Riverina train services have been cancelled due to more than 130 TrainLink regional rail staff being in contact with a COVID positive case.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
An employee of an external provider has tested positive for COVID-19 leading to services across the state, being cancelled, including services between Sydney and Melbourne which stop at Wagga and Albury.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the number had been revised down from 260 after the hours the tester worked while infectious were "further refined".
"These staff members are isolating pending further health advice," the spokesperson said.
"Most booked regional train services have been cancelled today and into the coming week due to staffing arrangements.
"Patronage is down approximately 93 per cent on our regional booked services compared to 2019, however booked customers will be contacted directly and we are working closely with them to limit impacts."
"Transport for NSW is like any other workplace, where they are essential workers coming to work," the spokesperson said.
"Our priority is keeping our staff and customers safe, while continuing to provide transport services that are necessary for the functioning of the community."
Meantime, Shadow Minister for Transport Jo Haylen accused the NSW Government of "failing to prioritise essential transport workers for vaccination, failing to give every worker paid vaccination leave and failing to provide rapid testing and vaccination hubs at their workplaces".
In response, the Transport for NSW spokesperson said there had been a COVID-safe plan in place for the protection of its staff and customers.
"This plan includes rapid testing for staff in some areas," the spokesperson said.
"The vaccine rollout is determined by the Federal Government and rolled out by NSW Health. "We have been working closely with the unions to advocate for the best interests of our staff.
"As government workers, Transport for NSW staff are paid for their time to go get vaccinated and offered special leave if staff are required to self-isolate."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark https://www.bordermail.com.au/
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @bordermail
- Follow us on Instagram @bordermail
- Follow us on Google News.