Thursday 3 December 2015

Sydney Rapid Transit Network to cut direct city service for commuters west of Bankstown

Thousands of people who travel on the Bankstown Line west of Bankstown Station will need to change trains at least once to get to or from the city under the government's plans for a new metro line.



The proposed Sydney Metro extension to Liverpool from Bankstown (using a new rail corridor) skips key stations such as Birrong, Sefton, Chester Hill & Cabramata. Stations that have already lost direct Inner West Line trains will continue to be neglected and will lose direct City services on the Bankstown Line. Source: http://sydneymetro.info/project-overview1

They are the "forgotten" commuters of Sydney - set to have their direct train service to the CBD taken away from them.

While the state government has been championing the construction of the Sydney Rapid Transit Network, it has been quieter on the topic of those who could be left with a more difficult journey.

This is because the existing Bankstown line between Bankstown and Sydenham will be converted to run automated single-deck trains, linking to Chatswood through a second harbour crossing.

Commuters who get on the train on the western side of the line which not be converted, including at Carramar, Villawood, Yagoona, Birrong and Sefton stations, will no longer be able to get a train directly to the city.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said commuters would need to transfer between metro and suburban trains services at an upgraded Bankstown Station.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-rapid-transit-network-to-cut-direct-city-service-for-commuters-west-of-bankstown-20151123-gl5mdd.html#ixzz3tFiiO4te

Restore Inner West Line calls on the NSW Government, Transport NSW and Sydney Trains to reinstate the Liverpool via Regents Park train service to make up for the loss of all direct city train services in the area as a result of the Sydney Metro to Bankstown.