Sydney Metro Testing Begins Amid Door Malfunction Investigation

Sydney Metro testing has commenced on the new Sydenham to Bankstown line, marking a significant milestone in the city’s transport expansion. The first train completed its journey at 4 a.m. Thursday, initiating over 6,500 hours of rigorous testing. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

At Campsie Station, NSW Premier Chris Minns emphasized the project’s importance for Sydney’s future. He stated that the metro provides rapid public transport into the city, connecting seamlessly with the broader network. This development facilitates better housing opportunities, encourages public transport use, and reduces road congestion.

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Minns highlighted the significance of this testing phase, describing it as transformative for Sydney. He acknowledged that the first trip took five hours but assured that operational journeys would take about 11 minutes.

Once fully operational, the metro will significantly reduce travel times. The trip from Campsie to Central Station will take 18 minutes, while the route to Chatswood will be completed in 33 minutes.

Sydney Metro Testing: Door Malfunction Investigation Underway

Concurrently, authorities are investigating a door malfunction on a crowded Sydney Metro train in the city’s north. The incident occurred on a southbound train between Chatswood and Crows Nest.

Premier Minns assured the public that the matter is being taken seriously. He stated that the national regulator is conducting a full investigation, and Transport Minister John Graham is collaborating with the metro operator to prevent similar incidents.

The Rail, Tram, and Bus Union has called for an immediate shutdown of the metro system until interim safety measures are implemented. However, Minns dismissed this as an overreaction, emphasizing that while the incident is regrettable and under investigation, shutting down the entire network would unnecessarily disrupt commuters.

Sydney Metro Chief Executive Peter Regan reported that initial findings indicate the door failed to close correctly. The system attempted to close it remotely, and manual override options were available. However, initial reports suggest that the manual procedure was not fully followed, leaving the door unsecured while the train was in motion.

Regan emphasized that safety systems functioned as intended. Staff were stationed near the door, and the control center quickly applied the brakes, stopping the train inside the tunnel.

Premier Minns acknowledged that human error may have played a role in the incident. He noted that no passengers were in immediate danger and urged the public to remain level-headed, emphasizing the excellence of Sydney’s metro infrastructure and cautioning against overreaction.

Despite the incident, the city’s south-west metro expansion remains on track, with the line set to open next year.

Sydney Metro Testing: Future Prospects and Safety Measures

As Sydney Metro testing progresses, authorities are focusing on both expansion and safety. The new line promises to enhance connectivity and reduce travel times. Ongoing investigations into recent incidents aim to ensure passenger safety and system reliability.

The commitment to rigorous testing and prompt responses to issues reflects Sydney Metro’s dedication to providing a safe, efficient, and reliable transport system for all commuters.

Source: www.abc.net.au

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