‘Delays, breakdowns, frustration’: NSW commuters left waiting at the station

Commuters line the platform at Sydney’s Strathfield station in May, after delays slow their commute. Intercity services have been less punctual than city trains. Photograph: Steven Markham/AAP

As more families seek affordable housing outside Sydney, they are experiencing a daily stress: their bosses want them back in the office more frequently but the train services to get there are becoming more and more unreliable.

NSW has just recorded its worst year for on time running for Sydney trains, with nearly one in five running late, but the real problem is with intercity trains. Since July, one in three have failed to meet the punctuality benchmark.