COMMUTERS on the CityRail network in and around Sydney, from north of Newcastle to Nowra in the south, are getting a free ride today after months of turmoil, including extensive delays and overcrowding.

Long-suffering train commuters won the fare-free travel after the NSW Government caved in to a protest campaign for a “no-pay day” and Premier Bob Carr overruled rail executives who had threatened to fine fare evaders.

Mr Carr said yesterday the fare-free day was an acknowledgment of the frustration felt by many Sydney commuters, and conceded that people often received “a bloody atrocious service”.

The campaign was led by legal secretary Rebecca Turner, who urged people to refuse to pay their fares as a protest against the condition of the public transport system. She said her campaign had engendered a massive public response,

“This protest is the first thing that has got a positive response out of the Government to do something for us,” Ms Turner said. “The trains have been just disgusting, atrocious — they are ruining people’s lives.

“They can’t get anywhere on time. They are missing out on jobs. Employers are deeming people unreliable because of the poor state of public transport.

“I hope this prompts the Government to recognise the urgency of the situation and do something about it.”

Unions NSW secretary John Robertson was supportive, saying: “We think commuters and rail workers alike have suffered at the hands of Railcorp management. The whole system is suffering from a lack of funding.”

Helen Willoughby, a spokeswoman for Railcorp, said plans were in place to ensure smooth operations during the day. Vending machines were closed from midnight last night for 24 hours. Peak periods were running at capacity, but increased patronage was expected during the off-peak period.