Sydney commuters are being warned to expect more delays on their journey home after a enduring a morning peak hour breakdown of the system.

Sydney Trains are advising commuters to travel earlier or delaying their journey, with the morning delays still affecting afternoon services.

This morning’s incident continues to delay our services into this afternoon's peak. The Rail Operations Centre is working on a plan to run a frequent service on all lines.



Please consider travelling home earlier/later or delay any non-essential travel. Updates to follow. pic.twitter.com/EfFeOpiB4l — Trains Info (@TrainsInfo) August 23, 2019

Sydney’s public transport network is strained after a train breakdown at Town Hall station prompted delays across the rail network.

"The incident follows the discovery of a damaged roof hatch on a Tangara train that was found to be off its hinges and close to touching the 1500 volt overhead wiring," Sydney Trains said on Twitter.

A loose hatch on top of a train is close to overhead wiring at Town Hall. To secure safely, the power from this section of track must be isolated. Our electrical crews are working to do this ASAP, and repair crews will then secure the hatch safely. Your patience is appreciated. pic.twitter.com/UqbH1HNaDZ — T1 Sydney Trains (@T1SydneyTrains) August 22, 2019

The T1 Western line, T2 Inner-west and Leppington line, T3 Bankstown, T8 Airport and T9 Northern line have also experienced flow-on delays.

AAP

T1 Sydney Trains took to Twitter to confirm crews had been working frantically to help clear the backlog.

Repairs are now complete. Please still allow extra travel time to complete your journey. Listen for announcements and check indicator screens as stopping patterns and platform may change at short notice. pic.twitter.com/zCdPgbA43X — T1 Sydney Trains (@T1SydneyTrains) August 22, 2019

Despite the best efforts of technicians, Sydney's commuters remain unimpressed by the added frustration on the Friday morning trip to work.

It actually boggles my mind that a single train with mechanical issues can shut down a whole transport network. In a developed country. In Sydney. That isn't normal, or acceptable. @T1SydneyTrains #sydneytrains — dusk and dawn child (@mysamurott) August 22, 2019

#sydneytrains I guess I live between Macdonaldtown and Redfern now. Who would like to join me in creating a new society of Mad Max-esque train dwellers pic.twitter.com/raUrQ8LI2I — dusk and dawn child (@mysamurott) August 22, 2019

If #sydneytrains refunded me for every delay I probably wouldn't need a tax return. — Michael Kiossev (@mikeyninety) August 22, 2019

Two things Sydney trains are good at:

1. Being late

2. Pumping the AC at 16 degrees in winter — thandos (@andytruonq) August 22, 2019

Current queue at Town Hall to wait for a bus to North Syndey.#sydneytrains #FWP pic.twitter.com/kDvwNvCIh9 — 🏳️‍🌈💧🦉 Wanda 🦉💧🏳️‍🌈 (@fishy_wanda) August 22, 2019

Those travelling from Newtown in Sydney's inner-west were forced back out onto the street to find alternative arrangements.

So everyone has been kicked out of Newtown station, and this is the current line for buses into the city, lol #sydneytrains pic.twitter.com/WB0zqefzt7 — 🍂❄️🐕Patrick Lenton🌚🍁🌬 (@PatrickLenton) August 22, 2019

Replacement buses have been deployed to ease the commuter chaos however travellers are reporting significant queues to access the backup services.

#SydneyTrains are down and this is the line to get a bus pic.twitter.com/yeY42W84oe — Amelia Gilbert (@ameliagilbert) August 22, 2019

Transport authorities maintain commuters should allow plenty of extra travel time to reach their destination, with Sydney Trains staff now forced to defend the maintenance procedures of the organisation.

Hi there, all trains have scheduled maintenance services. The issue with the train this morning requiring mechanical repairs at Town Hall has been rectified. Teams are investigating the root cause of the issue. — T3 Sydney Trains (@T3SydneyTrains) August 22, 2019

Ridesharing services have recorded a spike in demand with some commuters furious over the surge pricing usually enforced during conventional peak periods.

In one example, a base Uber fare from Sydney's CBD to Artarmon on the North Shore would cost stranded passengers $106.05 - a surge fee four or five times the regular cost.

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@T3SydneyTrains hi, which sydney trains dept do I speak to in order to get reimbursed for my uber charge for this mornings debacle? It's a serious question. — Adrian Franco (@adrianfranco90) August 22, 2019

If you get stuck at your platform like I did make sure you don't get charged for waiting around. I got charged $1.80 for waiting for trains that never turned up! I WILL BE CALLING OPAL TO GET BACK. #ThankyouFerries. 90mins late and counting. #sydneytrains — Ali (@PinkMagicAli) August 23, 2019

An Uber spokesperson has told SBS News the ridesharing operator is looking for ways to lift reliability and ensure demand is being met as best as possible.

“In cases of very high demand, fares may increase to help ensure those who need a ride can get one...Where known disruptions are planned, we work constructively with transport authorities so we can communicate in advance to drivers.”

The rail headaches are just the latest in a number of problems on Sydney's train network.

Metro passengers were left fuming on Tuesday when a mechanical problem disrupted services, bringing the much-hyped driverless vehicles to a halt for the third week in a row.