NSW: Free travel as gov't tries to solve rail crisis

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2004
NSW: Free travel as gov't tries to solve rail crisis

The New South Wales government says it could force train drivers to make themselves
available for overtime.

The warning comes as the driver shortage continues to cause delays on Sydney's rail network.

RailCorp boss VINCE GRAHAM has received legal advice that he can force drivers to abide
by the award requirement that they make themselves available for reasonable overtime.

But the New South Wales Greens' have warned the government against insisting drivers
work overtime, saying the move would endanger community safety.

Mr GRAHAM says the number of drivers refusing to work overtime jumped from 100 on Monday
to 308 yesterday, a quarter of the workforce.

And in a move expected to cost $5 million, the government yesterday promised regular
rail commuters a week's free travel to try to defuse public anger at the rail crisis.

Premier BOB CARR also promised a fare-free day in the near future for other train users.

AAP RTV ka/wz/lma

KEYWORD: TRAINS (SYDNEY)

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