The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has slammed the NSW Rail, Train and Bus Union for using ‘fear tactics to prevent productivity’ after the New South Wales Government announced the rollout of full-automated rapid transit driverless trains.

“Fully automated systems have been delivering safe, efficient and reliable train services in at least 14 countries on more than 40 rail lines used by millions of people for the past 30 years,” ARA’s CEO Bryan Nye said.

“Unions, like the RTBU, opposed to the idea, are resorting to using fear tactics, saying that this makes the trains unsafe. The use of modern technology increases the productivity of the service and is completely safe,” Mr Nye said.

“Minister Berejiklian’s announcement is further evidence of the NSW Government’s commitment to progress and to improving the city’s rail experience, as first outlined in the Sydney’s Rail Future – Modernising Sydney’s Trains plan released mid-way through last year.”