The final stage of Sydney’s multibillion-dollar Metro rail project opened to commuters on Friday, October 29, 2026. The south-west Metro rail line began service at 4:31am on October 30, with more than 1000 passengers lined up at Bankstown station from 2am to board the inaugural train.
Ten new stations open on south-west Metro line
Ten stations opened on the south-west Metro line: Punchbowl, Wiley Park, Lakemba, Belmore, Kempsey, Canterbury, Hurlstone Park, Dulwich Hill, Marrickville, and Sydenham. The project involved converting the 130-year-old Bankstown line and heritage stations to accommodate modern, high-speed automated, driverless trains.
Project cost and complexity details
The project experienced cost blowouts and delays on the city and south-west lines, with
a final cost of just under $23 billion. This transformation represents one of the most complex rail projects globally.
Improved service frequency and reduced travel time
Services now run every four minutes during peak times, providing 50% extra capacity. Travel time from Bankstown to Sydney CBD is reduced to 28 minutes.
Official statements and ceremony details
NSW Premier Chris Minns described the opening day as a “huge day” for south-west Sydney residents: “This Metro will knit different areas of Sydney together like never before. Commuters in Bankstown, Wiley Park, Belmore, Canterbury now have access to the same fast, reliable public transport connections that other parts of our city enjoy.” Bankstown MP Jihad
Dib performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new south-west Metro line.
Passenger response to inaugural service
An early morning commuter said, “Oh, it was really, really great. It’s an honour to be on the first one of the first ones, actually, to go on the train and bring my son and my brother as well. So it was fun.” Another passenger described the atmosphere: “It was like so cool. Like the atmosphere, there were so many people on it. Like you would think at 4.30am it would be fully empty, but it was packed. I don’t even think everyone got on.”
Economic and social benefits highlighted by expert
Professor Azadeh Dastyari of
the University of Western Sydney commented: “What excites me about the Metro is the opportunities it opens up for people across Western Sydney. Shorter commutes will mean less time travelling and more time with family, friends and community. It will also make it easier for people to access jobs, education and essential services, improving both opportunities and quality of life.”
Sydney Metro project significance
The Sydney Metro project transforms old suburban lines into modern automated rapid transit systems, marking a major infrastructure upgrade and one of the most complex rail projects globally.
