Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian urged people heading into the Sydney CBD for the last few days of Vivid this weekend to leave the car at home and take advantage of extra bus and train services.

Significant road closures will again be in place throughout the CBD from today through to Monday and ferries are expected to reach capacity early, so anyone heading to Vivid should plan their trip to and from the event on a train or a bus.

Ms Berejiklian said Vivid attracted huge crowds last year over the June long weekend and the same is expected this year, particularly on Saturday and Sunday.

"We’ve seen strong crowds at Vivid over the opening two weekends and we know from last year the long weekend will be even more popular – so it’s crucial to plan your trip ahead of time and take advantage of extra buses and trains," Ms Berejiklian said.

"Customers have been fantastic over the last few weeks and I’d like to thank them for their patience as thousands of people have flocked to the CBD and taken advantage of more than 3500 extra public transport services to see the Vivid display.

"Ferries have regularly operated at capacity throughout the event, and with industrial action scheduled across the weekend, disruptions will be unavoidable, so the best advice is to catch a train or bus.

"I am disappointed in this irresponsible and disgraceful action by the unions to disrupt ferries on one of the busiest weekends for customers in and around the Harbour."

Vivid Sydney takes place nightly from 6pm, with the lights going out on this year’s event at midnight on Monday, 9 June, which is a public holiday.

Extensive road closures will be in place in the CBD, Circular Quay, The Rocks and Walsh Bay from 7pm tonight and from 5pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

"Motorists should not drive into the city over the long weekend as you won't be able to see the lights from your car and many roads will be shut," she said.

On Saturday and Sunday nights, all roads north of Bridge Street will be closed along with George Street between Market Street and The Rocks.

Parking restrictions will also be in place across the city from 3pm today until midnight and over the long weekend. Vehicles left in special event clearways will be towed away and fees and fines apply.

Over the weekend, extra trains will be running and there will be services on the City Circle around every five minutes until midnight. Extra buses will also be running in and out of the city on key corridors.

To help with crowd movement between 6pm and 10pm, trains will not drop off customers at Circular Quay Station on Saturday and Sunday night. Passengers are advised to get off the train at Wynyard and walk from there.

Additional bus services will be leaving the CBD tonight between 8.30pm and midnight. On Saturday and Sunday nights, extra bus services start running into the city from 3.30pm.

Before you set out, make sure you plan your trip at www.vividsydney.com, call 131 500 or download a train or bus app from the App Store or Google Play.

Customers encouraged to take train and bus services to Vivid this weekend.pdf (pdf 81KB)

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced the NSW Government will invest $11.4 million this year in a new Rail Operations Centre (ROC) to modernise the railway and reduce delays for customers.

Ms Berejiklian said the ROC will deliver significant benefits to customers, including faster communication and much better co-ordination during incidents, which will ultimately help reduce delays and improve punctuality.

"Labor left our railways in a terrible state of disrepair after so many years of mismanagement, and on top of our improvements to date this world class facility will provide the public transport services customers deserve," Ms Berejiklian said.

"Improved technology and updated communication systems in the ROC will mean customers will have access to far more accurate, timely, relevant and consistent information, and delays will be reduced as a result."

The NSW Government will initially invest $11.4 million in 2014-15 for the project which is expected to open in around 2017.

Sydney Trains chief executive Howard Collins said the new centre will bring together the functions currently performed at a number of different sites across Sydney.

"The performance of trains are impacted by outdated technology and the fact that so many control functions are spread across multiple locations," Mr Collins said.

"At the moment communication between the train network control centre, frontline staff and customers has to go through a number of channels, and the new ROC will help to modernise the network to ensure we improve the daily journeys of our customers."

"Improving communication means our customers will get information faster, and will lead to faster more seamless operations, supporting our goal to deliver more services and reduce customer delays."

Mr Collins said there are currently 2,800 passenger train movements on Sydney Trains network each day, as well as 300 freight services, with around one million passenger journeys every weekday.

New rail nerve centre to modernise network (pdf 202KB)

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today said customers will benefit from more than $12 million worth of upgrades at 16 stations, a year after NSW TrainLink was established to deliver its customers world-class standards of service.

Ms Berejiklian said the NSW TrainLink Station Refresh program comes as customers have seen significant improvements in services in the first 12 months of operation, however she acknowledged there is still plenty of work to do.

“The Station Refresh Program is about improving our customers’ experience by making stations easier to access, more comfortable and safer, and we know that is what our customers want when they use our services,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Work is being tailored to the needs of individual stations, but might include new furniture, toilets, lift interiors, tiling, painting, repairs, garden beds, more lighting and more bins.

“Stations will also undergo a deep clean and have a fresh coat of paint where needed.”

The stations included are: Gosford, Woy Woy, Wollongong, Wyong, Hamilton, North Wollongong, Tuggerah, Katoomba, Broadmeadow, Dapto, Morisset, Thirroul, Wentworth Falls, Fassifern, Lithgow and Canberra.

Ms Berejiklian said the first year of operation of NSW TrainLink had delivered a range of customer improvements including more quiet carriages, refurbished trains, the new Opal ticketing, increased security, new staff uniforms, and improved travel information.

“Customers are really starting to see the benefits of having an organisation that is focused entirely on the needs of our customers that are travelling longer distances, and we now have the momentum and drive to continue the improvements,” she said.

“The changes customers are seeing are real – the Opal electronic ticketing will benefit customers for generations to come, and the days of lining up on Monday morning fumbling for coins to buy a ticket are now gone.”

NSW TrainLink chief executive Rob Mason said the feedback from customers is extremely positive after the first 12 months of the new organisation, particularly with the rollout of the upgraded V-Sets being rolled out across the network, and staff now focused on customer service.

“Our customers are seeing the benefits of our newly energised staff, who are now focused on improving journeys every single day, as we work hard to turn NSW TrainLink into the world-class service this state deserves,” Mr Mason said.

“NSW TrainLink has achieved a lot over the past 12 months, but we have a lot to achieve and we know where we need improvements. We want to encourage more people to get out of their car and choose us as a better way to travel.”

