Commuters at one of Sydney’s most frequented rail and metro stations are facing the inconvenience of climbing numerous stairs after both lifts malfunctioned once more.

To alleviate this issue at Epping Station, Transport for NSW has implemented an innovative approach.

Much like the sherpas on Everest, baggage handlers are now stepping in to assist passengers burdened with luggage.

“My father, who’s 82, found it really tough,” one resident explained. “We had to visit recently, and he had to navigate the stairs alone, which was quite a challenge for him.”

Another commuter noted, “These baggage handlers are only available from 7am to 6pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on weekends. Outside these hours, you’re essentially left to fend for yourself.”

As a significant transport junction, Epping serves a critical role for thousands of daily travelers, offering both heavy rail and metro connections.

So why are the lifts failing so often?

“We’ve heard vandalism, apparently, that’s not very obvious to me,” local MP Monica Tudehope said.

“It just looks like the government’s relying on very ongoing repairs rather than replacing the lift, which hasn’t been done since 2005.”

Transport for NSW said it was expediting repairs but with replacement parts coming from overseas, that’s unlikely until the end of January.