The NSW Government has committed $6.8 billion to electrify the South Coast rail line between Kiama and Bomaderry and to double tracks at key bottlenecks. Construction is expected to be complete by the mid-to-late 2030s, with detailed planning starting in 2027. The announcement follows the government scrapping timetable changes that were due to take effect in November after community concerns. Premier Chris Minns said the upgrade would deliver faster, more reliable trains. An immediate $621 million will fund upgrades to power, signalling and flood protection ahead of the main works.
A revised train timetable for the South Coast Line will add hundreds of services each week, aimed at shortening waits for commuters. From 15 November, peak trains between Wollongong and Sydney CBD rise to four per hour, meaning a service every 15 minutes. Off-peak and weekend frequency will also double, with trains roughly every 30 minutes. Nineteen additional Mariyung trains will join the line, offering charging ports and space for luggage, prams and bicycles.
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.
South Coast commuters will gain more than 200 extra train services a week from November 15, but will lose their direct airport interchange at Wolli Creek. Peak services between Wollongong and Sydney will rise from three to four trains an hour, while off-peak and weekend services will double. South Coast trains will now terminate at Central instead of continuing to Bondi Junction. Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland said the changes will affect airport passengers, and recommended Central for elderly passengers or those with large luggage.
A report co-authored by the Australian Democracy Network and Deakin University says council rules are hampering the right to protest. It cites a regional New South Wales council that required a $20 million public liability policy for a rally in a park, and a Queanbeyan organiser asked to pay insurance. A Bayside council spokesperson said it was not opposed to a rally but that planned activities required event approval. Local Government NSW and the Office of Local Government were approached for comment.
