New timetable launched at Bulli

Transport Minister John Watkins and David Campbell at Woonona Railway Station to confirm funding for new buildings.

COMMUTERS will spend up to 10 minutes longer on train trips between Wollongong and Sydney come May 28.

Transport Minister John Watkins, with Minister for Illawarra David Campbell, arrived at Bulli Railway Station on the 11.06am service from Sutherland on Monday to launch the new South Coast rail timetable and confirm upgrades to local railway stations.

Mr Watkins defended increased travelling times between Wollongong and Sydney saying slower trains meant better reliability.

"The new timetable for the Illawarra and South Coast line reflects the safer operations introduced after the Waterfall accident, with more realistic running times and longer dwell times at stations," Mr Watkins said.

He said the extra time northern suburbs commuters will spend on trains was because of an increased demand on the network.

Copies of the new timetable are being delivered to stations throughout the region to ensure passengers know about the changes to services before they commence on May 28 Mr Watkins said.

While visiting Bulli and Woonona stations, Mr Watkins confirmed major improvements to the two stations worth $3.6 million.

"The $2.6 million Bulli Easy Access upgrade will improve the station particularly for those with mobility issues such as the elderly, frail, people with disabilities or parents with small children and prams," Mr Watkins said.

The Bulli project features the installation of two new lifts, a family accessible toilet, better lighting, and the expansion of CCTV.

Mr Campbell said the $1 million project at Woonona Station includes demolishing the existing station building on platform one and the construction of a new station building on platform two closer to the East Woonona shops. Work is expected to start on platform two in the last quarter of this year and will take about six months to complete, Mr Campbell said.

"There will also be a new canopy on the platform, which will protect passengers from the elements. It will help boost reliability on wet days, because it will mean faster, more efficient boarding for passengers who will be protected from the rain."

A new ticket vending machine will also be placed on the platform next month.