Sydney Metro Begins Southwest Line Testing

Sydney Metro starts train testing on the upgraded Southwest line today. Crews modernize the 130-year-old Bankstown route for better service. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

This first test run launched at 4 am on April 3, 2025, with success. Train set TS 28 covered a 6.5-kilometre route from Sydenham to Campsie in about five hours.

Don’t miss…Latvian Railway Unites Subsidiary Companies

This initial journey took longer because engineers maintained a cautious low speed. However, officials expect the same trip to take only 11 minutes once services begin next year.

Today’s test kicks off an intensive testing and commissioning phase for the project. Experts will conduct over 6,500 hours of trials between Sydenham and Bankstown to ensure reliability.

During early tests, drivers manually operate trains at speeds below 25 kilometres per hour. Meanwhile, technicians verify critical systems like car-car clearance and platform alignment for safety.

The assessments cover multiple areas, and engineers actively monitor each component. They check kinematic envelopes, screen door alignment, gap fillers, radio systems, and simulated passenger loads.

Sydney Metro Advances to Automated Systems

As testing advances, trains will increase speeds and shift to automated operations soon. This progression matches standards set by the existing North West route.

Transport officials plan several service adjustments to accommodate the ongoing work. Full and partial closures, plus early evening service ends, will affect the Bankstown and M1 lines.

Authorities urge commuters to stay updated with real-time travel alerts and plan trips. These changes ensure the testing phase runs smoothly without major disruptions.

The Southwest line forms a key part of the broader City & Southwest initiative. This ambitious project links Chatswood to Bankstown through the CBD by 2026.

Sydney Metro Targets 2026 Completion

Sydney Metro aims to deliver faster, more efficient travel across the city with this expansion. And the successful test run today brings that vision closer to reality.

Testing will continue over the coming months, refining systems for optimal performance. Because of this, the Southwest line promises a transformative upgrade for public transport.

Officials remain confident in meeting the 2026 deadline for full operations. Thus, commuters can look forward to a modernized travel experience in the near future.

Source: railway-news.com

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: