Need the lowdown on all the little Metro facts you may have missed? Section Editor Beth Nicholls has you covered!
First opening in May 2019, the Metro Line originally only travelled from Tallawong to Chatswood, with a total of thirteen stations on the line. The newly opened section now extends the Metro to Sydenham, going through the Sydney Central Business District (CBD), having eight new stops within the section, including Sydenhem, Gadigal and Central.
Originally slated to open on 4 August, it then ran into issues regarding rail safety regulator approvals, before officially opening on 19 August.
For many people, their travel time via the train and metro has decreased, with the new Metro line allowing people to get places faster. Though, if you don’t live near the vicinity of the Metro extension, it doesn’t really change your travel time or experience.
The line extension means that you do not need to make a train change at Chatswood when wanting to travel into the Sydney city, which is extremely advantageous for commuters coming from the Hills district. It also allows for travellers who travel on the T3 or T8 line to travel to Sydenhem and change to the Metro line, minimising changes and travel time to travel to Macquarie University, or further to the Hills.
The trip from Macquarie University to Sydenhem once took three different trains and over 40 minutes, but now the direct trip now only takes roughly 32 minutes, with a service coming every seven minutes. The whole journey from one end of the line (Tallawong) to the other end (Sydenham) takes 59 minutes.
The newly opened stations are adorned with beautiful architecture, and are a sight to look at, however it’s not all glitz and glam.
The new extension means that many more people are travelling via the Metro, and car parking availability near the stations has become scarce within the Hills district. Not only is there insufficient parking at some stations such as Tallawong, Bella Vista and Kellyville, some stations don’t even have car parking available, instead people are opting to park on the street and risk facing a fine.
During the first four weeks of operation, services are temporarily running on shortened hours between Chatswood and Tallawong Monday to Thursday, due to essential engineering and maintenance works. Although this is a conscious decision that has been made, it also disrupts people’s travel within these first four weeks, which makes some commutes more difficult.
Despite these challenges, the Metro is continuing to improve the state of Sydney’s public transport system, and it’s not over yet. At the end of 2024 the T3 Bankstown line will be closing for twelve months to finish the last stage of the Metro line, which will see an extension from Sydenham to Bankstown [1].
love it, rare and sexy W from Transport NSW
Holly, travels from Macquarie Park to either Macquarie University or the CBD
The new Barangaroo station is a delight to visit! Its modern architecture and natural sandstone elements make it such a romantic date spot. They just need to introduce an ice cream spot for those dreamy sunset views.
Sophie, travels from Castle Hill to Macquarie University
I was pleasantly surprised that I got a seat at Epping when I caught the metro this week. My journey to Gadigal was super smooth and felt quicker than the train, but timing was actually pretty similar. I love how accessible things are now – I can get off at Barangaroo to access Sydney Dance Co, The Rocks and King Street Wharf, or Gadigal for Town Hall. I am a Metro stan
Tess, travels from Epping to Gadigal
The metro is so much busier now than before! It’s also impossible to find parking unless you get there crazy early! I’m glad it’s easier to get to the city (and safer than my local train station). I’m excited to visit the Barangaroo stop as it’s so convenient!
Chantelle, travels from Blacktown to either Macquarie University or Rouse Hill
ENDNOTES
[1] "Sydney Metro City: Opening Soon." Sydney Metro, Sydney Metro, https://www.sydneymetro.info/article/sydney-metro-city-opening-soon.
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