A recent survey conducted by Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the South Coast Rail Line. Of the nearly 1,000 respondents, a staggering 81% expressed dissatisfaction or very dissatisfied with the service.

Ward emphasised that the survey results reflect deep-seated issues beyond the current industrial challenges plaguing the rail network. He attributed the discontent to the Minns Labor Government's management of public transport, stating, "These results are a total condemnation... commuters are overwhelmingly not happy with a government that seems obsessed with fixing Sydney problems whilst ignoring regional NSW."

Respondents cited concerns about safety, reliability, and consistency of service – fundamental aspects of a modern public transport system. Ward highlighted the government's cancellation of projects like the Toolijooa Passing Loop and the underutilisation of the new intercity fleet as contributing factors to commuter frustration.

"People are fed up with this government's cuts to investments... which won't deliver a single new seat or service," Ward stated. He also noted the impact of ongoing track work on the line's reliability.

Ward plans to present the survey findings to the government and urge the Transport Minister to meet with South Coast commuters. He concluded, "I will continue to stand up and fight for real investments in transport infrastructure that make a real difference and I’ll continue to hold this government to account given their clear lack of action and ignorance about the failings in the system they are responsible for running."