Sydney commuters get free travel

By Phil Mercer
BBC, Sydney

Thousands of Sydney commuters took advantage of the day

Thousands of Sydney commuters have had a day's free travel after an unprecedented display of anger against the city's poor rail network.

Protesters threatened not to pay to travel on Monday, until the authorities said passengers could travel free of charge.

Unions are also threatening strike action for better pay and conditions.

The state government in New South Wales has admitted that train services in Sydney were "atrocious".

I think the rail service has been bloody atrocious. It has got to be fixed up. It is the biggest problem we face Bob Carr, New South Wales Premier

For months, commuters have suffered.

For some, even the sight of a train arriving late is a relief on a network where many services are cancelled without warning.

Over the past fortnight, a push by passengers to make today a no-pay day has mushroomed.

Facing a widespread rebellion by customers, the government has ordered staff not to collect fares.

Rail bosses have blamed the system's problems on ageing rolling stock and absenteeism by drivers as part of their campaign for better wages.