NSW TrainLink improvements delivered in past 12 months:

• Refurbished more than 100 of 200 V Set carriages, improving the on-board experience and making journeys more comfortable for customers on the Blue Mountains and Central Coast and Newcastle Lines;
• Started $2.8 billion project to deliver 65 new intercity trains;
• Started a $5 million refresh of Hunter train carriages;
• Doubled the number of quiet carriages on intercity services, making travel more relaxing and comfortable;
• Rolled out our new staff uniforms to front line staff representing our new brand, and new culture of focusing on customer’s needs;
• Introduced a new timetable that delivers more services and reduced many journey times for customers travelling longer distances;
• Rolled out the Opal card across all intercity stations;
• Introduced targeted operations with the Police Transport Command and Transport Officers;
• Launched the ‘Discovery’ Pass that makes travel easier and better value by allowing unlimited journeys across the regional network by train or coach;
• Installed new Bathurst Bullet ticket machine that allows customers to purchase a ticket with coins, notes or EFTPOS cards;
• Launched new real time Twitter handles to provide travel announcements and disruption information to our customers that is specific to each region;
• Rolled out Radio School training to all of our intercity guards and station staff for clearer and better quality announcements;
• Completed an extensive deep clean of XPLORER and Endeavour fleet.

NSW Trains one year anniversary - Customers benefit from $12 million station upgrades (pdf 152KB)

Station Refresh (pdf 46KB)

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian and Member for Gosford Chris Holstein today said a brand new carpark with around 65 car spaces will be delivered for customers catching trains at Gosford Station.

Work is currently underway to demolish old buildings on the site located close to the station, and it is expected at this stage customers will have around 65 spaces to park in by 2015, Ms Berejiklian said, joining Mr Holstein in Gosford today.

The work will be delivered as part of the $770 million Transport Access Program, a NSW Government initiative which is delivering accessible, modern, secure and integrated transport infrastructure where it is needed most.

The extra car park will be in addition to the existing 1000 free untimed commuter car parking spaces for Gosford commuters, Ms Berejiklian said.

"I’m very pleased we are again delivering for customers – a convenient block of land just a short walk from the station will be handed over to make that morning search for a car parking space just a little easier," Ms Berejiklian said.

The old buildings on the site which were a former commercial car yard are now being demolished to make way for the new spaces. As the detailed design progresses, the exact number of spaces and expected construction timeline will be confirmed for customers, Ms Berejiklian said.

Mr Holstein said the new car park site on Mann Street was close to the station and showed the NSW Government was listening to the community to make improvements.

"This really is great news - we are constantly looking for ways to better the services we offer train customers and this is a fantastic way to show just what we are doing to improve the everyday journey for locals in the Gosford community.

"I know it can be frustrating driving around trying to find somewhere to park before the train arrives, so the extra spaces will be a big win for people who use Gosford Station.

Ms Holstein said locals had seen other improvements in the region that were making public transport an easier and more attractive option on the Central Coast.

Minister for the Central Coast Rob Stokes said: "Customers at nearby Woy Woy station are already benefiting from 300 extra spaces, and additional spaces are also being made available by handing back rail staff car spaces to commuters, with 30 spaces at Gosford and 56 more at Woy Woy.

"Gosford and Woy Woy will also receive a Station Refresh, as announced earlier this week as part of the 12 month anniversary of NSW TrainLink which was established to deliver its customers world-class standards of service."

Mr Holstein welcomed the Station Refresh which will make the stations easier to access, more comfortable and safer.

Work is being tailored to the needs of individual stations, but might include new furniture, toilets, lift interiors, tiling, painting, garden beds and more lighting, he said.

"Stations will also undergo a deep clean and have a fresh coat of paint where needed."

NSW TrainLink improvements delivered to customers in the past 12 months:

• Refurbished more than 100 of 200 V Set carriages, improving the on-board experience and making journeys more comfortable for customers on the Blue Mountains and Central Coast and Newcastle Lines;
• Started a $2.8 billion project to deliver 65 new intercity trains;
• Started a $5 million refresh of Hunter train carriages;
• Doubled the number of quiet carriages on intercity services, making travel more relaxing and comfortable;
• Rolled out new staff uniforms to front line staff representing our new brand, and new culture of focusing on customer’s needs;
• Introduced a new timetable that delivers more services and reduced many journey times for customers travelling longer distances;
• Rolled out the Opal card across all intercity stations;
• Introduced targeted operations with the Police Transport Command and Transport Officers;
• Launched the ‘Discovery’ Pass that makes travel easier and better value by allowing unlimited journeys across the regional network by train or coach;
• Launched new real time Twitter handles to provide travel announcements and disruption information to our customers that is specific to each region;
• Rolled out Radio School training to all of our intercity guards and station staff for clearer and better quality announcements.

Brand new carpark to be delivered for Gosford Station commuters.pdf (pdf 150KB)

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian and Member for Gosford Chris Holstein today said a brand new carpark with around 65 car spaces will be delivered for customers catching trains at Gosford Station.

Work is currently underway to demolish old buildings on the site located close to the station, and it is expected at this stage customers will have around 65 spaces to park in by 2015, Ms Berejiklian said, joining Mr Holstein in Gosford today.

The work will be delivered as part of the $770 million Transport Access Program, a NSW Government initiative which is delivering accessible, modern, secure and integrated transport infrastructure where it is needed most.

The extra car park will be in addition to the existing 1000 free untimed commuter car parking spaces for Gosford commuters, Ms Berejiklian said.

“I’m very pleased we are again delivering for customers – a convenient block of land just a short walk from the station will be handed over to make that morning search for a car parking space just a little easier,” Ms Berejiklian said.

The old buildings on the site which were a former commercial car yard are now being demolished to make way for the new spaces. As the detailed design progresses, the exact number of spaces and expected construction timeline will be confirmed for customers, Ms Berejiklian said.

Mr Holstein said the new car park site on Mann Street was close to the station and showed the NSW Government was listening to the community to make improvements.

“This really is great news - we are constantly looking for ways to better the services we offer train customers and this is a fantastic way to show just what we are doing to improve the everyday journey for locals in the Gosford community.

