Southwest Metro project accelerates to next testing stage
10.11.2025
Regulatory approval has been received for trains to test on the newly converted Southwest Metro line at speeds up to 100 kilometres an hour, ramping up from the previous 25 kilometre an hour limit.
High speed testing will commence on the Sydenham to Bankstown extension of the M1 Line from Monday 10 November 2025.
Since the rigorous testing program began in April, a single train has already completed more than 700 hours of testing and travelled 3,000 kilometres on the southwest section that will extend the M1 line beyond Sydenham to Bankstown in 2026.
To accelerate the program, this new testing phase will see an additional train join the testing fleet to complete a minimum of 9,000 hours of testing and validation of 70 key integration tests. This will be followed by a series of safety, operational & performance scenarios.
The testing and commissioning process is a crucial step in ensuring the complex conversion of the centuries-old former T3 Bankstown line meets strict safety and performance standards before passenger operations commence.
During this next testing phase, ride comfort, braking, systems and communications will be under close review. Testing will also take place while a train is ‘loaded’ with containers of water to simulate full passenger loads.
As part of the final conversion, crews will complete work to integrate the Southwest Metro with the existing metro line. This will involve up to 6 full and partial line closures of the M1 Line until the end of the year.
While disruptive, these closures are essential to allow for work to safely take place within the rail corridor.
Metro services will not run on the following weekends:
- 22–23 November: To continue the CBTC testing and migration process across the full line, including running trains between Tallawong and Bankstown to test system functionality.
- 27–30 December: To complete the CBTC migration process and run additional system function tests on trains operating between Tallawong and Bankstown.
During closure periods, passengers will have access to replacement buses between Tallawong and Chatswood, and Sydney Trains services between Chatswood and Sydenham.
Partial line closures on the following weekends:
- 15-16 November: Metro services will run between Tallawong and Central only. Use Sydney Trains services between Central and Sydenham during these times.
- 6-7 December: Metro services will run between Tallawong and Chatswood only. Use Sydney Trains services between Chatswood and Sydenham during these times.
And on the following dates, from 10pm nightly:
- 8-10 December, 15-17 December: Metro services will run between Tallawong and Central only. Use Sydney Trains services between Central and Sydenham during these times.
Metro passengers will be notified of these changes through transport apps, travel alerts, station signage and announcements. If travelling on metro, particularly for weekend travel, please plan ahead by visiting transportnsw.info.
Once complete, the Southwest Metro will deliver turn-up-and-go services every four minutes, fully accessible stations, and improved travel times from Bankstown to Central in 28 minutes, Marrickville to Macquarie University in 36 minutes, and Dulwich Hill to Victoria Cross in 21 minutes.
In 2026, the M1 Line will span 66 kilometres from Sydney’s northwest, through the CBD and out to Bankstown, serving 31 stations and transforming public transport for millions of people each year.