Sydney Train strike chaos as over a dozen services are cancelled and even more are delayed just days before Christmas

Passengers have been warned to expect lengthy delays on train services after over a dozen services were cancelled as the state’s rail unions strike. 

Up to eighteen train services had been cancelled, impacting about 360 trips and sparking delays up to 40 minutes on Saturday. 

Commuters planning to catch the train to the Randwick races, Carols in the Domain and Big Bash cricket have been told to expect major delays and cancellations. 

On the T1 North Shore line between 10am and 1pm, half of the 12 services from Hornsby were cancelled.

Passengers attending major events in Sydney on Saturday including the annual Carols in the Domain, Randwick races and Big Bash cricket have been warned of lengthy delays and cancellations.

Services are still operating, but last-minute cancellations and timetable gaps are expected to add to journey times.

A rail source told the Daily Telegraph the train cancellations had impacted about 302 trips.

‘We are seeing and will have large service gaps for commuters due to the cancellations of around 30-40 minutes in some locations.’

The Transport for NSW official X account posted, ‘Expect delays and cancellations on Sydney Trains, Intercity and NSW TrainLink services due to ongoing protected industrial action.’

‘Allow extra travel time and consider using alternative transport.’

Sydney’s iconic fireworks are at risk of being cancelled as train strikes spark safety concerns for thousands who rely on public transport on New Year’s Eve.

Police Commissioner Karen Webb said she could not rule out cancelling the fireworks show if 250,000 revellers are able to get home safely that night.

‘I have grave concerns,’ she said on Friday.

‘Each year, we police New Year’s Eve on the basis that 250,000 people can come into the city and then safely leave the city.

‘Leaving the city is based on access to transport, including trains.

‘And if trains aren’t available, and people can’t leave the city, I have very large concerns of the risk that will create to the public because families won’t be able to get home and they’ll be trapped in the city with no way out.

‘I haven’t ruled out that I will recommend to the government that we cancel the fireworks. It’s that serious.’

The major update comes after the Federal Court dismissed the NSW government’s technical argument trying to invalidate the industrial action on Thursday afternoon.

The dismissal gave Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) the green light for up to 8,000 workers to strike in the lead-up to the festive season. 

The Fair Work Commission will hear the case on December 23 and Christmas Eve.

Premier Chris Minns said the state and the unions were still ‘miles apart’ in their negotiations.

‘I can’t promise that we will win those court cases, and I want to make it absolutely clear that even if we don’t win in the Fair Work Commission or through the court process, I cannot be dragged back to the negotiating table and pay an exorbitant amount of money with a blank cheque,’ Mr Minns said.

The Rail, Tram, and Bus Union (RTBU) represents more than 35,000 workers in rail and public transport industries across the state.

More to come.