net
David Abrahams – Managing Editor
Great information! The four MPs representing the outdated rail service for the Central Coast need to address this urgently.
They need to improve connection times as well.
Plus every weekend, public holidays and night hours
there are continuous ongoing track works. These hours no doubt attract nice penalty rates but as a solo female returning from Sydney it isn’t safe waiting around train stations for a bus to randomly turn up.
Plus, public restrooms are locked so early because there is no security on the platforms. Obviously they are locked for a good reason but this is totally substandard.
The car park station at Woy Woy is filthy and feels dangerous after dark. I feel like I have to run the gauntlet to my car even during daylight hours.
Central Coast commuters need a huge upgrade on this rail network now.
> … the driverless metro service has operated with remarkable efficiency—showing what a fit-for-purpose rail system should look like.
I suspect it’s not just the commuters looking at this. I expect there will be plans forming within TfNSW to replace the entire network (eventually) with ‘metro-style’ trains, sans drivers and guards.
Anytime there is a disruption to the network central coast feel the brunt of it, we have no other options to get home unlike Sydney with metro, light rail, Ubers , taxis , buses. It cost $100+ for a uber home and there are no direct buses. We get herded around like cattle, in most cases forced to stand and the train that we have also catered to Hornsby, Epping whom have other means to get home in these situations. Our travel to and from work forever hangs on a thread. We can’t just …………..
Sydney Trains needs to restore a central coast to central station (limited stops) train straight down the north shore line like it used to operate years again. It was faster to get to from Woy Woy to Central Station then than it is now.