Metro testing has begun on the new Southwest Metro line, marking the first time a metro train has operated on this track as the Government transforms a 130-year-old former T3 Bankstown line into a modern metro service.
The milestone for Sydney Metro Southwest was achieved at 4am this morning, beginning a rigorous testing and commissioning program that will include more than 6,500 hours of train testing between Sydenham and Bankstown.
“This is an exciting day for south west Sydney who have put up with major disruption to their train services and waited patiently for what will be a transformative new metro service,” said Premier, Chris Minns.
“Seeing a metro train in testing on these tracks is a glimpse into the future where people from Bankstown and Belmore, Campise and Canterbury, will have access to the most modern, turn-up-and-go metro services leaving these stations every four minutes.
“I want to thank the hardworking Southwest Metro conversion team who have worked around the clock to get these trains on the tracks as we work towards opening this brand new metro line.”
Train set TS 28 completed the inaugural 6.5-kilometre journey to Campsie Station in five hours. When the extended metro line opens next year, the same journey will take just 11 minutes.
Making stops at each station, the train made its way towards Campsie, before later travelling the full length of the new line to Bankstown.
The start of train testing has been made possible by significant conversion works completed by more than 800 workers since the closure of the T3 line on September 30 last year.
The initial testing phase will see the train travel at speeds under 25km/h under manual control.
“Train testing is another reminder to the southwest that this most modern is on its way to service your community,” said Minister for Transport, John Graham.
“The southwest section of the M1 Metro Line is expected to add an additional 17,000 people to the rail network every hour during peak periods.”
Tests to be completed at speeds under 25km/h include:
- ‘Car-Car Clearance Test’ to ensure all curves/turns are negotiated without issue;
- Kinematic Envelope Testing to ensure safe distance between sides of the train and the station platforms;
- Signalling functions, including radio coverage;
- Platform screen door interface checks;
- Mechanical gap filler tests;
- Testing a train under loaded conditions, where the train is filled with water containers to simulate a train filled with passengers.
The next phase will involve testing at higher speeds and a transition from manual to automated train operations.
For more information on Southwest Metro: City & Southwest project overview | Sydney Metro.
