Sydney Metro has recorded more than 130 million passenger journeys since the City operation began in August 2024, with weekday trips peaking above 291,000 according to Railway Gazette International. Barangaroo station registered its busiest Sunday with over 19,100 boardings during the 2026 Vivid Sydney festival.
Commuter patterns shifted following the metro city section opening, easing demand on nearby suburban rail stations. Weekday patronage at North Sydney station fell from 25,400 to 12,200 after Victoria Cross metro station’s inauguration. Similarly, St Leonards station saw a drop from 16,000 to 10,600 boardings after Crows Nest metro station opened. The shift comes as
passengers favor faster and more reliable metro services.
Bankstown Extension Testing Advances
The 13 km Southwest Metro Bankstown extension, converting the former T3 suburban railway line closed in 2024, is in final testing stages. Metro Trains Sydney, the line’s operator, began trial running after 22,000 of the required 30,000 train-km and over 4,500 of 9,000 testing hours were completed. Early July marked the first full-length test between Tallawong and Bankstown. The extension is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
Sydney Metro West Tunneling Complete
In March 2026, construction completed 24 km of twin tunnels between Westmead and Sydney CBD for Sydney Metro West.
Serving nine stations from Westmead to Hunter Street, the line aims to open by 2032. The project will double rail capacity between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, leveraging 16 fully automated trainsets supplied by CRRC. Sydney Metro West will integrate with Parramatta Light Rail and Sydney Trains, creating one of Australia’s largest transport interchanges.
Western Sydney Airport Line Progresses with New Trains
Tracklaying finished on the 23 km Western Sydney Airport metro alignment by June 2026. The first of 12 automated three-car trains, built by Siemens Mobility, arrived in Sydney in July 2026 and are undergoing preparation for testing. These trains feature wider aisles, dedicated luggage storage,
real-time flight information displays, four bicycle storage spaces, wheelchair spaces, and hearing loops, addressing the needs of airport travellers.
Sydney Metro Acting Chief Executive Hugh Lawson described the projects as city-shaping investments that combine transport infrastructure with urban development. He emphasized that comprehensive testing ensures safe and reliable service from day one. The integrated network supports housing growth and improves public transport connectivity across Sydney.
