Train travellers will receive text messages during significant network disruptions under new initiatives to "help give passengers a more user-friendly experience".
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Transport Minister Jo Haylen announced five measures would be implemented following the initial Sydney Trains review, which was ordered by the state government in May.
Ms Haylen said the plan would "ensure passengers have simple, real-time information to help them travel on the rail network".
The plan includes:
- Launching Geotargeted Broadcast SMS alerts during significant network incidents, providing real-time updates via text messages to a large number of nearby people, similar to localised text messages used by NSW Police.
- New smart screens at key locations to help passengers connect across all public transport services.
- More customer experience team members deployed to help passengers when and where they need it most.
- Better informed frontline staff by streamlining information from the Rail Operations Centre, ensuring station and train announcements are faster, more accurate and in real-time.
- An awareness campaign to help passengers understand the lesser-known journey planning tools available to them on the Opal Travel App.
Ms Haylen said the Geotargeted Broadcast SMS platform would be used by Transport for NSW for the first time to send alerts about an incident or service disruption to hundreds of thousands of nearby passengers and others in the area.
More than 45 new smart screens were being rolled out at 21 busy transport hubs including Central, Circular Quay, Strathfield, Lidcombe and Blacktown thanks to an initial $5 million investment, she said.
The digital screens displayed live information for all modes of nearby transport, providing greater connectivity and alternative options.
Ms Haylen said additional face-to-face support would also be available when it was needed most, with new customer experience team members recruited to assist during major events and disruption.
Murray Trembath
St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reporter covering politics, urban affairs, council, development and general community news. Email: mtrembath@theleader.com.au
St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reporter covering politics, urban affairs, council, development and general community news. Email: mtrembath@theleader.com.au
