Avoid travel: Government urges commuters to stay home

David Elliott speaking to the media. Photo: Melinda Jane
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Commuters are asked to avoid all non-essential travel as severe weather continues to impact the state’s rail network with flooding, landslips and trees on tracks.

Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said people should rethink their travel plans with delays and cancellations expected this week, and our crews needing time to assess, clear and repair any damage to the network.

“With bad weather likely to continue and the extent of damage still unclear, we need to act to ensure the safety of commuters while also providing as many services as we safely can to keep freight and passengers moving,” Mr Elliott said.

“Rainfall is set to ease, however a severe weather warning for damaging winds has been issued, with southerly winds 70-90km and gusts exceeding 100km/h expected in the Illawarra, the coast, and Sydney Metro.

“Trains are running to altered frequency and stopping patterns and we’re asking commuters to delay their travel. If you do need to use the network, please plan ahead and leave plenty of extra travel time.

“We have replacement buses at key locations across the network including on the Western Line, Olympic Park Line, North Shore Line, Blue Mountains Line, South Coast and Southern Highlands lines.

“Due to the rapidly changing situation, some information on customer apps and station information screens might not be up to date. Please pay attention to announcements on board services and at stations.”

Transport for NSW Acting Chief Operations Officer Mark Hutchings, said our crews are working around the clock to assess damage and clear debris quickly but we’re expecting impacts to continue throughout the week.

“Flooding is also affecting a number of our stations so people need to be vigilant and do not run for your service as platforms can be slippery when wet,” Mr Hutchings said.

“Thank you for working with us during this challenging time and continue to show our frontline workers your understanding and patience.”

Commuters are also urged to be cautious on the road network with localised flooding and damage across the State


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