South Coast left off train timetable

Train commuters in Sydney have more regular services from this morning, the first work day of a new timetable, but extra services on the South Coast line are a year or longer away.Transport Minister David Campbell said a new South Coast line timetable, with likely extra services, would be developed after the duplication of the Cronulla line, which also runs trains through Sutherland station.But the $344 million Cronulla duplication is running more than a year behind schedule and not expected to be complete until next year.There would then be a consultation period for any new timetable.University of Wollongong students raised the need for more regular trains at a recent forum attended by Mr Campbell and NSW Premier Nathan Rees.The Illawarra Commuters Association is also calling for at least one Wollongong to Sydney express train in the early morning peak.The new Sydney timetables integrate the Epping to Chatswood rail link into the network and provide extra services on the Western, Southern, Northern, East Hills and North Shore lines.Some CountryLink train and bus services also change. But there are no extra South Coast trains, the only changes here being a slight difference in some departure times.Opposition transport spokeswoman Gladys Berejiklian claims the increase in trains still leaves the total number of services below the 2005 level, when services across the network were reduced."South Coast commuters have again been left out with these changes," she said. "This follows on from recent station staff cuts and the concerns about security that goes along with that."Since Mr Campbell, the Keira MP, became transport minister, the South Coast line has received some significant funding.Unanderra station is undergoing a $11.4 million access upgrade while Wollongong, Woonona, Waterfall and Helensburgh stations received funding for commuter car parks.