Sydney Metro operations centre doubles in size to support City services

• The OCC is the nerve centre of the fully automated Metro network and its role is set to significantly increase once services start beyond Chatswood, below the Sydney CBD and out to Sydenham.

To ensure seamless operations of the extended network, the OCC is now home to seven new operator consoles and a display screen spanning 17 metres, increasing coverage from 10 to 63 digital screens. These screens will provide oversight of the entire network.

A cohort of 13 new recruits have been added to the ranks to help manage the highly sophisticated network, which is operated and maintained 24/7 by Metro Trains Sydney (MTS).

The automated metro network is monitored and controlled by MTS staff at the OCC, where they can:

· View 3500 CCTV cameras at stations, on trains and in tunnels

· Connect directly to the Transport Management Centre (TMC), NSW Police and emergency services

· Coordinate operational responses and network performance

· Provide real-time customer information, including PA announcements and updates to passenger information displays inside trains and at stations

As part of the wider expansion at the Trains Facility, upgrades have been made to the stabling yard to accommodate the 23 new train sets, which form part of a new combined

fleet of 45 trains. This work included laying 11 new tracks, bringing the total number of tracks at the facility to 35.

When fast and reliable Metro services start through the city, a metro train will arrive every four minutes in the peak creating capacity for 100,000 extra commuters to travel across Sydney during the busiest periods of the day.