The union had wanted to ask for an explanation at Friday’s government meeting on funding intercity train modifications.
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“We hoped to have some clarity today by meeting with ministers at 9 a.m. They have now canceled that meeting,” Claassens said. “We want significant negotiations to resume.”
Elliott and Tudehope have been approached for comment.
The union says the new trains are not safe to operate because guards cannot see them properly to check that the platforms are clear as they approach and exit the stations.
The fleet, which began arriving in Sydney more than two years ago, has been sitting in sheds at a cost of $ 30 million a month to the taxpayer, according to the government.
The cost of modifying the new trains is expected to amount to hundreds of millions of dollars.
NSW budget documents show that the total cost of the long-distance train fleet is “under review,” indicating that it will increase well beyond $ 2.88 billion.
Transport for NSW said in a statement that the final cost of the new long-distance fleet project was subject to ongoing negotiations on the new business agreement. However, the agency said the project was still within its $ 2.8 billion budget, which includes the cost of 610 new cars, power supply upgrades, network empowerment works and the design and construction of the new maintenance facility at Kangy Angy on the central coast.
The latest rupture in negotiations comes after the entire Sydney rail network closed on 21 February, causing days of transport chaos for passengers.