“I know it can be frustrating driving around trying to find somewhere to park before the train arrives, so the extra spaces will be a big win for people who use Gosford Station.

Ms Holstein said locals had seen other improvements in the region that were making public transport an easier and more attractive option on the Central Coast.

Minister for the Central Coast Rob Stokes said: “Customers at nearby Woy Woy station are already benefiting from 300 extra spaces, and additional spaces are also being made available by handing back rail staff car spaces to commuters, with 30 spaces at Gosford and 56 more at Woy Woy.

“Gosford and Woy Woy will also receive a Station Refresh, as announced earlier this week as part of the 12 month anniversary of NSW TrainLink which was established to deliver its customers world-class standards of service.”

Mr Holstein welcomed the Station Refresh which will make the stations easier to access, more comfortable and safer.

Work is being tailored to the needs of individual stations, but might include new furniture, toilets, lift interiors, tiling, painting, garden beds and more lighting, he said.

“Stations will also undergo a deep clean and have a fresh coat of paint where needed.”

NSW TrainLink improvements delivered to customers in the past 12 months:

• Refurbished more than 100 of 200 V Set carriages, improving the on-board experience and making journeys more comfortable for customers on the Blue Mountains and Central Coast and Newcastle Lines;
• Started a $2.8 billion project to deliver 65 new intercity trains;
• Started a $5 million refresh of Hunter train carriages;
• Doubled the number of quiet carriages on intercity services, making travel more relaxing and comfortable;
• Rolled out new staff uniforms to front line staff representing our new brand, and new culture of focusing on customer’s needs;
• Introduced a new timetable that delivers more services and reduced many journey times for customers travelling longer distances;
• Rolled out the Opal card across all intercity stations;
• Introduced targeted operations with the Police Transport Command and Transport Officers;
• Launched the ‘Discovery’ Pass that makes travel easier and better value by allowing unlimited journeys across the regional network by train or coach;
• Launched new real time Twitter handles to provide travel announcements and disruption information to our customers that is specific to each region;
• Rolled out Radio School training to all of our intercity guards and station staff for clearer and better quality announcements.

Brand new carpark to be delivered for Gosford Station commuters (pdf 151KB)

Minister for Transport and Minister for the Hunter Gladys Berejiklian today encouraged the community to provide feedback on plans for the new Wickham Transport Interchange, with planning documents for the project now on public display.

The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for Wickham is on public exhibition from today until 30 August, giving the community a chance to have their say about the future of the city’s new modern, fully accessible transport interchange.

Ms Berejiklian said truncating the heavy rail line and creating a state-of-the-art transport interchange at Wickham is a key part of the NSW Government’s plans to revitalise Newcastle – helping bring jobs, residents and visitors into the city centre.

“The REF gives the community a first look at the new interchange at Wickham, which will transform the area and provide seamless connections for customers catching trains, buses, light rail and taxis,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The new station and interchange will include fully accessible train platforms, security measures including CCTV, modern signage, ‘kiss and ride’ facilities, taxi bays and easy access to light rail and buses.

“As we get on with the job of truncating the heavy rail line and starting work on a new light rail system for Newcastle, Wickham will become a hub for thousands of customers travelling in and around Newcastle and the Hunter.”

Ms Berejiklian said feedback from the local community will help to shape the final design and delivery of the interchange and truncation project.

“Our customers know what’s most important to them when they’re using public transport, so we want to hear all viewpoints to make sure we get this crucial piece of infrastructure right,” she said.

The REF provides details about construction of the interchange, including proposals to minimise noise, traffic, heritage and environmental impacts on the local community. It also includes details of longer term benefits to the area as a result of the project.

Ms Berejiklian said as part of the project a number of level crossings will be opened up permanently to help cut congestion and reduce long wait times experienced daily by motorists and pedestrians. There will also be an opportunity to open up new pedestrian and road crossings to provide access between the city centre and the foreshore.

“Today more than 20 per cent of car trips are held up at the Stewart Street railway crossing every morning. Opening up this crossing will improve traffic movement through the CBD, particularly in peak periods,” Ms Berejiklian said.

The REF confirms the Railway Street crossing will need to close to accommodate more train movements and train stabling. While more detailed traffic studies are being undertaken, early studies indicate this will not have a major impact on motorists or pedestrians.

“The REF highlights the positive economic impact for Wickham and the city of Newcastle, with up to 150 new jobs expected during construction, not to mention many more when light rail construction starts,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“I expect to see growth and investment around the new modern transport hub, as well as benefits for existing Wickham businesses – both in the short term during construction and in the longer term when more people start using the interchange.

“I have always said a key part of this project from a transport point of view will be making sure we have a comprehensive bus plan in place for customers in the interim while light rail is under construction.

“Following the truncation of heavy rail on Boxing Day, trains will terminate at either Broadmeadow or Hamilton stations and buses will carry customers to and from these stations.

“When construction at Wickham is complete in 2016, buses will operate to and from the new interchange until light rail is built.

“Bus arrangements are still being finalised but I can assure customers the interim arrangements will be quick, easy and convenient for customers.

”The REF documents are now available to view at a number of locations in Newcastle, Hamilton and Maitland, as well as online at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au  and the TfNSW website.

During the next four weeks there will be four local community information sessions held to give the community an opportunity to speak to the team managing the Wickham Transport Interchange and have their say on the plans.

Residents can also find out more by calling the Transport for NSW Project Infoline on 1800 684 490, or by emailing projects@transport.nsw.gov.au.

Further consultation will be undertaken this year as part of the planning approvals process for the light rail design.

Community invited to have their say on the future of Wickham Transport Interchange (pdf 83KB)

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today provided an update on the Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card that will be introduced later this year.

Ms Berejiklian said it was important that pensioners and seniors understood that they will still have a choice after the Gold Opal card is introduced, when it comes to buying tickets for travel on public transport.

When the Gold Opal card is introduced, pensioners and seniors will not have to use it if they don’t want to.

“The NSW Government will later this year roll out the new Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card, but at this stage the card is not available,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“When the Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card is made available, customers will have the choice to either use Opal or keep buying paper Pensioner Excursion Tickets (PET). I really want to make that very clear - the choice is yours.”

