Sydney's Sydenham to Bankstown metro will open on 30 October, completing the M1 line
The NSW Government confirmed on 22 October that the Sydenham to Bankstown section of the Sydney Metro will open on Friday 30 October, with first passenger services at 4.31am, the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age reported. The date followed final safety approval from the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator on 21 October, according to News24 Australia. Premier Chris Minns posted the date on social media. The 13-kilometre section adds ten stations, from Marrickville to Bankstown, and completes the 66-kilometre M1 line from Tallawong through the CBD to Bankstown. Trains are due every four minutes in weekday peaks. News24 Australia reported the opening comes after a delay of more than 12 months.
Converting the old Bankstown rail line to metro required closing it for replacement bus services, so commuters have waited for the reopening. Final safety approval from the regulator is the last gate before passengers can board.
If you travel on the Bankstown corridor, plan for new timetables and station arrangements from 30 October, and check the Transport for NSW site for changeover information.
The state government presents the opening as the delivery of a major city project that will cut travel times for tens of thousands of commuters, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
News24 Australia reported the extension opens after a delay of more than 12 months, which commuters who have used replacement buses have felt.
Confirmed: opening on 30 October with the first train at 4.31am and approval from the rail safety regulator. Not confirmed: how many passengers the extension will carry in its first week. Watch for Transport for NSW travel advice.
DailyDrop Australia edition No. 19 · Morning · FRI., OCT. 23, 2026