Sydney’s $21.6 billion metro rail line under the harbour and CBD will open to passengers on Sunday, August 4, seven years after construction started on the mega project that is set to reshape the way commuters traverse the city.
The NSW government confirmed it is targeting August 4 for the opening to passengers of the main section of the Metro City and Southwest line between Chatswood and Sydenham.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the metro trains would be the fastest way to travel in and around Sydney’s CBD and north of the city, including across the harbour, when passenger services start next month.
The city-section of Sydney’s mega metro rail line under the harbour is about to open to passengers.Credit: Nick Moir
“Excitement is mounting for when commuters will be able to step on-board 445 new metro services deep below the city every day,” she said.
The opening date will still be subject to the outcome of timetabled trial operations, which began two weeks ago, and final approval from national rail safety regulators.
Confirmation of the target date for the opening follows about 15 months of intensive testing and commissioning of the new infrastructure, including twin tunnels, driverless trains and stations, which is a key step towards gaining accreditation before passenger services begin.
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Haylen has previously said a range of different scenarios would be tested in the weeks leading up to the targeted opening in early August to ensure that it was “absolutely ready” for passengers to jump on board.
A metro train journey from Chatswood to the new Gadigal station near Town Hall in the CBD will take 13 minutes, while Chatswood to Sydenham will take 22 minutes.