In some (finally) great news for folks who rely on NSW’s rail network, commuters will be copping two days of fare-free travel on trains and metros to make up for the chaos from industrial action.
On Thursday July 31 and Friday August 1, passengers will be able to use Sydney Trains‘ metro and trains for free, with the NSW stating it was to compensate for commuters being “stranded to breaking point” during the industrial action on the rail network, which resulted in many delays and cancellations of services.
The government also said the fare-free period was an acknowledgement of all the businesses that “were collateral damage of the interruptions”.
“More than a million people will be able to travel free on the rail network across the state, and we want them to use the chance to get out and about and support our cafes, lunch spots, restaurants and after-work venues,” Minister for Transport John Graham said.
“We want to acknowledge the period of protected industrial action took its toll on rail passengers but today we also look forward with optimism to a train system that will benefit from the entire workforce and management pulling in the same direction and the introduction of new technology to improve reliability and recovery times when disruption occurs.”
“Some of these businesses took a big hit during the period of disruption, and they deserve a shot in the arm.”
The two fare-free days come after the state government reached an agreement with the rail unions in May, which officially ended industrial action.
According to the new enterprise agreement, rail workers will receive a 12 per cent pay rise over the next three years, including back pay. The new agreement will also bring technological advancements for rail workers, ultimately improving their work conditions.
On Saturday, 92 per cent of workers voted in favour of the agreement, which will now be lodged with the Fair Work Commission for formal approval.
Speaking to ABC News, Toby Warnes, secretary of the Rail, Train and Bus Union NSW, said the result was “truly a majority” and that the vote from union members was a “historic high”.
“It’s obviously been a trying bargain with some very hot language used by both parties,” Warnes said.
Reflecting on the turnout of the agreement and the fare-free travel period, Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said it was a “win for our staff but an even bigger win for the travelling public”.
“With this certainty, Sydney Trains can resume its focus on delivering a safe, reliable, and disruption-free service,” Longland said.
“Passengers can have renewed confidence that the trains they rely on will be there when they need them.”
While train and metro services will be free for those two days, customers will still need to pay for buses, ferries and light rail.
The post NSW Commuters To Cop 2 Days Of Fare-Free Trains After Industrial Action Chaos appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
