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. 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.
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. 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."
Passengers will continue to travel between Tallawong and Sydenham. However, 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).
The new Southwest Metro stations are:
MARRICKVILLE
The station will be upgraded with level access between platforms and trains and platform screen doors to keep people and objects away from the tracks. The existing lifts and entrances will be retained.
DULWICH HILL
The station will be upgraded with new lifts for the first time, level access between platforms and trains and platform screen doors to keep people and objects away from the tracks. A new concourse will connect customers with Dulwich Hill Light Rail station.
HURLSTONE PARK
The station will be fully upgraded with new lifts for the first time, level access between platforms and trains, and platform screen doors to keep people and objects away from the tracks.
CANTERBURY
The station will be fully upgraded with new lifts for the first time, level access between platforms and trains, and platform screen doors to keep people and objects away from the tracks.
CAMPSIE
The station will be upgraded with level access between platforms and trains and platform screen doors to keep people and objects away from the tracks. The existing lifts and entrances will be retained.
BELMORE
The station will be upgraded with level access between platforms and trains and platform screen doors to keep people and objects away from the tracks. The existing lifts and entrances will be retained.
LAKEMBA
The station will be upgraded with level access between platforms and trains and platform screen doors to keep people and objects away from the tracks. The existing lifts and entrances will be retained.
WILEY PARK
The station will be upgraded with new lifts for the first time, new retail shops at the station entrance, level access between the platforms and trains, and platform screen doors to keep people and objects away from the tracks.
PUNCHBOWL
The station will be fully upgraded with new lifts for the first time, level access between platforms and trains, and platform screen doors to keep people and objects away from the tracks.
BANKSTOWN
The station will be upgraded with level access between platforms and trains, easy interchange with Sydney Trains and platform screen doors to keep people and objects away from the tracks. The existing lifts and entrances will be retained.
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.