Highlands train commuters face a long wait for more efficient services after the State Government has again delayed the needs of the Southern Highlands line.
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The State Government announced a $86 million project to fix peak-hour problems on CityRail's Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra lines, but there was no mention of help for the rickety local line.
Delayed trains, amended timetables and road coaches have been the only options for local transport users in past weeks due to track work, highlighting the need for upgrades.
Member for Southern Highlands Peta Seaton said it was a case of the 'never never' for the Southern Highlands, and Transport Minister Carl Scully was only throwing money in the direction of political advantage.
"I'm very angry we've been put on the never never for new carriages until the Illawarra line is completed," she said.
"We've had an urgent need for new carriages for five years.
"I think it's totally immoral to have a government making decisions on expected political advantage rather than using taxpayers' resources fairly."
Ms Seaton is pushing the State Government to conduct a feasibility study to provide a long-term solution for the train line, and is hopeful for the line's eventual electrification and re-design.
"We need to iron out its twists and grades so the line is much shorter and faster," she said.
Ms Seaton also said the local reaction had been overwhelming.
"I've had a flood of complaints," she said.
"It's a litany of mismanagement and people are really, really angry."
A spokeswoman for the Transport Minister confirmed there were no immediate plans for assistance for the Southern Highlands line.
"There is nothing specific [to be done] at the moment," she said.
Sydney resident Nadia Rihani, a regular user of the Southern Highlands line, said the situation was ridiculous.
"For too long we've had to put up with inadequate rail services," she said.
"If we're not standing in the isle due to lack of seats then we're being transported by road coach.
"It's not acceptable. Obviously the Minister for Transport thinks users of this train line don't vote."
Ms Rihani was also up in arms about the 3.46pm Sydney to Goulburn train, also known as the 'sardine express'.
"Some people are forced to stand in the isle for up to an hour," she added.
"Hence, there is evidently a pressing need for upgrades."
