Commuters have been urged to tap on and off at electronic Opal readers at train stations over the coming weeks when staff are expected to leave tickets gates open as part of escalating industrial action over train safety and pay.
The potential loss to the state of ticketing revenue – if commuters fail to tap on and off over the next three weeks – is estimated at up to $10 million.
Station staff who are rail union members have warned they will leave ticket gates open for three weeks from this Saturday. Opal gates are primarily located at Sydney’s main train stations.
Train passengers have been urged to tap on and off at station gates.Credit:Peter Rae
Two ministers who met union leaders on Thursday night agreed to provide them a deed next week guaranteeing that the government will make modifications to the state’s new intercity train fleet. The new trains have been at the center of the prolonged dispute between the two sides.
The Rail Tram and Bus Union has vowed to press on with industrial action until it receives a deed that satisfies the demands of its members for safety modifications to be made to guard compartments.
Unless a deal can be struck, commuters face major disruptions on the T3 Bankstown, T8 Airport and South, and the Southern Highlands lines next Wednesday when another six-hour stoppage by workers is due to occur.
Commuters face major disruptions to services on several rail lines next Wednesday. Credit:Janie Barrett
The plan by station staff to leave ticket gates open from this Saturday until September 6 has prompted Sydney Trains to urge train passengers not to walk through without tapping and on and off at Opal readers using their cards or mobile phones.
“Tapping on and tapping off ensures commuters are charged the correct fare, and can access Opal benefits, including daily and weekly travel caps,” chief executive Matt Longland said.