Ms Berejiklian said the NSW Government is retiring 14 paper ticket types on September 1 – one month from today, however this change does not impact pensioners or seniors. PET paper tickets will still be sold after September 1.

“You can keep buying and using PET paper tickets today, after September 1, after the Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card is introduced, and well into the future.”

“When the Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card is introduced later this year, fares will remain capped at $2.50 a day for seniors and pensioners.

“You will not need a credit card or access to the internet to use your Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card. The Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card will not cost anything to get, and customers will be able to manually top it up with cash if they want to.

“I can also assure pensioners and seniors they will have a much smaller start-up and minimum top-up value than the Adult card.”

Some pensioners and seniors may choose to link their Opal card to a credit card or debit card and set it to auto-top-up, like having an e-tag in your pocket.

Pensioners and seniors will be given a lot of information about how to get a Gold Opal card and how to use it before it is released later this year.

Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card - Fact sheet

Later this year the new Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card will be released. It is not available yet.

When the Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card is made available, customers will have the choice to use a Gold Opal or keep buying paper Pensioner Excursion Tickets (PET).

The NSW Government is retiring 14 paper ticket types on September 1 – however this change does not impact pensioners or seniors.

Pensioner Excursion paper tickets will still be sold after September 1. Customers can keep buying and using PET paper tickets now and after September 1, and well beyond the introduction of the Gold Opal card.

When the Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card is introduced later this year, fares will remain capped at $2.50 a day for seniors and pensioners.

Opal fares are calculated based on distance, so some pensioners and seniors may even pay less under Opal for short trips that don’t reach their $2.50 cap.

Customers will not need a credit card or the internet to use or obtain a Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card.

The Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card will not cost anything to get, and customers will be able to manually top it up with cash if they want to.

Some pensioners and seniors may choose to simply link their Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card to their credit or debit card and set it to auto-top-up, like having an e-tag in your pocket.

Seniors and pensioners will be given a lot of information about how to get a new Gold Opal card, and how to use it, before it is released later this year.

The Adult and Child/Youth Opal cards are available. Paper tickets will continue to remain in place as the rollout of Opal continues.

Update on Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card (pdf 147KB)

Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card fact sheet (pdf 61KB)

Sydney trains and buses are cleaned regularly and thoroughly to maintain the highest possible level of cleanliness for public transport services that are used daily by thousands of people. 

State Transit buses are cleaned every day in preparation for service the following day, including spot cleaning of the seats. On top of daily cleaning, a more thorough ‘spring clean’ is carried out every six weeks on all buses, which includes specialist cleaners who vacuum all fabric seats. A State Transit supervisor inspects each bus on completion of the detailed clean. 

Customers consistently report they are happy with the cleanliness of their bus. In the 2013 Customer Satisfaction Survey only 7 per cent of customers were not satisfied. 

All Sydney Trains carriages receive a daily clean including a spot clean of the seats. At least twice a week trains receive a more detailed clean. This clean includes a scrub wipe down to remove grime, unauthorised stickers and graffiti on the seat. If the seat is made of fabric it receives a vacuum and a damp wipe down.

In May 2013, the NSW Government starting a deep cleaning program of trains which introduced proper cleaning for seats and floors for the first time in more than 10 years. 

This includes a steam clean of seat coverings, seat frames, floors, cleaning of window glass, metal fixtures, wall surfaces, and chewing gum removal. The new deep clean program covers all trains at least twice a year, on top of daily and twice weekly cleans. 

It’s not just about spending more time and money on cleaning, it is also about radically improving the standards of quality including using the latest cleaning technology to get a much better result.

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced recruitment is now underway for 65 additional Transport Officers to boost the number of officers checking tickets on trains, buses, ferries and light rail.

The new recruits will join 150 Transport Officers who already work alongside the Police Transport Command to help customers and target fare evasion on public transport. This will bring the total number of Transport Officers to 215.

Ms Berejiklian said the NSW Government’s strategy to reduce fare evasion was proving a success, with more people buying tickets and more than 111,000 fines issued since Transport Officers started in May 2013.

“Our existing 150 Transport Officers are issuing the same amount of fines as Labor’s whole squad of old RailCorp transit officers,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Transport Officers work closely with the Police Transport Command, who in addition have issued more than 100,000 infringements on the transport network for offences including fare evasion.                            

“Fare evasion costs taxpayers millions of dollars a year, and while the majority of customers do the right thing, it’s frustrating when others don’t pay their way. It also means less money to spend on extra transport services and new infrastructure.”

The boost in numbers means Transport Officers will be able target Sydney hot spots and outer suburban areas, including Wollongong, the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast.

Ms Berejiklian said Transport Officers now have new technology to help them tackle fare evasion more effectively.

“Transport Officers are now equipped with a handheld smart device which automatically sends infringement notices in the post, meaning less time on administration and more time helping customers and reducing fare evasion,” she said.

“Transport Officers also use hand-held Opal readers to scan customers’ Opal cards and ensure people have tapped on correctly – another important way we’re tackling fare evasion.”

The NSW Government has also introduced an initiative to turn off concession sales at ticket machines at selected stations, ensuring customers need to show proof of entitlement.

“Since the move, concession sales have dropped by 10 per cent and full price tickets increased by the same amount, meaning 4 million extra full price tickets will be purchased this year,” she said.

“We are sending a strong message to those who might normally travel without tapping on with their Opal card, or carrying the right ticket or concession, that the days of getting away with fare evasion are over.”

A recruitment campaign for the new Transport Officers is now underway, training for the additional officers will start in January and the first of the new officers will be on the job by April 2015.

Major boost to tackle transport fare evasion (pdf 94KB)

Minister for Transport and Minister for the Hunter Gladys Berejiklian today announced the first refreshed Hunter train has hit the tracks, improving reliability and comfort for customers.

Ms Berejiklian said the NSW Government is spending $5 million to upgrade the region’s dedicated Hunter trains.

“I am pleased the first two-carriage Hunter train has now been upgraded and has started service today, delivering a more comfortable journey for people living in Maitland and the Hunter,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Customers will get a better onboard experience with more comfortable seats, cleaner carriages and better reliability, with upgrades to safety and communications equipment.

