The Southwest Metro has reached its biggest milestone yet, with trains now running the full length of the connected line between Bankstown and Tallawong, and the railway officially handed over to its operator, Metro Trains Sydney, as final testing gets underway ahead of opening later this year.
For the first time, the entire M1 Metro line is operating as one connected network, with trains successfully completing end-to-end journeys between Bankstown and Tallawong during weekend testing.
During weekend testing, every second train successfully completed a full run of the track from Bankstown to Tallawong, end-to-end operations will progressively be added, culminating in every service running to Bankstown as we get closer to first passenger service.
Passengers will continue to travel between Tallawong and Sydenham. But from today, those services will arrive on Platform 2 at Sydenham permanently for the first time before continuing through to Bankstown as part of testing (passengers will be required to get off the metro at Sydenham).
Citybound services from Sydenham will continue to operate from Platform 1. Passengers should check platform information screens and to listen for announcements while at the station.
Around 22,000 of the required 30,000 kilometres of testing, and more than half of the required 9,000 hours of testing, is now complete.
The Southwest Metro extension of the M1 Metro Line will deliver capacity for an additional 17,000 people per hour during peak periods, transforming travel across one of Sydney's fastest-growing regions.
Southwest Metro will open later this year, with the exact date to be confirmed following the successful completion of trial running and receipt of all required regulatory approvals.
Southwest commuters will have fast and reliable metro, including:
- Marrickville to Gadigal: 12 minutes - saving 12 minutes
- Bankstown to Central: 28 minutes - saving six minutes
- Campsie to Macquarie University: 44 minutes - saving 17 minutes
- Lakemba to Victoria Cross: 37 minutes - saving 24 minutes
As previously announced, M1 line closures will continue to ensure the safe and reliable opening of the converted line to Bankstown later this year.
Full line closures:
- Saturday 18 July to Sunday 19 July
- Saturday 25 July to Sunday 26 July
- Monday 27 July to Wednesday 29 July from 9.50pm nightly
Replacement buses will run between Tallawong and Chatswood, with Sydney Trains services between Chatswood, the City and Sydenham.
Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:
"This is a really exciting milestone because it shows we're in the home stretch. For the first time, Metro trains are now running all the way from Bankstown to Tallawong as one connected railway.
"I know communities across southwest Sydney have been incredibly patient while this work has been carried out. We've got a little more to do to make sure everything is thoroughly tested and ready before we welcome passengers.
"When the Southwest Metro opens later this year, it will completely change the way people travel across Sydney, giving thousands of people faster, more frequent and more reliable public transport every day."
Acting Minister for Transport Jenny Aitchison said:
"This is another significant milestone for the Southwest Metro, with trains now travelling from Tallawong to Bankstown as one connected line for the first time.
"While we work through the next phase of rigorous testing, passengers will still only travel from Sydenham to Tallawong, but we are powering closer to completion.
"Once the full line opens later this year, more than 18,000 Metro trips are expected between Bankstown and Central during the morning peak from 8am and 9am.
"With every major testing milestone, the Minns Labor Government is building momentum towards opening a world-class service for southwest Sydney."
Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:
"I'm so pleased to share this milestone with our community as the Southwest Metro gets closer to opening.
"I want to thank the whole community for your ongoing patience as we all see the progress being made on the Metro and our new improved stations. Every step forward is a step closer to catching the Metro - and it will be worth it."
Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said:
"This milestone brings our community closer to fast, reliable metro services which will transform travel for people in the city's southwest.
"The Southwest Metro is a transformational project that will better cater for the transportation needs of southwest Sydney and deliver more job opportunities for the people of Canterbury.
"I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the community for their patience and understanding during this work."
Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:
"What an incredible milestone to reach as we edge closer to getting passengers on board. I'm thankful to everyone for their understanding as the pink buses keep people moving.
"The Southwest Metro will completely transform the way we travel in the inner west and help people choose public transport more often."
