Hunter commuters are being assured the new fleet of Intercity trains on the Newcastle and Central Coast to Sydney lines will have an on-board guard.
The Rail Tram and Bus Union has been in negotiations with NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance, amid fears the new locomotives would be manned by a driver only.
However, Minister Constance has hosed down the speculation, committing to the hiring of one guard per passenger train.
The state government says the safety of commuters is their primary concern.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald says the idea of no guards was on the table, but has been ruled out.
"There was certainly discussion when the new Intercity Fleet was being proposed and developed, as this new fleet is far more automated and modern there was discussion about the need for a guard," Mr MacDonald explained, "but I took a very strong message from the community that they did want a guard or customer service officer and those representations have certainly borne fruit [with Minister Constance making the commitment yesterday]."
Mr MacDonald says it's particularly important for the elderly and disabled to have someone to help them board and alight the train, to respond to medical emergencies or to help commuters feel safe at night.
The Intercity Fleet is expected to hit the tracks by late 2019.
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| Artist's Impression of the new interior. Image: Transport NSW. |
