Metro train goes end to end in first full line test run
15.01.2026
A metro train has made history, completing the entire length of the M1 Metro North West & Bankstown Line from Tallawong to Bankstown.
During its inaugural journey, the train stopped at all 31 stations over the 66-kilometre route hitting speeds of 100km/h on the new section of the track .
The trip gives commuters a first-look at what their journey will look like when the Southwest extension of the M1 opens in the second half of this year.
More than 500 of the 9,000 hours of testing have been completed since the train commenced testing at high speeds up to 100km/h on 10 November 2025.
During the high-speed testing phase more than 70 key integration tests will be completed to verify the performance, functionality and safety of the trains and new infrastructure.
As part of the final conversion, crews will complete work to integrate the Southwest Metro with the existing metro line. This will require a series of full and partial line closures of the M1 Line in the lead up to opening. While disruptive, these closures are essential to allow for critical work to be completed safely.
In January , Metro services will not run on the weekends of the 17–18 and 24–25 January to allow critical conversion work to take place.
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January - Metro services do not run between Tallawong and Sydenham. Buses replace services between Tallawong and Chatswood only. For travel to and from Waterloo use local buses or trains from Redfern. Use Sydney Trains between Epping or Chatswood, the City and Sydenham.
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January - Metro services do not run between Tallawong and Sydenham. Buses replace services between Tallawong and Chatswood only. For travel to and from Waterloo use local buses or trains from Redfern. Trackwork also affects trains in the City. For travel between Epping or Chatswood and Sydenham use T9 trains between Epping and Central or T1 trains between Chatswood and Wynyard o L2 or L3 light rail services between Wynyard and Central, T4 trains between Martin Place and Sydenham.
Passengers along the M1 are advised to plan ahead as trackwork may impact how you travel over the next few months.