The final stage of Sydney’s $29 billion M1 metro line is poised for an opening as late as September 2024. This announcement comes two years after a section of track in the city’s south-west was closed to facilitate the extensive project, which has required tens of thousands of commuters to rely on replacement buses during this period.
Transport for NSW has revealed that it is targeting the south-west section between Sydenham and Bankstown for the anticipated launch. The 13-kilometre segment’s opening will depend on the successful completion of high-speed testing of automated trains, which is scheduled to commence in the coming weeks. Ultimately, the timeline will hinge on final approval from the national rail safety regulator for passenger services to commence.
The opening date is crucial not only for the M1 line but also for coordinating surrounding transport services, including buses and suburban trains that will connect commuters. Since the closure of the T3 rail corridor in September 2022 for conversion works, replacement buses have been transporting around tens of thousands of commuters daily, with contracts in place for these services until the end of 2026 if necessary.
Converting the former T3 heavy rail line to accommodate driverless metro trains has proven to be one of the most complex aspects of this mega-project. Consequently, the government has been cautious about publicly committing to a firm completion date. A spokesperson stated that the conversion process is a “massive undertaking,” and further updates on the opening date will be provided when there is confidence in delivering on that timeline.
High-speed testing of the trains on this final section began in April, with initial tests seeing trains travelling at speeds of up to 25 kilometres per hour. The next phase is expected to allow speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour. While the government did not respond to specific inquiries about the target date, they emphasized that this next stage of testing is a significant milestone.
The T3 Bankstown line, which has been operational for over a century, was often criticized as a bottleneck in Sydney’s rail system, leading to frequent disruptions. The existing M1 line from Tallawong to Sydenham via the central business district was also closed recently to complete integration and testing of control systems essential for extending passenger services to Bankstown in 2024.
In addition to the technical aspects, the installation of 170 mechanical gap fillers at platforms across eight stations along the newly converted line presents further challenges for the operation of driverless trains. These hydraulic platforms ensure safe boarding and alighting for commuters once services commence.
Sydney Metro, the agency responsible for overseeing this ambitious project, is currently engaged in a dispute with Fire and Rescue NSW regarding the absence of fire hydrants on platforms at nine stations. This issue adds another layer of complexity to the project’s timeline and operational safety.
Originally, the final stage between Sydenham and Bankstown was expected to open in late 2025 after a 12-month shutdown of the old line. However, delays have pushed the expected opening back to next year. Under previous plans from the former Coalition government, this south-west section was scheduled to launch in 2024 concurrently with the remainder of the second stage between Chatswood and Sydenham.
As the project moves forward, its completion will not only enhance commuter convenience but also aims to alleviate congestion within Sydney’s transport network, offering significant improvements to daily travel for residents in the region.
