Delays and cancellations at Wellington Railway Station. Photo: RNZ / Nick James
A Wellington commuter says she and other passengers felt like they almost passed out because of crowding on a train.
More train services were cancelled and delayed in the capital on Thursday as rail staff continued their industrial action ahead of contract talks.
This industrial action was launched after seven bargaining meetings since work for a new collective agreement started in July.
Since Tuesday they have been 'working to rule' - taking all breaks and not working overtime or accepting alterations to their shifts.
Tatiana said her trip from Manor Park this morning was awful.
"I almost just passed out on a train this morning, and I was waiting half an hour for a train."
The train stopped for about seven minutes on its approach to the station, she said.
A commuter at Wellington Railway Station, Colin Blake, said he was sick of the delays.
His train last night was 40 minutes late, and there were no signs indicating delays or cancellations, he said.
Meanwhile another Wellington commuter, Tom, said he supported industrial action by train staff, despite the disruption it's caused.
Metlink warned Wellington commuters about limited bus replacements due to industrial action by train staff ahead of pay talks.
It said it was aware that last night, some commuters were stranded in Wellington city, and had to pay to stay in a hotel overnight.
Meanwhile, Transdev and the Rail and Maritime Transport Union will commence pay talks tomorrow.
Transdev managing director Ian Ladd told RNZ it was very optimistic the dispute can be resolved at a meeting on Friday.
"I think both parties want this to conclude in a positive manner."
Ladd said a mediation meeting had also been scheduled for Monday as a "back up".
"We like to plan ahead accordingly, we hope in good faith bargaining that will be achieved [a solution] tomorrow."
He said delays and cancellations on the services were due to when rostering was scheduled alongside any issues on the train network.
Ladd said the problems experienced this week were not due to them not having enough staff.
He said the transport operator was disappointed about the delays this week.
"We are aware of the delays due to the industrial action, and we are trying to work as best as we can to avoid any delays."
The action is currently expected to continue until at least Monday.
