Sneaky changes to the rail timetable in the New Year has commuters upset.
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Goulburn commuters noticed Transport for NSW changed the timetable for Goulburn over the Christmas, New Year period, without advising anyone.
“An 8:26am service from Goulburn to Central is running in place of the 7:30am service from December 27, 28, 29, 30 December and January 1,” a spokesperson from Transport for NSW confirmed.
“Information about the modified timetables operating over the Christmas, New Year break is being advertised on the transportnsw.info website and on social media, while posters to inform customers of the changes are being installed at stations across the network this week.
“Each year, public transport services operate to a modified timetable over the Christmas and New Year period to reflect the reduced demand on the network. Customers are encouraged to plan their journey ahead of time at www.transportnsw.info.”
The spokesperson said: “an additional 5:49pm service from Central to Goulburn has been added to the timetable on these dates, as well as all weekends through to the end of January. The 4:06pm from Central to Goulburn will operate as normal.”
Southern Tablelands Rail User Group (STRUG) president Greg Price said the changes would catch many off guard.
“This affects many people at this busy holiday period, when lots of people are travelling,” Mr Price said.
“It affects those who may not have access to a computer and those with medical and other appointments in Sydney.”
Member for Goulburn Pru Goward was angry about the changes. “I am furious to learn that temporary time table changes have been made without telling anyone, least of all train users, except on the website,” Ms Goward said.
“I’ve spoken to the Minister directly to express my displeasure and I have also written to him urgently to first ask why Transport for NSW apparently failed to publicly advise local residents of the changes and to seek assurances that the timetable changes will be for the shortest time possible.
“I have also asked if the train departure time can be made earlier to ensure people are able to maximise their hours in Sydney. I’m extremely disappointed in Transport for NSW and I know the Minister will share my annoyance and that of local rail users.”