The daily Sydney-Dubbo return XPT remains halted in its tracks more than a week after regional rail staff had contact with a confirmed case in the state's capital.
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Transport for NSW has confirmed the service, along with two others will "not run for the next two weeks due to COVID-related staffing issues".
More than 130 TrainLink employees went into isolation more than a week ago pending further health advice after coming in contact with an employee of an external provider doing tests for COVID-19.
Most booked regional train services - more than 20 - were cancelled last week.
The temporary cancellation of the Sydney-Dubbo return XPT now stretches into a second week.
"From Monday August 23, most regional long haul services will resume for those making essential trips," a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.
"However, the Sydney to Dubbo service, along with Sydney to Broken Hill and Griffith services, will not run for the next two weeks due to COVID-related staffing issues.
"Patronage across the booked public transport services [is] down around 90 per cent and we will continue working directly with customers who are impacted by any cancellations.
"We ask everyone to consider all their travel options and only use the network if you are making an essential trip."
Tickets for the Dubbo-Lithgow return coach service that links with Sydney trains 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.
