Metro vs Sydney Trains: Which service wins peak hour battle?

The Daily Telegraph put the Metro and Sydney Trains to the test this week to see if Sydneysiders prefer efficiency over comfort during their morning peak-hour commute.

Metro vs Sydney Trains: The great divide revealed.

Sydney’s transport system is a tale of two cities.

A once-bustling overground rail system – plagued with delays – now boasting enough room for commuters to lay down, and a lightning-fast Metro service which sees commuters crammed in like sardines.

The Daily Telegraph has put the two transport systems to the test this week to see if Sydneysiders prefer efficiency over comfort during their morning peak-hour commute, with two reporters hopping on the Metro and Sydney Trains into Central Station from Chatswood.

Upon arrival at the platforms, it was quickly evident that most people use the stop to switch onto the driverless Metro.

Boarding the 7:37am service from Chatswood Station, reporter Jack Crawley squeezed into the sardine can-like Metro carriage, with little room to spare.

Daily Telegraph journalist Jack Crawley couldn’t get a seat this morning on the metro from Chatswood into central as the train service was jam packed. Picture: Thomas Lisson

At the same time, reporter Harrison Finlay hopped on the Tangara train, which was spacious and quiet, with most people getting a seat with plenty of room.

With the exception of a few travellers exiting the Metro at the popular CBD stops of Martin Place, Gadigal, and Barangaroo, the driverless service remained crammed until arriving at Central Station at 7:52am.

After 15 minutes of getting up close and personal with strangers, Crawley could finally move around freely.

The T1 line from Chatswood to Central at 7:38am during the Thursday morning peak-hour was quiet due to many swapping to use the Metro. Picture: Supplied.

At the same time, Finlay hadn’t even reached the Harbour Bridge, making him ponder whether getting out and swimming across would be quicker.

Nearly 20 minutes behind, the old T1 slowly crept over “the coathanger” with nearly empty carriages, enough room for our reporter to relax and consider putting his feet up.

It was a shock to think this train was heading into the CBD right in the middle of peak-hour.

Twenty-one minutes after Crawley and his speedy Metro hit Central, Finlay and his snail-paced Tangara rolled into Sydney’s main station.

Bronte Cavallero and Zac Harb use the metro service regularly to get into the city. Picture: Thomas Lisson

The Daily Telegraph revealed data on Wednesday showing the Sydney train network had it’s worst punctuality in years, failing to meet it’s targets every month of the last financial year.

The data showed that a massive 16 per cent of trains did not run on time, making it the highest recorded since the inception of the public dataset in 2019.

Young commuting couple Bronte Cavallero and Zac Harb say the Metro has cut their commute “in half.”

“It’s just so efficient,” said Ms Cavallero.

“It’s the best,” said Mr Harb. “I can get from my door to my work in 11 minutes.”

Aside from the obvious convenience to their travel time, the pair said the next biggest draw to the Metro was its comfort, labelling it “nice, clean, and spacious.”

“We definitely prioritise always getting the Metro when we can,” said Ms Cavallero.

“Obviously, it depends on where you are going, but we’ll always try and get the Metro,” said Mr Harb.

Mr Harb, an architect by trade, says that the Metro and its station spaces are ‘amazing’ by design, and his professional appreciation plays a role in their commuting selections.

So, to our commuters in the north of Sydney, take note: if you want fast and efficient, take the Metro.

If you want an excuse to rock up late to work, take the train.

Originally published as Metro vs Sydney Trains: Which service wins peak hour battle?