“This work was carried out at UGL’s Broadmeadow facility – giving a welcome boost to local jobs.”

Features of the refresh include: 

• Improved comfort with refurbished seats and better cushions and seat backs;
• Cleaner trains through deep cleaning of the internal carriages;
• Repair and repaint of internal and external walls with anti-graffiti paint;
• Replacement of scratched window glass film;
• Installation of LED lighting;
• New floor vinyl throughout carriages; and,
• Refurbished toilet compartment, including updated fixtures and fittings. 

The Hunter trains are being upgraded one at a time to avoid disruption to customers.

Ms Berejiklian said transport customers in the Hunter have made it clear they want more comfortable and reliable train services, and the NSW Government is delivering. 

“The Hunter trains are not the only ones getting an upgrade, with refurbishment of the popular V set carriages now underway for customers in Newcastle,” she said.

“So far around 70 per cent of V Set carriages have been refurbished and customers are benefitting from the modern and refreshed interiors. This is just another example of the NSW Government’s commitment of putting the customer first.

“I was also pleased this week to announce a major step forward to procure a new state-of-the-art intercity train fleet, with expressions of interest now open to train manufacturers from Australia and overseas.

“The NSW Government is investing $2.8 billion in the State’s next generation trains for customers travelling longer distances from Newcastle, the South Coast, Blue Mountains and Central Coast.”

Train customers in the Hunter are also benefitting from the rollout of Opal electronic ticketing, more commuter parking, better customer service and upgrades to local stations.

First refreshed Hunter train on the tracks (pdf 92KB)

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today said work is underway to release around 1,200 staff car parking spaces for Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink customers at close to 100 stations across the state.

"We are listening to customers and we know this is one of the biggest issues they have every day – finding a car space close to their station is important so we can get more cars off the road and have more people using public transport.

"Earlier in the year I announced 1,000 staff car parks would be released to customers, with the first 370 spaces to be released to customers at seven locations.

"Today I’m pleased to say we have done our homework to identify 1,200 spaces across the network including many in Western Sydney, and customers will soon start seeing more commuter car parking at almost 100 local stations."

Ms Berejiklian said the first spaces would be made available within days, with all 1,200 spaces becoming progressively available for customers over the next 12-18 months.

"Some spaces only need gates unlocked or ‘staff only’ signs taken down, while others need some major design and capital work carried out," Ms Berejiklian said.

"Some of these smaller stations only include handing back up to five spaces, but it is important to know we have looked at every space across the network and if we can give it back to the customer we are doing so.

"We are now prioritising the spaces that can be delivered quickly, so our customers enjoy the benefits as soon as possible."

Previously the locations of stations to be handed extra spaces included Campbelltown, Blacktown, Penrith, Liverpool, Gosford, Hornsby and Woy Woy.

These improvements come as customers see a number of other projects delivered or underway on our trains including the completion of the rollout of Opal electronic ticketing on all stations across the Sydney Trains and NSW Trainlink network, and more than 70 brand new Waratah Trains delivered.

The top twenty stations according to number of spaces that will be released are:

1. Campbelltown – around 179 spaces (99 previously announced)

2. Blacktown – around 138 spaces (84 previously announced)

3. Penrith – around 138 spaces (77 previously announced)

4. Liverpool – around 108 spaces (56 previously announced)

5. Woy Woy – around 56 spaces (8 previously announced)

6. Newcastle – around 39 spaces

7. Wollongong – around 38 spaces

8. Gosford – around 30 spaces (26 previously announced)

9. Rockdale – around 28 spaces

10. Hornsby – around 21 spaces (previously announced)

11. Bankstown – around 20 spaces

12. Lithgow – around 20 spaces

13. Mt Victoria – around 20 spaces

14. Springwood – around 19 spaces

15. Hamilton – around 19 spaces

16. Cronulla – around 17 spaces

17. Katoomba – around 16 spaces

18. Moss Vale – around 16 spaces

19. Richmond – around 15 spaces

20. Granville – around 12 spaces

• 1200 Staff parking spaces handed back to train customers at almost 100 stations (pdf 158KB)

NSW TrainLink Corporate Plan 2014-2019

NSW TrainLink in collaboration with Transport for NSW has prepared a Corporate Plan for 2014-2019. This plan sets out the strategy, objectives and priorities for the delivery of regional passenger rail services over the next five years.

The NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan and the Regional Transport Plans identify the need to improve transport services and operations.

This Plan specifically outlines our objectives and priorities for regenerating regional passenger rail services in key results areas.

• NSW TrainLink Corporate Plan 2014-2019 (PDF, 1.34MB)

Minister for Transport and Minister for the Hunter Gladys Berejiklian today announced that the rollout of Opal has continued to nearly 130 buses on 18 routes in the lower Hunter.

Ms Berejiklian said the buses in the Hunter carry more than 660,000 passenger journeys a year and take the total number of active Opal buses to more than 3,000.

From this week adult and child/youth customers catching CDC Hunter Valley buses on 18 routes can use an Opal card to access cheaper fares and more convenient travel. Opal is changing the way people travel, right across the state.

“Customers can now use an Opal card to catch buses with an ‘Opal bus’ sign on the front of the bus in areas such as Bonnells Bay, Charlestown, Edgeworth, Fassifern, Glendale, Jesmond, Lake Haven, Morisset, West Wallsend, Maryland, and Toronto.”

Train customers have been using Opal on the intercity stations since April this year, and the rollout on buses has now commenced in the Lake Macquarie area and will progress across the Hunter.

“Customers are embracing the modern new ticketing system and last week’s smooth transition with the retirement of some paper tickets was a big test that went very well for train customers in the Central Coast and Hunter.”

Ms Berejiklian said more than 14 paper tickets had been retired on September 1.

“It is just fantastic to see how customers have jumped on board with Opal. Last week was a big test for the Opal system and I am pleased it all went well.

“There have now been more than 810,000 Opal cards issued, including almost 100,000 Opal cards issued in the last week.

“There are still 20 paper ticket types available for customers including single and return train tickets, and all bus ticket products.”

