The daily Sydney-Dubbo return XPT has been temporarily cancelled in the fallout from more than 100 transport workers in the state's capital having contact with a person testing for COVID-19 who became a confirmed case.
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Transport for NSW confirmed more than 130 TrainLink regional rail staff were in isolation pending further health advice after coming in contact with an employee of an external provider who tested positive for the virus.
The number had been revised down from the original 260 workers, after the hours the tester had worked while infectious were further refined, a Transport for NSW spokesperson said on Monday.
The Daily Liberal understands that while intercity and coach services have not been affected, more than 20 train services have been cancelled in recent days.
Most booked regional train services had been cancelled on Monday, and into the coming week, due to staffing arrangements, the spokesperson said.
Patronage was down about 93 per cent on regional booked services compared with 2019, however booked customers would be contacted directly and the department was working closely with them to limit impacts, the spokesperson said.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused due to COVID-related staffing issues and ask that customers consider all their travel options," the spokesperson said.
"Transport for NSW is like any other workplace, where they are essential workers coming to work.
"Our priority is keeping our staff and customers safe, while continuing to provide transport services that are necessary for the functioning of the community."
Tickets for coach services linking western NSW with Dubbo, and the Dubbo-Lithgow return coach service that links with intercity services can still be selected on the NSW TrainLink website, however an alert advises of stay-at-home orders and that people should avoid all non-essential travel.
The department's COVIDSafe Transport Plan remains in place across the network, including enhanced cleaning.
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Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
