Newcastle and Central Coast Swifties advised to allow extra travel ...

Taylor Swift fans travelling this weekend from the Hunter and Upper Central Coast are urged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time as essential Rail Repair Plan trackwork continues to build a more safe, resilient and reliable network. 

If you are travelling from the Central Coast & Newcastle towards Sydney, buses replace trains between Newcastle Interchange and Wyong from 1.20pm Friday 23 February until 2am Tuesday 27 February. 

Transport for NSW is prepared to get Swifties there in comfort as additional rail replacement coaches will run from Newcastle Interchange to Wyong where fans can connect with limited stop trains to Sydney and with express trains to Olympic Park.

12 coaches will operate between Wyong and Newcastle exchange on an ‘as directed’ timetable, providing a connection to rail services.

Additional staff will be on the ground to direct bus movements and assist passengers. 

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said that trackwork is an essential part of maintaining a safe, reliable and resilient rail network and is planned 12 months in advance.

“While we do our best to minimise disruption to passengers, with multiple major events happening every weekend in Sydney, unfortunately some clashes are inevitable,” Mr Longland said. 

“We estimate up to 500 ticketholders will be travelling from the Hunter and Upper Central Coast to each Taylor Swift concert, and we have put extensive preparation into this with extra bus services supplying a regular service from Newcastle to Wyong.

“The trackwork affecting the rail line this weekend is due to important repair and maintenance work to a number of bridges that are critical for rail freight services and unfortunately, it was not possible to change the work program. 

“It is going to be a warm weekend, so we are asking all passengers to please take care during their journey. 

“During extreme heat, bring a water bottle and if you feel unwell ask a member of staff for help. If you are on a train and feel unwell, get off at the next station where you can get help from station staff. Station staff will have bottled water at key locations for passengers in need.

“I want to thank all our passengers for their patience while we work hard to provide the most reliable rail network possible.” 

Travel on all modes of public transport is included in your Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour concert ticket – just show your ticket to transport staff when boarding services.

More than 1,200 extra train and bus services will operate across the four nights to help event-goers travel to and from Sydney Olympic Park. 

This includes more than 700 extra buses and more than 550 extra trains. 

It’s going to be extremely busy on the roads and public transport with more than 75,000 ticketholders expected to attend each concert. Passengers are encouraged to allow extra travel time and plan ahead by visiting transportnsw.info or using trip planning apps.