Customers can get their Opal card 24 hours a day seven days a week through the convenience of the Opal website or by calling the Opal customer care telephone service on 13 67 25.

A network of Opal retailers is now being established in the region and there are already stores operating or keen to join up in Argenton, Booraloo, Cardiff, Edgeworth, Glendale, Morisset, Toronto and Warners Bay.

Ms Berejiklian said over the coming months, the number of Opal retailers will increase significantly.

“More and more customers are choosing auto top-up as their preferred setting so they no longer have to queue or go to a shop for a card top up. It is just like having an e-tag in your pocket,” she said.

“Opal is already available on all suburban and intercity trains, all Sydney Ferries, and will be live on around 5,000 buses by the end of the year, with light rail in Sydney following early next year.”

Opal fares for buses provide the following benefits for customers:

• Cheaper adult single bus fares by between two and nine per cent compared to MyBus paper tickets.
• Opal Weekly Travel Reward, earned after 8 paid journeys, makes it cheaper than a TravelTen for customers travelling to and from work Monday to Friday.
• Convenient customer-friendly bus-to-bus transfer fare system - if you transfer within 60 minutes you’re only charged one fare for the journey.
• Never queue for a ticket again or realise your TravelTen has run out.

Ms Berejiklian said it was important that pensioners and seniors remember they can keep buying and using their paper Pensioner Excursion Ticket now, and well into the future.

“We will be releasing a Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card before the end of the year and those customers will still be able to get and use a paper PET if they want.”

Opal retail stores can be found via an easy-to-use map at retailers.opal.com.au registered Adult or Child/Youth Opal cards can be ordered from opal.com.au or by calling 13 67 25 (13 OPAL).

More than 810,000 Opal cards issued as 130 buses go live in the lower Hunter (pdf 96KB)

NSW Trains is a drug and alcohol free workplace.

Our policy of having a workplace free from alcohol or drugs is part of our commitment to building a safer network for our customers and staff.

All permanent and contract employees - including frontline staff, those in safety-critical roles, administrative staff and senior management - are subject to random testing at any time while they are reporting to work or undertaking work.

The Rail Safety National Law was introduced in New South Wales on 20 January 2013 through the Rail Safety (Adoption of National Law) Act 2012 and Rail Safety (Adoption of National Law) Regulations 2012. It establishes a prescribed blood alcohol concentration of zero. The Rail Safety (Adoption of National Law) Act 2012 requires rail operators to conduct random alcohol and/or drug tests of not less than 25 per cent of rail safety workers each year. The level of testing conducted by NSW Trains during the 2013/14 financial year was significantly above the minimum legislative requirement.

Employees who fail drug or alcohol tests are removed immediately from safety-critical duties. The continuing employment of any employee who fails an alcohol or drug test is dependent on the successful completion of a rehabilitation, return to work and monitoring program. Serious or ongoing breaches may result in dismissal.

Contractors who fail drug or alcohol tests are not permitted to work on any NSW Trains worksite at any time.

Random alcohol testing

The following data shows the total random alcohol tests conducted on employees and contractors. A positive result is defined as any indication of alcohol.

Employees

Random drug testing

The following data shows the total random drug tests conducted on employees and contractors.

NOTE: NSW Trains does not employee a significant number of contractors, therefore does not separate employees and contractors for the purposes of reporting drug and alcohol.

Transport for NSW today announced the South Coast’s new train station and transport interchange will be named ‘Shellharbour Junction’, following community feedback and approval of the name by the Geographical Names Board and Minister for Finance and Services.

The project is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $770 million Transport Access Program, an initiative to deliver modern, safe and accessible transport infrastructure where it is needed most.

Transport for NSW considered all community feedback in finalising its decision, and that feedback strongly endorsed ‘Shellharbour’ being part of the name.

The new station and interchange will be a world-class transport facility, equipped with infrastructure including:

• new station with two side platforms;
• CCTV surveillance cameras and modern lighting;
• a footbridge to provide access between platforms;
• a car park with about 100 parking spaces, including four accessible spaces;
• brand new interchange with two bus bays, four kiss and ride spaces, a taxi zone and bicycle racks; a new road connecting the station to Piper Drive off Dunmore Road;
  and a pedestrian and cyclist pathway connecting to Haddin Road, Flinders.

Construction is continuing on the station and interchange at Shellharbour Junction and it is expected to open for customers later this year.

Customers are already benefitting from Transport Access Program upgrades at Gerringong, Austinmer, Albion Park and Dapto train stations.

A new 40-space commuter car park at Kiama opened to the public late last year and a new commuter car park with about 230 spaces recently opened at Oak Flats.

South Coast's newest train station to be named 'Shellharbour Junction' (pdf 157KB)

Minister for Transport and Minister for the Hunter Gladys Berejiklian today said a number of local and international companies have applied to deliver and maintain the NSW Government’s brand new state-of-the-art intercity train fleet.
 
The NSW Government is investing $2.8 billion in the state’s next generation train fleet for customers travelling longer distances from the South Coast, Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Newcastle.
 
“Earlier this year, the NSW Government called for Expressions of Interest (EoI) to deliver and maintain the state’s next generation of intercity trains,” Ms Berejiklian said.
 
“This is a very important project, and we are finally delivering these brand new trains to customers who were for so long ignored by the former Labor Government.”
 
Ms Berejiklian said the new fleet will include about 65 trains, totalling 520 carriages, and would be configured specifically for intercity customers.
 
“We had an industry briefing in May, and as a result we had a very positive response from well qualified and experienced organisations. There is now a strong contingent of local and international contenders keen to be involved in this project.”
 
Respondents to the Expressions of Interest are:
•Alstom Transport Australia Pty Ltd
•Bombardier Transportation Australia Pty Ltd
•Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles S.A.    (“CAF”)
•Downer EDI Rail Pty Ltd and CNR Changchun  Railway Vehicles Co Ltd
•Hyundai Rotem Company
•Stadler Bussnang AG
•UGL Rail Services Pty Ltd, Mitsubishi Electric  Australia Pty Ltd and CSR Corporation Ltd

Ms Berejiklian said Transport for NSW will now review the EoI responses, and later this year will invite a shortlist of the respondents to submit a detailed tender, to supply and maintain the new fleet.
 
