Sydney Southwest Metro Update: Testing Passes Halfway Mark Ahead of 2026 Opening
Sydney’s Southwest Metro has passed the halfway point in its testing program, bringing the long-awaited rail link between Sydenham and Bankstown closer to opening later this year.
Transport authorities said more than half of the required 30,000 kilometres of testing has been completed, with trains currently operating for up to 22 hours a day, five to seven days a week, as engineers prepare the system for passenger services.
About 55 per cent of more than 700 testing checks have been completed, while further system integration and safety tests will continue over the coming months.
The latest phase of testing focuses on ensuring trains, signalling systems, platform screen doors and other station technology operate together safely and reliably before the line opens to commuters.
Faster and more frequent services planned
When services begin in the second half of the year, trains are expected to run every four minutes during peak periods, carrying up to 18,000 passengers an hour between Bankstown and Central.
Transport Minister John Graham described the milestone as a significant step toward delivering improved transport capacity for Sydney’s growing population.
Comparison: Metro vs. Current Rail Travel Times
| Journey | Current Travel Time (Approx.) | Metro Travel Time (Projected), | Time Saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakemba to Victoria Cross | 61 minutes | 37 minutes | 24 minutes |
| Bankstown to Central | 40+ minutes | 28 minutes | 12+ minutes |
| Sydenham to Chatswood | 35 minutes | 22 minutes | 13 minutes |
Source: Data compiled from Sydney Metro and Transport for NSW 2026 reports
“This is an exciting milestone for southwest Sydney, with the next phase of testing now bringing all elements of the new railway together as one fully integrated system,” he said. The NSW Government has highlighted that travel times will be slashed, with a trip from Lakemba to Victoria Cross projected to take just 37 minutes—a saving of 24 minutes.
The conversion of the former T3 Bankstown Line into a metro service has required extensive upgrades to stations and infrastructure, with works now about 85 per cent complete.
Closures required to complete final works
Authorities said a series of temporary line closures will continue to be necessary as crews complete final integration works, including a full closure scheduled over the Easter long weekend.
While disruptive for passengers, officials said the shutdowns are essential to safely connect the new metro extension with the existing M1 line.
Once operational, the new line is expected to significantly reduce travel times across southwest Sydney. For example, trips from Bankstown to Central are projected to take about 28 minutes, while journeys from Lakemba to Victoria Cross could be shortened by more than 20 minutes.
Government figures show the broader metro network is expected to increase the number of train services that can enter the Sydney CBD from about 120 per hour previously to as many as 200 services in the future.
Officials thanked residents and commuters for their patience during construction and testing, saying the new railway is intended to serve the region for decades to come.
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