Sydney transport system is about to get a major upgrade with the new Sydney Metro fast underground rail network. Not only will there be new trains, but also new station locations, significantly cutting down travel times across various parts of Sydney. However, expect some disruptions along the way. Recently, all 45 metro trains completed at least one round trip between Tallawong and Sydenham at full operational speed, and the first station at Waterloo is now complete.
What is the Sydney Metro?
The Sydney Metro is a brand-new underground transport system being built beneath the city. It features high-speed, driverless trains designed to make traveling around Sydney much faster and easier. The metro will run beneath the harbour, taking commuters from North Sydney’s new Victoria Cross Station to Barangaroo in just three minutes. Other key stops on the line include Castle Hill, Macquarie University, and a central superhub at Martin Place.
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With frequent and super-fast services, the metro aims to make commuting throughout Sydney more straightforward and quick. Though construction has caused and will continue to cause some disruptions (especially for those on the Bankstown to Sydenham line), the end result promises to be worth the hassle.
When is the Sydney Metro Opening?
The first stage, Sydney Metro Northwest, opened in May 2019, running from Chatswood to Rouse Hill’s Tallawong Station.
The current focus is on completing the Sydney Metro City and Southwest line, a 30-kilometre stretch from Chatswood to Bankstown. This line is expected to open in mid-2024, with a major station beneath Martin Place serving as the superhub.
What’s the maximum speed of the Sydney Metro trains?
The estimated journey times for the metro are impressive. Here are some examples:
Stations
Castle Hill to Martin Place
Macquarie University to Central
Chatswood to Gadigal
North Sydney Victoria to Barangaroo
Central to Martin Place
Central to Sydenham
Sydenham to Chatswood
Travel Time
35 minutes
26 minutes
13 minutes
3 minutes
4 minutes
7 minutes
22 minutes
As the Sydney Metro City and Southwest approaches its opening date in 2024, the final touches are being added to the Waterloo station.
Where Will the Sydney Metro Go?
The Sydney Metro City & Southwest line will run from Chatswood to Bankstown, passing through the city and under the harbour. Completion of this line will result in the Bankstown to Sydenham train line being closed for 12 months.
In a major development for Sydney’s western suburbs, the government has confirmed that Sydney Metro West will proceed. This line is set to connect the Sydney CBD to the new city center near Sydney’s new airport, with a completion date estimated around 2032. The government also plans to build more affordable housing along this route.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen stated,
“From the middle of this year, our city will be served by six brand new metro stations, giving commuters more travel options than ever before.”
The Sydney Metro promises to transform how Sydneysiders travel across the city, bringing both exciting benefits and some temporary challenges. Keep an eye out for the new stations and faster journey times as this ambitious project comes to fruition.
Conclusion
Sydney Metro is set to revolutionize commuting in Sydney with its high-speed, driverless trains and strategically located stations. Despite the temporary disruptions during construction, the new system promises a more efficient and quicker travel experience, ultimately benefiting Sydneysiders significantly. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the opening of the Sydney Metro City and Southwest line in mid-2024.
