Let’s go! Southwest Metro moves into operational readiness

The handover transitions the ambitious conversion project from its construction phase into operational readiness preparations. This is one of the final stages as we surge towards first passenger services starting later this year. 

The milestone follows the successful completion of the rigorous high-speed testing and commissioning program, which began in November 2025. More than 70 testing checks have now been completed to verify the safety, performance and reliability of the new line.

This past weekend, full-line journey tests between Tallawong and Bankstown commenced after a major software upgrade was rolled out to unify the operational M1 line and the Southwest extension into one integrated network.

These end-to-end operations, known as through running, will now be incorporated during regular service hours, not just on weekends when the line is closed. 

On Saturday, every second train successfully completed this journey, with through running initially happening on operational weekends and weeknights before ramping up and being progressively added during higher patronage periods over the coming weeks.  

Passengers can continue to travel between Tallawong and Sydenham before some trains head through to Bankstown after passengers disembark on Platform 2 at Sydenham.

Citybound services from Sydenham will continue to operate from Platform 1. Passengers are advised to check platform information screens and to listen for announcements while at the station.

Around 23,000 of the required 30,000 kilometres of testing, and more than half of the required 9,000 hours of testing, is now complete.  

The ten Southwest Metro stations, including Dulwich Hill, Canterbury, Belmore and Lakemba, are almost ready to welcome passengers, with minor works including cleaning, landscaping and precinct enhancements to continue over the coming months.  

Major construction has also finished on all overbridges along the line, now featuring new safety barriers, anti-throw screens, and upgraded access on the footpaths.

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.

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.

Southwest commuters will have fast and reliable metro, including: 

• Marrickville to Gadigal: 12 minutes - saving 12 minutes 
• Bankstown to Central: 28 minutes - saving six minutes 
• Campsie to Macquarie University: 44 minutes – saving 17 minutes 
• Lakemba to Victoria Cross: 37 minutes – saving 24 minutes