NSW Transport Is Advising Everyone To Avoid Travel As Sydney Trains Face Major Delays
The entire network is in shambles.
Sydney commuters will have a tough time getting home from work this afternoon as the city’s wild weather continues to wreak havoc on the public transport network.
Various lines across the public transport network have been cancelled or are facing significant delays as flash-flooding continues to make commuting across the city dangerous.
“Due to severe weather conditions, significant delays and cancellations are expected on most Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink Intercity and Regional trains services Trains run to a changed timetable. We strongly recommend avoiding nonessential travel,” Sydney Trains said in a statement.
According to Transport NSW, “unprecedented rainfall is impacting the rail network and forcing some trains to run at much lower speeds”, with trains running at altered frequencies. So if you’re planning on catching a train home, it is worth checking that its stopping patterns haven’t changed.
Sydney Trains has also alerted on social media that screens at some stations could be showing incorrect information, urging commuters to listen to announcements and use transport apps for up-to-date information. You can view alerts on the Transport NSW website here.
Station information screens may be showing incorrect information at some locations, we recommend using transport apps and listening to announcements for the most up-to-date information. pic.twitter.com/clxzNr84qW
— Trains Info (@TrainsInfo) March 8, 2022
Replacement bus services are being offered in affected areas, but it’s worth noting that the bus network is also experiencing delays and cancellations due to on-road flooding. Specific information about altered bus routes is being regularly shared on the NSW Buses Twitter account.
In North Manly, route 199 buses are diverting away from Pittwater Road via Condamine Street and Sydney Road, and missing stops, due to flooding
— Buses Info (@BusesInfo) March 8, 2022
Additionally, a number of ferry services throughout the afternoon and evening have been cancelled due to unsafe swell. You can find out more about the impacted services across the F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 and F8 ferries here.
If you happen to be driving in this weather, Transport NSW has noted that motorists will be able to use the T2 and T3 transit lanes without being fined. However, the general advice is to avoid non-essential travel.
“Road users are also urged to avoid non-essential travel and to exercise caution on the roads. Never drive through floodwater, follow the directions of emergency services and take extreme care as conditions are changing quickly,” a statement from NSW Transport warns.
Transport NSW has warned all Sydneysiders to avoid non-essential travel in an attempt to ease congestion on the roads and minimise the safety risk to commuters.
Commuters should expect delays to public transport throughout the rest of the week, with Transport NSW noting that it will have to inspect the rail network for safety purposes after the rain eventually subsides.
It goes without saying that you should stay home and avoid commuting wherever possible while the storms continue — both for your own safety, and for the safety of those around you.
The news comes after NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet warned that Manly Dam is ready to spill, which will undoubtedly cause even more chaos and devastation across the city.
Photo Credits: Tanya Selak / Road Less Travelled