‘The fair thing to do’: Bus fares slashed as Sydney faces major train line disruptions

A major train line is expected to be disrupted until late 2025, with commuters being offered free bus fares in a bid to minimise interruptions to travel.

Thousands of commuters are set to be affected as a major train line is expected to close until late 2025, with the NSW government slashing bus fares in a bid to combat disruptions.

The T3 Bankstown line is set to close from September 30 for upgrade work, which is expected to remain in place until late 2025.

However preparatory works are slated to begin even earlier, with parts of the line between Campsie and Bankstown to close on September 21.

A series of major upgrades are set to be carried out in the major upgrade, which will bring in trains every four minutes during peak times once completed.

Platform screen doors will be brought in at all stations between Marrickville and Bankstown, while station buildings and platform surfaces will be refurbished.

Adjustments to overhead wiring and tracks will bring the T3 line up to metro standards, while station services and systems installations — including help points, CCTV cameras and passenger information displays — will be introduced.

The T3 Bankstown line is set to close from September 30 for upgrade work. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Transport Minister Jo Haylen acknowledged the works will cause disruptions for those in Canterbury, Bankstown and the Inner West, but said there is “light at the end of the tunnel”.

“When this section of the metro is complete, they will get a train every four minutes. That’s a massive increase in train services, because right now there are stations on the T3 Line that only receive four trains an hour in the peak,” she said.

“The fair thing to do is not charge a fare on our dedicated Southwest Link bus services because this will be a really tough time for passengers in Canterbury Bankstown and the Inner West.”

Fares for replacement bus services on the Southwest Link will be waived from September 21.

About 100 buses are set to run every day of the week, with buses scheduled every two to four minutes during peak periods.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said ‘the fair thing’ is to make bus fares free. Picture: Newswire / Gaye Gerard

The SW1 (all stops), SW2 (limited stops including Sydenham, Belmore, Lakemba, Wiley Park, Punchbowl, Bankstown) and SW3 (limited stops including Sydenham, Canterbury, Campsie) bus routes will be included in the fare free travel scheme.

The T6 train line will also be available for public transport users, connecting Bankstown to Lidcombe Station via Yagoona, Birrong, Regents Park and Berala.

Transport for NSW coordinator-general Howard Collins said plenty of signage will be put up to ensure commuters can find the Southwest Link services, while there will be people on the ground in pink shirts to provide assistance.

“We expect the free Southwest Link services will be in high demand, while our bus marshals will work very hard to assist with a smooth service, we do anticipate there will be some delays and longer wait times,” Mr Collins said.

“Metro needs to install mechanical gap filler, improve and heighten pedestrian fences around 15 bridges, install platform screen doors and security fencing along the entire line, and then test and commission a new railway, all on an existing corridor that’s 130 years old.”

Metro Southwest project director Alia Karaman also acknowledged the disruption will be “really hard”, but noted south west Sydney will be “connected to the CBD like never before”.

“What we’re seeing now with Metro from Sydenham is 5 minute journeys into Central Station and a train every 4 minutes. With the Metro conversion, those benefits will be shared along the line to Bankstown,” Ms Karaman said.

“A train every 4 minutes in the peak so you’re not waiting on the platform, fast travel times so you get where you want to go sooner and safe, gap-free boarding. That’s what passengers have to look forward to when this challenging and disruptive work is complete.”