Sydney Metro northwest: MP, Mayor ask when services will start

It is expected to open its doors to customers next month, but the starting date for Sydney Metro northwest services is nowhere in sight.

Australia's first driverless metro train completed it's first journey along the entire length of Sydney's new $8.3 billion Metro Northwest railway line today. Picture: Jeremy Piper

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The NSW Government has failed to announce the opening date of the Sydney Metro northwest — despite promising services would commence next month.

Thousands of residents and commuters across north west Sydney have expressed their interest in the launch of the new metro services, but just days out from the start of May the public is still in the dark about the official date commuters can get on trains.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has said the project was on time and under budget. Picture: Jeremy Piper

Opposition Transport Minister Jodi McKay said the NSW Government “cannot boast about the Metro being on time and on budget when we have no idea when the Metro is actually scheduled to open”.

“They have made massive commitments to Metro services opening in May and now they seem to be backing away from it with no firm date,” Ms McKay told The Times.

“It is ridiculous that no one knows when these services will commence.”

Shadow Minister for Transport Jodi McKay hit out at the government over the lack of details. Picture: Peter Lorimer

A Sydney Metro spokesman said the network will open in May, however, “the exact opening date has not yet been announced by the NSW Government”.

“We’re currently putting the finishing touches on the new stations and testing and commissioning Sydney’s new metro trains,” the spokesman said.

“The trains have completed more than 180,000km of testing — as a comparison, a trip around the world at the Equator is 40,000km.

Tallawong Metro Station in Rouse Hill.

“Customers will be given plenty of notice of the opening date, so people can start their trip planning.”

Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne said residents were keen to know the date of the opening of the new rail line.

“Every chance I get I have been asking the local MPs, Council Officers and Metro reps when the big day is — I am looking forward to the announcement of the official opening as much as anyone,” Cr Byrne told The Times.

Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne called on the government to announce a date for the Metro opening.

“Hills residents have been patiently waiting since the 1990s when the rail was announced, cancelled and re-announced multiple times.

“For many of us we never thought we would see the rail delivered and now its almost here.”

More than 12,000 people have registered their interest in the opening day on social media, however, hundreds have raised concerns around a lack of information on when the Metro would open to commuters.

The Hills Shire Times questioned the Transport Minister on why a date has not been set for the opening of the $8 billion project, however, Mr Constance was unable to comment.

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