The Southwest Metro train now runs at 100 km/h on the Sydenham–Bankstown corridor, because Sydney Metro expanded trials toward 9,000 hours and 70 integration tests ahead of the 2026 opening.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Southwest Metro train testing hits 100 km/h in Sydney
Photo: Sydney Metro

Southwest Metro train testing widens across the M1 corridor

High-speed trials began on November 10 between Sydenham and Bankstown, after months of lower-speed work at 25 km/h. Engineers now validate braking, ride comfort, and communications at operational speeds — in real conditions, not just theory.

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Since April, one set logged 700 hours and 3,000 kilometres on the extension. A second train now drives the program toward 9,000 hours and 70 integration checks, so certification stays off the critical path.

As officials put it, the testing and commissioning phase is a “crucial step.” Teams load carriages with water containers to mimic full passenger weight — a practical method that exposes limits before riders feel them.

Southwest Metro train closures, timelines, what to expect

To integrate systems across the M1, crews will stage several closures; safety and signaling work simply demand clear track. Full pauses arrive on November 22–23 and December 27–30 for CBTC migration and end-to-end functionality checks.

Partial closures land on November 15–16 and December 6–7, with service running only on segments. Overnight suspensions follow on December 8–10 and 15–17, starting at 10 p.m.; frankly, the window is tight but manageable.

During closures, passengers can use replacement buses between Tallawong and Chatswood, and Sydney Trains through Sydenham. Travel apps, alerts, and station announcements will carry updates, so riders can plan without last-minute scrambles.

Once integration wraps, trains will run every four minutes with accessible stations and shorter trips. By 2026, the M1 Line will span 66 kilometres and 31 stations from Tallawong through the CBD to Bankstown.

Source: www.railexpress.com.au

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