“I would encourage smaller local companies interested in being involved in the supply of the carriages, maintenance of the fleet or fit-out and management of the maintenance facility to start talking to these EoI respondents and find out what opportunities there may be to participate,” Ms Berejiklian said.
 
“Today’s update is great news as it means we are one step closer to delivering a new fleet which will offer unprecedented levels of comfort, convenience and reliability for our intercity customers, while ensuring value for money for NSW taxpayers.”
 
Customers are also being asked for their feedback on the fleet, to find out exactly what they want when it comes to the design and comforts of the new trains.
 
The next generation trains will come into service progressively, with the first trains delivered by 2019 and the rest of the fleet being delivered through to 2024.
 
Ms Berejiklian said when these new trains have entered service, the V-Set intercity trains will be retired and the Oscar trains that travel to the South Coast, Central Coast and Newcastle will be redeployed to the Sydney Trains suburban network.

Strong local and international interest in $2.8 billion intercity fleet project.pdf (pdf 92KB)

Minister for Transport and Minister for the Hunter Gladys Berejiklian today announced a number of paper public transport tickets will be retired in Newcastle next month as part of the transition to Opal electronic ticketing.

The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is getting on with the job of modernising public transport, and 1.1 million customers are now using Opal to catch suburban and intercity trains, Sydney Ferries and more than 4,300 buses.

Ms Berejiklian said with local buses and ferries on track to have electronic ticketing by the end of the year, 11 Newcastle bus and Stockton Ferry paper tickets that are rarely used will be retired on 20 November 2014.

“Labor promised electronic ticketing before the Sydney 2000 Olympics and failed to deliver. They wasted 16 years and New South Wales is now well behind the rest of the world when it comes to modern ticketing,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The Opal rollout is almost complete and as we prepare for all buses in Newcastle and the Hunter to go live with Opal technology by the end of the year, the NSW Government needs to retire a small number of paper tickets.

“The tickets being retired account for less than one per cent of all public transport tickets sold in Newcastle each year. It is not possible to both update the technology on buses to cater for Opal and keep selling these tickets.

“If customers are not ready to switch to Opal, around 99 per cent of public transport customers in Newcastle will be able to keep using the tickets they buy today, including the TimeTen, single ferry tickets, one hour tickets and Pensioner Excursion Tickets.

“Under the previous Labor Government there were more than 100 different ticket types, making public transport extremely confusing for customers.

“Opal puts an end to queuing for tickets, fumbling for coins, and having to work out which ticket you need depending on which mode of transport you’re catching. With Opal you only need to get your card once, and then you can either set your card to auto top up, like an e-tag, or you can manually top up.

“As well as the added convenience, Opal is cheaper for the overwhelming majority of customers, with daily fare caps, $2.50 Sunday travel and free travel after eight journeys in a week.

“Opal is now live on 4,300 buses, including services across the Hunter and Lake Macquarie regions. STA buses in the CBD and the Stockton Ferry will have Opal before Boxing Day and I look forward to announcing more details about dates soon.”

Customers who purchase any of these 11 tickets before 20 November will be able to use them until they expire. The Fare Free Zone in central Newcastle will not be affected by this change.

Ms Berejiklian said she was pleased this week to announce the Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card will be available to customers from Monday 3 November.

“The release of the Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card capped at $2.50 a day is great news for customers and an important milestone in the progressive rollout,” she said.

“It is important to remember pensioners and seniors can choose to switch to Opal or keep buying their paper $2.50 Pensioner Excursion Tickets.”

Customers can get an Adult or Child/Youth Opal card or top-up at any time online, over the phone by calling 13OPAL (13 67 25) or from more than 1,400 Opal retail stores. Many customers are choosing to set their Opal card to auto top up, like an e-tag, so they never have to worry about manually loading money to travel.

Seniors and pensioners can have their Gold Opal card sent to their home by calling 13 Opal or visiting opal.com.au. Opal machines at train stations will be available later in the rollout.

Old paper tickets being retired from Thursday 20 November 2014

Getting on with modernising public transport as 11 paper tickets in Newcastle retired.pdf (pdf 87KB)

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward today announced extra carriages would be provided for South Coast train customers catching the busy 4:24pm weekday service from Central to Kiama Station.

The extra carriages will be introduced as part of minor timetable changes to coincide with the opening of the South Coast’s newest train station, Shellharbour Junction, on Saturday 22 November.

Ms Berejiklian said when Shellharbour Junction opens later this month, customers will have access to a brand new accessible train station complete with more than 100 free commuter car parking spaces and a new connecting bus service.

“Shellharbour Junction will serve the growing communities of Shellharbour, Shell Cove, Flinders and the surrounding suburbs, providing them with a modern station to connect with Sydney and the wider region,” Ms Berejiklian said.

The new station and interchange will be equipped with:

• CCTV surveillance cameras, modern lighting and footbridge access between platforms;
• Two accessible lifts to access the platforms 
• a car park with 105 parking spaces, including four accessible parking spaces;
• an interchange with two bus bays, four kiss and ride spaces, a taxi zone and bicycle racks;
• a pedestrian and cycle pathway connecting to Haddin Road, Flinders.

“The former Labor Government failed to deliver this important infrastructure. Like everything else Labor did in transport – they were all talk and no action,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is building the crucial infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing community.

“I am pleased as part of timetable changes starting next month, we have been able to deliver extra carriages for customers travelling home from the city on weekdays, something Gareth Ward has been fighting hard for.”

Mr Ward said he had urged the Government to provide more seats on the popular 4:24pm Central to Kiama service which currently runs as a four carriage Oscar train.

“I have listened to the community and worked hard for this change and I’m pleased this service will run as an eight carriage train – a big win for local customers,” he said.

“I am also pleased we’re able to confirm today that the new station at Shellharbour Junction will open to customers on 22 November.

“A new bus route will also start running on Monday 24 November to connect local residents with their new station. The bus route 52 will carry customers between Flinders and Shellharbour Junction Station via Shellharbour Village.

