Josephine Cross, 20, catches the train to work in the CBD five days a week and often travels by rail from the city to the University of Newcastle to study after work.

Being a working student trying to save money, she has decided to rely on public transport and does not own a car.

“This means that the train is vital for me in travelling,” Ms Cross said.

“The train service is efficient, direct and convenient. I pay a day return ticket and I can use the train as many times as I need to, depending on my plans.”

Ms Cross said the state government’s argument that the number of commuters travelling into Newcastle was falling was wrong.

“To say that the train is out dated, that no one uses it, I would have to disagree,” she said.

“On the eight o’clock train, four carriages, a person would be lucky to find a seat. 

“The following train, 10 minutes later and only two carriages, a person would be lucky to find space to stand. Returning in the afternoon is the same.”

While Ms Cross said fewer people used the train during the middle of the day, the carriages were far from empty.

And she said the number of passengers soared during the summer months.

“They should not be taking away the line, but maybe instead even adding services or carriages at certain points in the day,” she said. 

“The notion that no one uses the service is completely misguided.”

The government will close the rail line between Wickham and Newcastle stations from Boxing Day and the tracks will be removed.

There are plans to replace trains with a light rail service after a transport interchange is built at Wickham.

Until then, commuters who want to get into the city, including Ms Cross, will have to change from a train to a bus service at Broadmeadow station.

The government has ruled out delaying the start-work date until after the March election.

Premier Mike Baird has refused to explain why.