According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Sydenham to Bankstown metro extension opened on a Friday, ending about two years of replacement buses for commuters in south-west Sydney. The extension is part of the Sydney Metro network and replaces the former T3 line service from Bankstown towards Central.
Before the opening, many passengers had to travel by bus through heavy traffic and change at Sydenham. Some commuters stopped using the route altogether. One Bankstown resident said she would now drive to Revesby and take a train to Central, while others said the new service would reduce the number of changes they need to make.
What changes for passengers
The new line connects Bankstown with the inner west and the rest of the metro system. Stations mentioned in the report include Punchbowl, Lakemba, Hurlstone Park and Marrickville. Bankstown is expected to become a transport hub, linking bus routes, the old train line and future cycle routes to the metro.
Passengers interviewed by the newspaper welcomed the change. A working parent from Punchbowl said the service would save time, especially on trips between childcare pick-ups. Other commuters expected the line to encourage visits to suburbs along the route.
Local businesses and station noise
The long closure has affected local trade. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, several shops near Bankstown station have closed, and one long-running perfumery owner described the two-year disruption as a serious blow to his business and the surrounding arcade.
Complaints have also emerged at the new Hurlstone Park station, where some residents have objected to the loudness of the chimes and announcements. A local resident said the station had been noisy even before the metro opened, and that improved infrastructure was needed as more people use the area.
Looking ahead
The report presents the opening as a major change for commuters in south-west Sydney. Its impact on travel times, property values and local businesses will become clearer as passengers adjust to the new service.