“Customers will be able to use Opal to connect with peak train services in the morning and afternoon, leaving Flinders between 5am and 7:42am, and departing from Shellharbour Junction Station between 3:32pm and 8:10pm Monday to Friday.”

Mr Ward said South Coast public transport customers are already benefiting from reduced journey times, improved connections to the Sydney CBD and more regular and consistent departure times thanks to the October 2013 train timetable.

“Last year the NSW Government introduced a major timetable rewrite and the latest data shows us it is working and more people are choosing to catch the train,” he said.

“The NSW Government is always monitoring the timetable and looking for ways to improve services. In June this year, the government commissioned new signalling infrastructure between Kiama and Bomaderry, which provided journey time improvements for many customers travelling between Kiama and Bomaderry.

“Some finishing touches are being added to the station in the coming months but it’s important we get this new facility open for customers as soon as possible.”

NSW Government delivers extra train seats for South Coast customers (pdf 94KB)

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today joined Minister for the Illawarra John Ajaka and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward to inspect the brand new Shellharbour Junction Station before it opens to customers tomorrow – Saturday 22 November.

The NSW Liberals & Nationals came to Government promising to deliver this crucial infrastructure for the Illawarra, and in just three and a half years the fully accessible station is ready to open to customers.

Ms Berejiklian said the new station and interchange includes lifts, CCTV cameras and security lighting, a kiss and ride zone, taxi and bus bays, bike racks and 105 parking spaces for the community, including four accessible spaces. 

“I am so pleased to be in Shellharbour as we get ready to open the new station for customers – what a fantastic day for this community. As Minister for Transport, it doesn’t get much better than this,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“It has been exciting to watch this station take shape and now we’re at the stage where our customers will be tapping on with their Opal card this weekend and jumping on the train to connect with Sydney and the surrounding region.

“Labor talked about this station for years and like most things in transport, they failed to deliver. Good governments identify the facilities local communities need, provide the funds and get on with delivering – and thanks to the hard work of the local member Gareth Ward – that’s what we have done here in Shellharbour.”

The first train will stop at Shellharbour Junction at 2.51am tomorrow Saturday 22 November on the way to Sydney. The first southbound train will stop at 5.25am. From tomorrow, trains will no longer stop at Dunmore Station.

Mr Ajaka said the new station will serve the growing communities of Shellharbour, Shell Cove, Flinders and surrounding suburbs for generations to come and is a testament to the hard work of the local member.

“More and more people are moving to the Illawarra and new homes are going up right across the region. This government is working with the community to shape the future of the Illawarra and deliver the crucial services and infrastructure it deserves,” he said.

“Shellharbour Junction not only offers a new state-of-the-art train station for the community, it will serve as a modern and accessible interchange, complete with a pedestrian and cycle pathway connecting to Haddin Road, Flinders.

“I am also pleased a new bus service will begin next week to connect locals with their new station. Route 52 will carry customers to and from Flinders via Shellharbour Village, made possible thanks to this Government’s investment in new growth buses.”

Customers will be able to leave their car at home and catch the bus to connect with peak weekday train services, leaving Flinders between 5am and 7:42am, and departing from Shellharbour Junction Station between 3:32pm and 8:10pm.

Mr Ward said it was a great day for the Illawarra and after years of broken promises from the former Labor Government, the region was finally getting the public transport infrastructure it deserves.

“I use our rail system frequently and having fought for this project in Parliament, I’m delighted that we’re finally opening this new station today,” he said.

“It’s also worth celebrating that from Monday, South Coast Line customers who catch the popular 4.24pm from Central will have twice the seats after the Minister listened to my concerns and those of the community and doubled the number of train carriages.

“This means now all trains departing Central for the South Coast on weekday afternoons between 4pm and 6.30pm are eight-carriage trains.”

Shellharbour Junction Station was built under the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program and includes:

• CCTV surveillance cameras and modern lighting;
• Footbridge and lift access between platforms;
• A car park with 105 parking spaces, including four accessible spaces;
• An interchange with two bus bays, to be served by the new Route 52;
• Four kiss-and-ride spaces, a taxi zone and bicycle racks; and
• A pedestrian and cycle pathway connecting to Haddin Road, Flinders.

Some finishing touches are being added to the station in the coming months, but it’s important to get the new facility open for customers as soon as possible.

For more information about train and bus timetables at Shellharbour and along the South Coast Line, customers can visit http://www.transportnsw.info/

Brand new Shellharbour Junction Station ready to open to customers (pdf 95KB)

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today said the NSW Government will not increase fares to the amount recommended by IPART in 2015, instead keeping Opal bus and light rail fares unchanged and increasing other fares in line with the cost of living only.

Fares for Opal bus and light rail customers will remain the same and there will be no changes to the $2.50 travel cap for Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card customers or for those still purchasing paper Pensioner Excursion Tickets (PETs).

From Sunday 4 January 2015, train and ferry Opal fares and all paper MyZone tickets will increase in line with the cost of living only and will not increase to the amount recommended by IPART.

Ms Berejiklian said more than 1.5 million Opal cards have now been issued and customers will be pleased to hear that as well as no changes to bus or light rail fares, the daily travel cap of $15 and weekly travel cap of $60 will stay the same.

“I have always said fares will only rise in line with CPI until there are demonstrable improvements in customer service,” she said.

“While we have made significant changes for customers, including rolling out Opal electronic ticketing and delivering more than 10,500 extra weekly public transport services, we are working to make further improvements.” 

From Sunday 4 January 2015:

• Opal bus fares will stay the same
• Opal light rail fares will stay the same
• Opal daily and weekly caps will remain the same
• Opal train fares will increase by 2.5 per cent (in line with CPI)
• Opal ferry fares will increase by 2.5 per cent (in line with CPI)
• A single MyZone rail journey will increase by 20 cents (CPI plus rounding)
• A single MyZone bus journey will increase by 10 cents (CPI plus rounding)
• MyMulti tickets will go up by $2 (CPI plus rounding)
• The $2.50 Gold Opal card cap and paper Pensioner Excursion Ticket (PET) will remain the same.

Opal fares

MyZone fares

Annual changes to public transport fares (pdf 105KB)