Sydney Metro recorded over 130 million passenger journeys since its city section opened in August 2024, with weekday usage peaking above 291,000 trips, according to Railway Gazette International. The metro system has shifted commuting patterns in Sydney by attracting new users and easing demand on existing suburban rail lines.
Patronage at North Sydney station dropped from 25,400 to 12,200 weekday passengers following the opening of the nearby Victoria Cross metro station. Similarly, St Leonards station experienced a decline from 16,000 to 10,600 passengers after the Crows Nest metro station began operations. Sydney Metro’s improvements also supported increased services during major
events, including 24-hour running during Mardi Gras and additional trains for Vivid Sydney, when Barangaroo station recorded over 19,100 boardings on its busiest Sunday.
Bankstown Extension Testing and Handover
The 13 km Southwest Metro extension from Sydenham to Bankstown is converting the former T3 suburban railway line, which closed in 2024, into a metro-standard corridor. In early July 2026, trains ran the entire 66 km future Line M1 route between Tallawong and Bankstown for the first time. The new line will feature 31 stations upon opening.
As of mid-2026, approximately 22,000 of the planned 30,000 train-kilometers and over half of the required 9,000 testing hours
for the Southwest Metro have been completed. The Bankstown extension has been handed over to operator Metro Trains Sydney for trial running. The extension is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026, pending completion of testing and regulatory approvals.
Sydney Metro West Tunneling Complete with 16 CRRC Trainsets Planned
Tunneling for the Sydney Metro West project finished in March 2026 with 24 kilometers of twin tunnels completed between Westmead and Sydney CBD’s Hunter Street. Sydney Metro West will open in 2032 and serve nine stations, connecting Greater Parramatta with the CBD.
The line will operate 16 fully automated trainsets supplied by CRRC. It is expected to double rail
capacity on the corridor and reduce travel time between Westmead and Hunter Street to around 22 minutes. The new metro will create one of Australia’s largest public transport interchanges at Hunter Street, linking with Martin Place metro precinct and Sydney Trains.
Western Sydney Airport Line Tracklaying and Train Delivery
Tracklaying on the 23 km Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport project was completed in June 2026 on the alignment connecting St Marys, Nancy-Bird Walton International Airport, and Bradfield. Station construction and system installations are ongoing, with dynamic railway testing planned later in 2026.
The first of 12 Siemens Mobility automated three-car trains arrived in Sydney in July 2026. Designed
specifically for airport travelers, these trains include wider aisles, dedicated luggage storage, real-time flight information displays, bicycle parking, wheelchair spaces, and hearing loops.
Urban Renewal and Connectivity from Sydney Metro Expansion
Sydney Metro integrates new underground lines, conversions of existing corridors, and transit-oriented development, supporting housing and job growth while reshaping urban areas. The system’s expansion has significantly changed travel behavior by attracting users from cars and other rail services, reflecting strong demand.
Extensive testing and trial running have been critical to safe and reliable metro operation. The combined projects — including the Southwest Metro line, Sydney Metro West, and Western Sydney Airport line — aim to improve
connectivity across Sydney’s major centers and support the city’s long-term transport needs.
