The New South Wales government has promised a $6.8 billion upgrade to the South Coast rail line if re-elected next year. The plan includes electrifying the line between Kiama and Bomaderry, so passengers could travel from Sydney to Nowra without changing trains. Extra tracks and passing loops are also planned between Wollongong and Kiama. Planning is expected to start in 2027, with construction completed in the mid to late 2030s. The announcement follows the scrapping of a planned timetable overhaul on the line, which had drawn commuter backlash.
The NSW government has scrapped major train timetable changes on the T4, T8 and South Coast lines less than a month before they were due to start. Premier Chris Minns said the government had listened to commuters and local MPs. The changes were due to take effect on November 15 and had promised more frequent services, though some trips would take longer. Passengers had objected to losing direct trips to Sydney Airport from Wollongong and to other changes. Transport Minister John Graham said the focus would now be on improving reliability on the existing network.
A new South Coast rail timetable starts on Sunday, November 15, bringing more frequent peak, off-peak and weekend services between Wollongong and Sydney. Transport for NSW says the changes will untangle the South Coast and T4 lines between Arncliffe and Central. However, many commuters heading beyond Central, including those travelling to the airports, will need to change trains, adding around six minutes to each journey. Transport for NSW data for March 2026 shows about two-thirds of morning peak passengers from South Coast stations travel no further than Central, and will be affected. Local commuters have criticised the changes.
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Transport for NSW has announced Sydney train timetable changes from 15 November 2026 that bring more services but add up to 14 minutes to some journeys. The changes affect the T4, T8, South Coast and T2 lines, along with St Peters and Erskineville stations. Trains on the T4 line will run more often at peak times, while South Coast trains will stop at Central instead of Bondi Junction. Minister for Transport John Graham said the changes are part of a $2.1 billion investment in the network.
