Sydney commuters warned 'there will be delays' on network despite strike being called off

Officially there is no train strike in Sydney on Monday, but there will be disruptions with some services cancelled on the morning commute.

Desperate to end the deadlock between Sydney Trains staff and management, former drivers are being asked to come out of retirement, it's been revealed.

And there are warnings to passengers travelling on the network on Sunday night as buses replace trains on some lines.

Parts of the suburban rail network will start shutting down before 9pm, with dozens of services cancelled, as trains are moved to prepare for the morning peak.

Those heading to stations in the morning are being warned to allow extra time and head to work early.

"Our key message to customers tonight is plan ahead and travel a little bit earlier than normal," said Marg Prendergast, coordinator general for Transport NSW.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance claimed: "We're back to running a good, 100 percent services tomorrow."

Many commuters are reluctant to believe it.

"It's the worst, yeah. it's not really efficient here," said one commuter.

"We'll just have to wait and see," said another.

Sydney Trains admits there is the possibility of disruptions on Monday. It all depends on how many drivers call in sick. If the numbers are high, it's understood that could trigger cancellations.

"We'll be monitoring the situation and we'll respond accordingly with some extra buses or whatever we can do."

Rail, Tram and Bus Union state secretary Alex Claassens tried to quell fears of possible unplanned absences spiking.

"We're an honest, law abiding union. We always follow the rules and will continue to follow the rules," Mr Claassens said.

Staffing is still an issue with confirmation coming Sunday Sydney Trains has approached retired train drivers to come back.

"It would make sense to see if some of the drivers do want to return, because they don't have to go through 12 months of training," Mr Constance said.

Opposition Leader Luke Foley said calling on former drivers to return is proof there is not enough staff to cover the network.

"The fact that the government has to beg retired drivers to come out of retirement tells you how understaffed the railways are," he said.

Sydney Trains will this week sit down with hundreds of workers to try to negotiate a new pay deal.