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The first of 12 new trains for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport Line has arrived in Sydney, marking a major milestone for the transport project.
The next-generation driverless train travelled more than 23,000 kilometres from Vienna before arriving at Port Kembla on Monday. It was then transported to Sydney Metro’s new Stabling and Maintenance Facility at Orchard Hills, where it has since been assembled.
The three-carriage train is the first of a fleet specifically designed for the new airport line, with features aimed at supporting both everyday commuters and passengers travelling with luggage.
The new trains will feature wider accessible aisles through the centre of each carriage, approximately 30 centimetres wider than trains currently operating on the M1 Metro Line, as well as dedicated luggage storage below seats.
“These trains will be unique to the Western Sydney Airport Metro line, providing wider aisles for travellers with luggage, digital screens showing real-time flight information and all modern accessibility features,” said NSW Minister for Transport John Graham.
“Platforms and gates at the new airport station will be wider to make it a first-class experience when services begin.”
Passengers will also have access to high-resolution displays showing real-time flight information through a direct feed from Western Sydney International Airport, multiple seating options, designated wheelchair spaces, hearing loops in all carriages, and four bicycle storage spaces on every train.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the arrival of the first train was a significant step towards connecting the new airport by rail.
“It’s great to see Metro trains arriving, which will serve Western Sydney’s new international airport,” King said.
“With room for bags and flight information, these will be among the most advanced trains the country.
“Today’s delivery gets us a step closer to connecting another Australian airport with a rail link – Melbourne via Sunshine next!”
The remaining 11 trains are expected to arrive in Sydney over the coming months, with dynamic testing on the 23-kilometre line scheduled to begin later this year.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported last week that internal documents showed manufacturer Siemens was forced put on manufacturing on hold for at least three months, from October until December last year, after delays to the construction of Orchard Hills’ stabling and maintenance facility. The first of the line’s 12 driverless trains, which has now touched down, was originally expected to arrive in Sydney last November.
Once complete, the Western Sydney Airport Line will include six stations, The journey from St Marys metro station to Airport Terminal Statio is expected to take around 15 minutes.
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