Project update: testing on track for more Metro services to Macquarie Park!
A Sydney Metro train recently completed the first continuous trip between Tallawong and Sydenham - through Macquarie Park - ahead of Sydney Metro Stage 2 (City and Southwest) opening next year.
The 51.5km test run took four hours, with the train reaching a maximum speed of 100km/h in sections of the tunnel between Epping and Sydenham.
The first end-to-end journey was considered a success, launching the “integration mode testing” phase which confirms the ability for trains to seamlessly transition beyond the Metro North West line at Chatswood and onto Sydenham.
Testing has been underway since April when trains began slowly traversing tunnels at 5km/h. So far, more than 2500 hours and 12,500km of testing has been clocked.
When the next stage of Sydney Metro opens next year, commuters will be able to travel from the city direct to Macquarie Park in just 18 minutes, and will have fast and reliable Metro connection approximately every four minutes during the peak.
Transport Minister Jo Hayden said the metro trains would move more people across the harbour in the busiest peak hour than the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Harbour Tunnel combined:
“World-class metro services will be the fastest express lane in town when traveling across the harbour from the city’s north“.
Passengers boarding at Macquarie Park station will be able to reach Crows Nest in 13 minutes, Barangaroo in 18, Central in 24 and Sydenham in 31 - all without having to change trains or service lines!
Earlier this year, Connect MPID launched a new report - ‘Get ready for more Metro, Macquarie Park!’ - which maps the anticipated impact of Sydney Metro services expanding in 2024 and our district’s new 30-minute commuter catchment area.
New data from Connect MPID has also identified increasing activity levels in Macquarie Park, with current visitor volumes now exceeding pre-COVID levels, and an additional spike anticipated for when Metro Stage 2 opens.
For further Sydney Metro inspiration, keep an eye out for our ‘Always Going Your Way’ campaign material which highlights the benefits of coming back to Macquarie Park in person using smart travel choices.
These colourful designs will populate digital screens throughout Macquarie Park this season - just in time for end-of-year celebrations and increasing back-to-office calls.
