Sydney's driverless metro line opens to crowds of rail enthusiasts

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 01:09 · Archive

The final link of Sydney's M1 driverless metro line opened, with hundreds of train enthusiasts gathering for the occasion.

Hundreds of train enthusiasts gathered at reopened stations early in the morning to witness the opening of the final section of Sydney's M1 line, Australia's first driverless metro. The 66-kilometre extension carries commuters through the CBD and terminates at Tallawong in northwest Sydney, with journey times of 80 minutes.

The revamped route incorporated the 130-year-old Canterbury heavy rail line, which once served Sydney's early suburban steam engines. Construction began in 2024, involving tunnelling and installation of specialist systems for driverless trains. Work faced delays during the integration and testing of technology with historic stations.

Among those present was 19-year-old Sammy Cairnduff, who boarded the first metro from Bankstown at 4.30am. He described the system as 'fast, reliable and accessible for people with disabilities', adding that the extension would 'really change Sydney a lot'. He praised the technology involved in the driverless trains and expressed enthusiasm for further metro expansion in the city.

Sydney's driverless metro line opens to crowds of rail enthusiasts — Image: The West Australian

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How it is being reported

Metro mania: fans flock to train line's grand reopeningTrain lovers have been barely able to contain their excitement when the next limb of a city-shaping metro system opened early in the morning.The West Australian · 30 Oct, 00:54
Metro mania: fans flock to train line's grand reopeningTrain lovers have been barely able to contain their excitement when the next limb of a city-shaping metro system opened early in the morning.Perth Now · 30 Oct, 00:54

In this story: Sydney · Bankstown · Tallawong · M1 line · Canterbury heavy rail line · Sammy Cairnduff

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