High-speed testing of trains on the Southwest Metro line begins this week, marking another major step towards the start of turn up and go services on the former T3 rail line between Sydenham and Bankstown.
Trains will now begin running at speeds of up to 100 km/h, progressing from the current low-speed testing stage capped at 25 km/h.
Communities along the former T3 line will see increased activity in coming weeks and months as testing accelerates, with a minimum 9,000 hours and 30,000 kilometres of combined testing to be completed before the line opens.
The Minns Labor Government acknowledges the patience and understanding of local communities and businesses who have managed with major construction and disruption. Their cooperation has been critical to achieving this milestone as the project moves into the testing stages.
Since testing began in April, a single train has completed more than 700 hours and travelled 3,000 kilometres at lower speeds. In the high-speed testing phase, more trains will be added to the line as testing progresses.
When the line opens next year, a metro train will run every four minutes in the peak - 15 metro trains an hour compared to eight trains an hour on the former heavy rail T3.
Passengers will benefit from faster, more reliable and more frequent services, 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
The southwest extension will join with the popular M1 Line at Sydenham to create a 66-kilometre line of 31 stations through the Sydney CBD to Tallawong in Sydney's northwest.
At station level, the transformation of the Southwest line continues to power ahead, reaching 75 per cent completion.
Painting and tiling are underway at all 11 stations, and the installation of Opal gates is nearing completion.
Testing and commissioning of platform screen doors and mechanical gap fillers are advancing, with the world-leading safety technology passing its initial tests at Dulwich Hill, Belmore, Lakemba, Punchbowl and Bankstown stations, ready for integration testing with the test train later this year.
Across all stations, Sydney Metro's distinctive 'M' station signage is being fitted, with a total of 2,393 wayfinding signs to be installed by opening day.
Communication systems, including passenger information display screens, are being mounted, while installation and testing of speakers, CCTV, door security, and hearing loops is ongoing.
The Minns Labor Government thanks the communities in Sydney's southwest for their patience as the project progresses and passengers on the M1 Line metro who will be affected by some upcoming weekend closures for essential work to integrate the new line.
Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:
"High-speed testing on the Southwest Metro line is a critical step forward to delivering what will be a game changing piece of transport infrastructure.
"Converting a 130-year-old heavy rail line to metro standard is a big undertaking, which is why this stage of testing will be exhaustive.
"We understand the patience this has required from local communities and businesses, and I want to thank them for sticking with us. Their support has helped make one of the biggest transport transformations in Sydney's history possible."
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
"Sydney Metro has transformed how millions of people get around, and it is exciting news that we are entering high-speed testing here on the Southwest Metro line.
"I want to again thank the community for their patience in using replacement buses before this game-changing train service begins and for local businesses around stations that have also been impacted by construction.
"The T3 Bankstown line was a notorious bottleneck and a Metro will open more doors to job and education opportunities while also bringing more business to this part of Sydney."
Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said:
"The SouthWest Metro is a game-changer for my community of Canterbury.
"For too long, the hardworking people of Canterbury and of Southwest Sydney - especially our nurses, cleaners, teachers, students, families, and the elderly - have been underrepresented when it comes to public transport infrastructure.
"This metro is about delivering opportunity and access to everyone.
"I want to sincerely thank my community for their patience and adaptability as we reach this major milestone. Your support is helping to build a more connected future for all of us."
Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:
"This is another major milestone as we move closer to delivering the Metro for communities along the Bankstown line. Each test brings us a step closer to faster, more reliable public transport for southwest Sydney.
"When it's complete the people of southwest Sydney will enjoy more trains, less waiting and quicker trips to where you need to be."
Member Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:
"I want to thank everyone across the Inner West for their patience as we deliver this transformative public transport project. High-speed testing is a major milestone, bringing us closer to a Metro service that's fast, frequent, and reliable."
