Major train delays and cancellations have caused Sydney’s transport network to abandon live app updates, leaving commuters frustrated and confused.
Sydney Trains told travellers on Twitter trains were not operating to schedule and transport apps not able to live track services.
A number of desperate commuters asked for advice on how to get to their destination with live timetable boards at stations useless.
The state’s rail and road networks saw significant delays on Wednesday after dangerous winds crashed into Sydney overnight.
Major flooding caused landslips on the outskirts of the city.
Commuters waiting at Sydney train stations were told train cancellations, platforms and stop changes could happen at short notice.
“You may need to change trains to complete your journey,” Transport NSW said.
“Impacts will continue through the rest of this week as we undertake detailed inspections to ensure rail network remains safe for trains & customers”.
Multiple scheduled train times have been delayed on the Blue Mountains line throughout Wednesday morning.
Landslips at Katoomba and heritage Zig Zag Railway stations have stopped trains on the 84km stretch of rail between Penrith and Lithgow.
Limited buses have replaced trains on the Western Line between Schofields and Richmond, due to flooding on the tracks.
There are now trains operating between Hornsby and North Sydney, after storm damage stopped trains on Tuesday.
Transport Minister David Elliot spoke to 2GB on Wednesday morning to again urge commuters to avoid travel where possible due to extreme delays and cancellations which are expected to worsen with more high winds forecasted.
“My message to listeners is given these delays you might get more productivity working from home,” Mr Elliot said.
Crews from Transport NSW are busy clearing debris that has fallen onto rails and repair damage.
Trains will run at reduced schedules, different stopping patterns and some will drive at a reduced speed of 40km/hr altered frequency or with a different stopping patterns.
Replacement and supplement bus services are running in affected areas.
Sydneysiders have been warned to be cautious when leaving the house as trees andxjmtzyw powerlines have fallen onto roads overnight due to wind gusts.
The Bureau of Meteorology recorded wind speeds of 111km/hr in Molineux Point while Kurnell saw a 100km/hr gust just before 10pm on Tuesday night.
NSW Rural Fire Service worked hard through the night and continue to clear debris from roads.
Thousands of Sydney residents were forced from their homes after Tuesday’s downpour, with many spending the night with family and friends.
The SES received 2600 requests for assistance overnight on Tuesday and a total of 91 flood rescues were completed.
Heavy rain continued to fall across the Hunter, Central Coast, Sydney, Illawarra and south coast, into Tuesday evening.
A number of key roads connecting the city’s north remain closed.
The rising Hawkesbury also threatened homes at McGraths Hill and Mulgrave, with the SES saying, “once floodwater reaches 13.5 metres at Windsor, the area will be isolated”.
Road closures:
- St Marys Road/Stony Creek Road (at Causeway)
- Eighth Ave, Llandilo (between 2nd Ave and Bridge)
- Torkington Rd, Londonderry
- Devlin Rd, Londonderry (Nutt Road End)
- Carrington Rd, Londonderry (between Bowman Rd and Milford Rd)
- The Kingsway, Werrington
- Luddenham Road, Orchard Hills (Mamre Rd end)
- Reynolds Road, Londonderry
- Wilshire Road, Londonderry (east end)
- Second Ave, Llandilo (between Ninth Ave and Eighth Ave)
- Durham St, Oxley Park (in both direction)
- Dunkley Pl, Werrington
- Barker St, St Marys (near Cook Park)
- Lee Holm Rd, St Marys (partly closed)
- Woodruff St, Penrith (partly closed between Tindale St and Lethbridge St)
- The Driftway, Londonderry (between Reynolds Rd and Blacktown Rd)
- Bennett Rd, Londonderry (near Blacktown Rd)
- Jockbet St, Londonderry
- Llandilo Rd, Berkshire Park (between Richmond Rd and First Rd)
- Wedmore Rd, Emu Heights (near Palomino Rd)
- Vincent Rd, Cranebrook (The Northern Rd end)
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is preparing to tour flood affected towns in the Northern Rivers, with angry residents expected to vent their frustration.
“We’re planning a shirt fronting!” Lismore resident Laurie said.
“We’re ready to line up so he can’t shake our hands.”
