Add CategoryON FIRST glance, Sydney Trains’ most recent planned trackwork map looks like a gift from the commuting Gods. Almost every line is shaded grey, meaning there is absolutely no engineering work planned across Sydney.
However, that’s not because all the tracks are in tiptop condition. In contrast, it’s because transport bosses fear commuter chaos is about to ensue.
On Sunday, what is being heralded as the biggest ever single revamp of the city’s transport network takes place and if passengers aren’t prepared they may get to work very late on Monday morning.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has said the changes will mean more services, to more destinations, many of which will be faster. More than 7000 extra bus services, 1500 more trains and 140 additional ferries will run.
But critics have complained the revamp is too confusing and the government is “robbing Peter to pay Paul†making some trains faster by slowing down others.
A TfNSW spokesman told news.com.au they were untangling the network to cope with ever growing numbers of Sydneysiders and to improve reliability.
“From this Sunday, our customers will see a major boost in train services right across Sydney,†he said.
“Travelling between Sydney’s two CBDs will be easier than ever before with more than 250 express trains every week between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, including 20 express trains during peak hours, arriving on average every three minutes during the times that customers need them the most.â€
Major changes will include new train, ferry and bus lines, 71 per cent of stations will have trains at least every 15 minutes and a new express double-decker bus service will start for the rail starved residents of the northern beaches.
The changes are so big, the standard Sydney Trains map had to be redesigned.
However, many passengers will now find changing trains will get them to work quicker than a direct service. While others may end up in the confusing situation where they have to go in the wrong direction to get to their destination faster.
For instance, passengers heading east towards the city from Harris Park station may find it faster to head west and change at Parramatta for a faster train.
The new network’s complexity has also been questioned with some stations, such as Richmond in the Hawkesbury, now to be served by different lines at different times.
Greens NSW transport spokeswoman, Dr Mehreen Faruqi, said the changes were leaving some passengers worse off.
“This government is robbing Peter to pay Paul. Yes, let’s improve the timetable but why at the expense of people in the south-west and the Hawkesbury?†she said.
“The reality is that without sustained infrastructure investment in the Sydney Trains network, timetable changes will always leave someone worse off.
“The rail network is being starved of funding while the government’s pet projects to privatise some lines get billions.
TfNSW did not answer these criticisms.
CHANGES BY MODE
TRAINS
T1 Western line: More express trains between Parramatta and the city but some current stops will be skipped on weekdays and served by other lines instead. Some commuters may have to change trains for the quickest journey to the city. Late night Richmond services will be served solely by the T5 line.
T2 Inner West line: On weekdays, some services are extended to Parramatta replacing the T1 line at some stations. More trains at many inner west stations during weekday peaks.
T2 Leppington line: New name for the T2 South line but with all trains now terminating at Leppington. Services south of Glenfield now served by the new T8 line. Some services will be slower as they will stop at more inner west stations. From Liverpool, it may be quicker to take the T3 line to the city.
T3 Bankstown line: More services. Stopping pattern changes will see some faster services.
T5 Cumberland line: The line connecting south-western and western Sydney will now operate all week between Leppington and Richmond. The T5 will replace the T1 line at some stations during the evening.
T8 Airport and South line: T2 services via Revesby are now the T8 line. Campbelltown stations are now only served by the T8. Passengers heading between Campbelltown and Parramatta will have to change.
T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra line, T6 and T7 lines: Minor changes.
I ntercity trains: Increase to Blue Mountains line services. A new peak fast service between Sydney and Newcastle to be trialled taking 26 minutes off journey times. Newcastle’s new interchange station now open.
BUSES
Some route and timetable changes are throughout the Sydney basin but the biggest alterations are on the northern beaches.
Northern beaches: Express B-Line branded double deckers every few minutes between the city and Mona Vale. There will be big changes to existing routes in this area.
FERRIES
A new F4 cross ferry service will link Watsons Bay in the east with Barangaroo and Pyrmont via Circular Quay. Double Bay will be served by the new F7 line; Cockatoo Island and Greenwich by the new F8.
LIGHT RAIL
The L1 line will have no changes.
Transport for NSW has recommend passengers check the organisation’s information website, their travel apps or call the Transport Info Line on 131 500 before they head to work on Monday to check their new commute times.
