BY ISABEL EVERETT
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union has withdrawn stop work action on the Newcastle, Central Coast and Hunter train lines after the testing of what they deemed "unsafe trains" was cancelled.
Limited train services have resumed, however delays are expected throughout the day.
Passengers are advised to allow plenty of extra travel time, check real time apps or consider alternative travel arrangements with flow on delays from this mornings industrial action creating disruptions throughout the day.
Passengers should also listen to announcements and check information displays
Transport for NSW announced early on Friday morning that there were changes to NSW TrainLink Intercity services.
The RTBU were refusing to work on New InterCity
Fleet (NIF) trains being tested on Friday and Sunday on the Newcastle line, over "serious safety concerns".
“Currently,
guards can hear people yelling and keep their eyes on the platform and
doors until the train pulls away – they won’t under the new model," the RBTU said in a statement.
The testing has now been cancelled.
RTBU NSW Secretary Alex Claassens said, “It’s really disappointing that we
reached this point and railworkers had to stand up as the last line of defence
in protecting the community.
“I look forward to upcoming discussions where safety concerns will be
front-and-centre and railworkers views will be heard,” he said.
Transport for NSW says they were incredibly disappointed and perplexed by the unplanned industrial action taken by the RTBU and its members.
"We've been undertaking extensive testing as you do for any major train coming into service. This is a program we've been undertaking for a number of months, so we're slightly perplexed," Train Link Chief Executive Pete Allaway says.
Transport Minister, Andrew Constance says any claims the trains are unsafe, are wrong.
