Southwest Metro is a significant step closer to opening, with the successful completion of the intensive five-week Trial Running program involving more than 130 operational scenarios.
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.
To support opening preparations, there will be a number of planned closures of the M1 line in the coming weeks. These include:
- Sunday 6 September – full line closure
- Monday 7 September and Wednesday 9 September – overnight closures from 10pm
- Sunday 13 September – full line closure
- Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September – between Chatswood and Sydenham
Replacement buses will operate between Tallawong and Chatswood during relevant closure periods, with customers able to connect to Sydney Trains services from Chatswood into the city.
Acting Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:
“This is a significant step towards bringing world-class metro services to communities in South-West Sydney.
“This testing puts training and procedures to the test in a realistic environment before passengers begin using the new metro.
“I want to thank the local communities who have been incredibly patient while their existing train line was converted. The experience in the North West and City shows that this will be worth the wait.
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
“This is a big step forward that demonstrates the Southwest Metro can move into its final operational readiness testing ahead of opening.
“Over the coming weeks, the operators will continue working on key operational issues including gap filling on platforms and corridor protection. These are some of the unique challenges that have come with the conversion of a 130-year-old above ground rail line.
“Now that trial running is complete we look forward to continuing the work with the independent regulators, and providing a firmer guide on the opening timeline, as we get closer to final accreditation.”
Sophie Cotsis MP, State Member for Canterbury
“The end of trial running means we are another step closer to delivering transformational infrastructure that will change the lives of people across Canterbury and Sydney’s inner south west.
“The Southwest Metro will provide local families, workers and students direct connections and faster public transport to jobs, education and tourism across Sydney.
“Our community has patiently waited for the completion of this project, and it is so exciting to see the final stages of testing successfully completed as we move closer to opening day.”
Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:
“We are getting incredibly close to saying goodbye to the pink buses and hello to Southwest Metro. Our metro staff are working hard to make sure everything is running smoothly and, most importantly, safely for passengers before services begin.
“I know how much our communities have been looking forward to this, and we’re nearly at the point where they can jump on board and enjoy better connections, easier journeys and more time back in their day.”
Kylie Wilkinson MP, State Member for East Hills
“For my community, particularly those in the north of my electorate, the Metro will provide new opportunities to connect with other parts of Sydney and make travelling across the city easier.
“Thorough testing across a range of different scenarios is an integral part of making sure the service is safe, reliable and ready for the community when it opens.
