Overview
Good news, Sydney commuters: the new Sydney Metro line connecting Sydenham in the southwest with Chatswood north of the harbour is ready to welcome its first passengers. No, really this time.
The original August 4 opening date was cancelled with only two days' notice due to a (quite literally) shocking accident during the line's final tests, which resulted in a firefighter participating in safety drills being electrocuted, although they were thankfully not seriously injured.
The national independent safety regular is now satisfied that the new train system is finally passenger-worthy, clearing the way for all nine stations on the new extension of the Metro to open on Monday, August 19.
The announcement is not only good news for passengers but also for the hospitality businesses at the Metro's new stations. Major dining hubs at Martin Place, Victoria Cross and Waterloo have been developed to take advantage of the new influx of Metro passengers.
The first of the new Metro services is set to ride the rails from 4.54am on Monday, August 19, when the first ever northbound service from Sydenham departs on its way to Chatswood. The new driverless train system will whisk Sydneysiders across the city at incredible speeds, making the 15.5-kilometre journey from Sydenham to Chatswood in just 22 minutes and the journey from Central Station to Martin Place in just four minutes.
The next phase of the Sydney Metro extension works is already underway. The line between Sydenham and Bankstown will be closed for 12 months as new tracks, stations and other vital infrastructure are installed. When it opens in 2025, the Metro will offer the city's fastest ever travel between the far west and the CBD.
For more details about services on new City and Southwest Metro Line, visit the Sydney Metro website.
Images: Transport for NSW