Commuters to receive 48 hours free train travel as Minns government celebrates new deal with rail workers
More than a million metro and regional train passengers across NSW will travel free for two days on Thursday, July 31 and Friday, August 1, the NSW government announced on Sunday.
The move, however, is not just an altruistic gesture, with the government using the opportunity to apologise to local business who were 'strained to breaking point' during a 'period of protected industrial action'.
Transport Minister John Graham said the government is urging passengers to use the free fare to support local business and offer them a 'shot in the arm'.
'We want to acknowledge the period of protected industrial action took its toll on rail passengers,' he said.
'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.
'We will continue to invest record amounts into improved maintenance and work to our plan to lift the level of reliability.'
The rail Enterprise Agreement received the overwhelming support of the rail workforce in a ballot that closed on Saturday, the government said.
More than 11,700 employees participated in the vote, with 92 per cent supporting the Enterprise Agreement, which will now be lodged with the Fair Work Commission for formal approval.
The decision comes after months of fighting between the state government and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW over pay.
The government said resolution of the matter will allow Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink and the combined rail workforce to focus solely on improving reliability and services for passengers.
Win for rail staff
The fare-free 48 hours is an 'invitation to workers' to travel into the Sydney or Parramatta CBDs, or other work and commercial centres across the state, to support the food and hospitality businesses that took a hit during months of disruption.
Sydney Trains Chief Executive, Matt Longland, said the new agreement was a win for rail staff.
'This is a win for our staff, but an even bigger win for the travelling public,' he said.
'With this certainty, Sydney Trains can resume its focus on delivering a safe, reliable, and disruption-free service. Passengers can have renewed confidence that the trains they rely on will be there when they need them.'
From 12.01am Thursday, July 31 to 11.59pm on Friday, August 1, travel will be free on all Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink, Airport Link, and Sydney Metro services.
Opal gates and readers will be turned off during the fare free period, and passengers will not need to tap on and tap off.
People who have bought tickets on NSW TrainLink services during the fare free period will be refunded.
Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said recent disruption hit parts of rural and regional NSW hard.
'Regional passengers deserve this relief, and I encourage everyone to take full advantage of these two days by hopping aboard and seeing what our regional areas have to offer,' She said.
'These fare-free days are just the beginning of getting our regional rail network back on track, ensuring regional commuters get the reliable services they deserve.'
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