Digital Photo Gallery of Ted Szukalski
Fine art digital photography, photographic news, reviews, articles and resources.

Mick On Late running train MG_5671

Daily Commuting MG_5672

Today was a very shameful day for City Rail as far as commuters of Newcastle / Central Coast line were concerned. During the morning peek there were 30 to 45 minute delays due to a derailment which occurred just before 2am. And in the evening the overhead power lines were faulty - another 45 minutes delay. Mind you I have not seen any workers fixing the lines and yet the train continued its journey - miraculous repair indeed.

Wynyard station - platform 4 at 5:28pm

This week was a total disaster for Sydney City Rail. Firstly, an electrical storm on the Central Coast line caused delays for commuters in excess of three hours. City Rail stuff were totally unprepared for the situation. The replacement bus service took for ever to be organised and when the drivers arrived they have not been informed what happened and where to go. There were no City Rail officers at the bus stop to explain it to them or to communicate with the commuters. Conflicting announcements over the PA system could not reach the public, who were told to wait for the buses outside. The very next morning a tragic death accident caused even more delays for the commuters. Again, there were no contingency procedures to deal with the situation. A day later a gas leak at Epping put the timetables into disarray again. 30 minute delays, overcrowded platforms in peak evening hours. The photograph taken at Wynyard station shows Sydney commuters on platform 4 in temperatures exceeding 30C faced with a train, which arrived so full I doubt a single person was able to board it. And the week is not over yet…

This seemingly uninteresting scene represents an issue that is close to the heart for many commuters and travelers on Sydney City Rail. The carriages are not designed for any luggage. Carrying even small backpack, as many commuters do, presents a problem, never mind big suitcases like the ones shown on the photograph.