Southwest Metro completes trial running phase

The program tested the Southwest line under a wide range of operating conditions, including multi-agency emergency response exercises, to confirm the network can perform safely and reliably when passenger services commence.

As part of the testing there was a major emergency exercise, more than 12 months in the planning, which simulated a fire on a moving train that came to a controlled stop near Bankstown Station. The exercise involved Fire and Rescue NSW, Police and Transport for NSW resulted in the safe evacuation of around 300 volunteers.

The successful completion of Trial Running now allows the operator to continue refining systems including mechanical gap fillers and management of corridor protection in response to a range of scenarios.

In the lead up to first passenger services, testing will include running driverless trains over set periods to assess how the network performs under different operating and journey time scenarios. 

As this work continues, Sydney Metro and the operator MTS will finalise documentation for the independent regulatory assessment ahead of the formal accreditation process. 

At the ten upgraded stations from Marrickville to Bankstown, final completion works are underway including remaining asphalting on platforms, fencing remediation work, signage installation, along with plaza and concourse finishes. 

The rigorous testing and commissioning program for Southwest Metro has been underway since the first metro train moved onto the converted line in April 2025. Since then, more than 5,800 of the required 9,000 testing hours have been completed, along with 24,235 of the required 30,000 kilometres of testing