Today at 4:31am, the first train left Bankstown Station marking the commencement of passenger services on the new Southwest Metro.
Prior to the first service, hundreds of passengers lined the platform at the new Bankstown Station ready to board Train Set 29, which departed for the 66-kilometre, 80-minute journey to Tallawong via the CBD.
This ends one of the most complex rail transformation projects in the world, with the conversion of the 130-year-old Bankstown line and heritage stations to accommodate modern high-speed, automated, driverless trains.
The Minns Labor Government thanks the communities from Bankstown to Lakemba to Campsie through to Marrickville for their patience and welcome them to their world class public transport infrastructure.
With services every four minutes during the peak, 50% more capacity, and significant time savings, this world class public transport infrastructure will transform the communities it travels through, connecting residents with jobs, education and housing.
Examples of journey times include:
- Marrickville to Gadigal: 12 minutes - saving 16 minutes.
- Belmore to Gadigal: 22 minutes - saving 14 minutes
- Punchbowl to Barangaroo: 32 minutes - saving 24 minutes.
- Bankstown to Macquarie University: 54 minutes - saving 25 minutes.
The pink buses will continue to run for three days, and additional staff are available throughout the network during this opening period to assist customers as they become familiar with metro services.
There will be an increase in staff on the Metro, and at stations during the coming days should commuters have any questions. Passengers can plan their journeys at transportnsw.info.
This transformative transport infrastructure was fully funded by the Minns Labor Government, without privatising hospitals, motorways or any other vital public infrastructure.
As the Minns Labor Government has delivered the Southwest Metro, it is also delivering Metro West from the CBD to Parramatta and the Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport project. Two-thirds of Sydney's 46 Metro stations have now been completed, with 15 more under construction.
The Minns Labor Government is also investing in the heavy rail network which was neglected by the former government, despite it transporting a million passengers each day. This investment includes $12 billion to build the next fleet of passenger trains in the Hunter, $6.8b billion in South Coast rail infrastructure and a $2.1 billion investment in rail maintenance and reliability.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"This is a huge day for southwest Sydney, finally the wait for the Metro is over.
"I want to thank the commuters, local businesses and families who have been exceptionally patient as this massive project to convert the heavy rail line was undertaken.
"This Metro will knit different areas of Sydney together like never before. Commuters in Bankstown, Wiley Park, Belmore, Canterbury now have access to the same fast, reliable public transport connections that other parts of our city enjoy.
"We have fully funded and delivered Southwest Metro without privatisation. And we're doing it while building two more Metro lines, investing $12 billion in new trains built in the Hunter, $6.8 billion in South Coast rail and $2.1 billion to fix the heavy rail network the Liberals neglected for 12 years."
NSW Minister for Transport John Graham said:
"This was the moment patience turned to jubilation.
"These communities will now be better connected to jobs, education, health and entertainment across Sydney.
"This morning shows how popular this service will be. Imagine it when the Bulldogs are playing a home game at Belmore or communities are gathering for Lakemba Nights.
"It took a Labor government to fund this project, and we didn't have to sell off a hospital or a motorway to do it."
Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:
"The people of the Bankstown electorate are so excited that this day is here! Our local businesses are ready to welcome Metro riders to Bankstown - so come and visit us for a manoush, a bahn mi or just say g'day!
"I want to thank the thousands of people that have contributed to this achievement and to the community for their patience. This is a massive day for our community and all of Sydney."
Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:
"This is a huge day for the Inner West. With the magic of Metro more people in our community will choose public transport more often and that's a win for everyone.
"I want to thank everyone for their patience through the disruption and the thousands of workers whose efforts have got us to this moment.
"From today, our community gets the benefit: faster, more frequent and more accessible public transport, and better connections to work, education, entertainment and to each other right across Sydney."
Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said:
"People across the inner south-west now have fast, direct access to central and northern Sydney opening up job opportunities and connecting people to education, sport, health and tourism like never before.
"I've been talking to local businesses and they're looking forward to finally having the roads clear of the pink buses and full of people experiencing everything Canterbury has to offer.
"I've been speaking to students who say they're relieved the metro has finally opened and excited about getting to high school and Uni so much quicker. Lakemba to Macquarie University in 44 mins instead of over an hour will make their lives so much easier."
"It's taken a lot of work and patience to get to opening day and I want to thank everyone involved."
Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson said:
"What an exciting day for my community, as the Southwest Metro officially begins passenger services marking a major milestone for public transport across Sydney.
"This project will connect many in my community to work, education and services, making it easier for people to get where they need to go."
Member for Strathfield Jason Yat-sen Li said:
"Today, residents across Sydney's southwest are better connected than ever - families, workers and students can now get where they need to go far more quickly and safely. This metro is about making everyday life easier and opening upnew possibilities for our community."
