First metro train on south west tracks as testing starts  

This major milestone was achieved at 4:00am 3^rd April 2025, when train set TS 28 completed the inaugural 6.5-kilometre journey to Campsie Station in 5 hours. When the extended metro line opens next year, this same journey will take just 11 minutes. 

The inaugural journey kicks off a rigorous testing and commissioning program that will involve more than 6,500 hours of train testing between Sydenham and Bankstown.  

Under the control of an operator and with a team of rolling stock engineers on board monitoring progress, the train proceeded along the new section of track at a cautious speed of five kilometres an hour. 

The initial testing phase will see the train travel at low speed under 25km/h. During this period, the train will be manually controlled by an operator and pilot on board.  

Tests to be completed at speeds under 25km/h include:  

• ‘Car-Car Clearance Test’ to ensure all curves/turns are negotiated without issue;       
• Kinematic Envelope Testing – this verifies the safe distance between sides of the train and the station platforms;  
• Platform screen door interface checks;       
• Mechanical gap filler tests;  
• Communications tests, including radio and static systems checks; and  
• Testing a train under loaded conditions, where the train is filled with water containers to simulate a train filled with passengers.  

The next phases will involve testing at higher speeds and a transition from manual to automated train operations.  

We thank passengers on the M1 North West & Bankstown Line for their patience during a period of increased disruption on the line. To allow the testing program to proceed, there will be several full or partial line closures necessary, along with some evenings where the service will stop running at 10pm. We urge passengers to regularly check their transport apps before travelling and apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.