Commuters jammed in ‘sardine cans’ over train chaos

Passengers on Sydney’s train network experienced delays this morning with the network operating on a weekend timetable due to industrial action by rail workers.

The changed timetable meant that services which usually operate frequently during peak-hour on weekday mornings were drastically reduced - in some cases to only one or two services per hour.

At Parramatta in Sydney’s west, passengers packed into trains, with some comparing the worst conditions to being like in a “sardine can”.  Other passengers were luckier, with services outbound from city proving to be less congested.

Travellers had mixed views about the industrial action. 

Some respected the rights of workers to take action to secure better pay and conditions. 

Others said they had hoped that the matter would be resolved sooner than later.

Most commuters, however, were focused on finding the fastest way to work and were considering other options including buses and taxis.

Police were on duty at some stations, with their presence intended to ensure the safety of passengers on busy platforms.

Despite the reduced services, transit officers were out in force, issuing fines to commuters who had not paid the appropriate fare for their journey.

The dispute has returned to the Fair Work Commission this morning, but even if there is a resolution, it is unlikely to occur in time to have evening peak hour services operate as normal.

Passengers are still being advised to avoid non-essential travel and to consider alternatives. 

Update 25 Jan 2018: Sydney train strike will not happen after the FairWork Commission suspended the industrial action.