Trains on the South Coast and T4 lines will shut down for six hours on Wednesday in response to a planned strike by drivers, guards and other workers.
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Transport for NSW has advised that trains will not run on the two lines, which service the Illawarra and South Coast, between 10am and 4pm.
Commuters might be affected before and after these times, as some services might be cancelled or run to a limited timetable from 6am to 8pm.
Transport for NSW says this is because trains will need to go back to stabling yards and depots before the industrial action starts.
"We urge all our customers to plan ahead by catching alternative public transport or working from home on Wednesday, if possible," Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland said.
He said the timetable was expected to return to full operation by 8pm.
"We would normally have more than 70,000 customers travelling on the T4 and South Coast lines on any given Wednesday," Mr Longland said.
The strike is the first in a series to affect different parts of the network this month, as well as other industrial action.
At the centre of the dispute between the union and the state government are concerns about the New Intercity Fleet, which the Rail Tram and Bus Union says has safety issues.
Wollongong MP Paul Scully wrote to Transport Minister David Elliott on Tuesday, saying "commuters expect the NSW government to fix this industrial dispute".
"It is time for the government to sign the deed of agreement to fix the NIF [New Intercity Fleet] and resolve to provide fair wages and conditions to train workers," Mr Scully said in the letter.
"Illawarra-based commuters want their passenger services back on track."
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
