Sydney trains to run on reduced timetable due to COVID-19 staff shortages
All Sydney trains will run on a reduced timetable from mid-January after COVID-19 isolation has sparked a transport staff shortage.
From January 10, trains will run to a Saturday timetable as train drivers and station managers are forced into isolation due to virus exposure.
There will be additional trains between 6am and 7.30am as well as 2.30pm to 4pm to help space customers out during peak hour.
All of Sydney's trains will run on a reduced timetable from January 10. Getty
It is the same schedule that was operating during lockdown and the height of the Delta outbreak.
There are already more than 250 Sydney Trains staff who have tested positive to COVID-19.
"Yesterday 73 people tested positive on Sydney trains and we had 76 as close contacts so already that's really really bad," Alex Classens from Sydney Trains said.
"You can imagine what it's going to be in the next few days when testing comes back online and more people get tested.
"It's going to go through the roof and be crazy."
READ MORE: NSW COVID-19 cases jump to over 12,000 as testing numbers plunge
Many transport staff have been forced into isolation after testing positive to the virus. Louise Kennerley/SMH
Transport authorities have recorded a reduced number of commuters on trains.
"Figures are down about 17 per cent down compared with this time last year, remember then it was the Northern Beaches," Sydney Trains CEO Howard Collins said.
"It is sensible to match supply with demand."
By running fewer services, the transport system will keep a group of the workforce in reserve.
While buses, trams and ferries will remain a regular timetable, authorities have warned the timetables are subject to change.
"They can switch more quickly, don't be surprised if a bus area changes to a Saturday or Sunday service as we see this impact staff in many areas," Mr Collins said.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about new rules for isolation, close contacts
Buses, ferries, and trams will also be subject to changed timetables. James Alcock
It comes after changes to the definition of close contacts were announced following a meeting of National Cabinet today.
A close contact is now defined as a household contact or someone who has spent more than four hours with a confirmed case.
Close contacts will still need to isolate for seven days from their exposure date.
An asymptomatic close contact must take a rapid test, while a close contact who is symptomatic or who returns a positive RAT test must have a PCR test.
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