Hundreds of train enthusiasts have lined reopened stations early in the morning to catch the next level of Australia’s first driverless metro.
Sammy Cairnduff, 19, was among the throng at 4.30am for the first metro to leave Bankstown in southwest Sydney on the last link of the M1 line.
He told AAP that fellow enthusiasts, politicians, and rail workers found the occasion “very exciting, very nervous and very crowded”.
The revamped route carries commuters the 66km – or 80 minutes – through the CBD and up to northwest Sydney, where it terminates in Tallawong.
After several hours riding the rails with friends, Mr Cairnduff delivered his verdict.
“It’s really going to change Sydney a lot, this extension. It’s fast, reliable and accessible for people with disabilities. It’s much better and more accessible.”
Construction began on the 130-year-old Canterbury heavy rail line – once accommodating Sydney’s early suburban steam engines – in 2024.
Crews bored out tunnels and fitted specialist systems for the driverless trains over the years, but struck delays as they integrated and tested technology with historic stations.
Mr Cairnduff recalled watching track testing at Bankstown when staff let him have a look at the inner workings of the set.
“The technology, it’s amazing,” he said.
“It’s hard, construction, and it can get delayed a lot … but I’m very happy it’s finally open.
“I hope Sydney will keep on doing this and change Sydney … I’m very excited for the future.”
His mother Annette told AAP the atmosphere at the station was worth the early wake-up.
“One of the things I have to say is how incredibly lovely all the transport staff and metro staff” were, she said.
“They’re so inclusive and engaged in the enthusiasm of young people, it’s really fantastic.”
The new line offers 50 per cent more passenger capacity than the former Bankstown rail service, with trains running every four minutes during weekday peaks.
The conversion has also slashed journey times across the southwest.
Transport Minister John Graham said Friday morning was when patience could finally turn to jubilation.
“These communities will now be better connected to jobs, education, health and entertainment across Sydney,” he said.
Summer Hill MP Jo Haylen said metro “magic” would be huge for the Inner West, while member for Bankstown Jihad Dib invited Sydneysiders to get on board for a “manoush, a banh mi or just (to) say g’day”.
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