Commuters have started using Sydney’s long-awaited $21 billion driverless metro train line under the central business district after the link officially opened on Monday.
The metro, which runs from Chatswood in Sydney’s north to Sydenham in the inner west via tunnels, is expected to carry up to 250,000 passengers on a typical weekday.
The opening was pushed back in July after the state government said more time was needed for safety checks.
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NSW Premier Chris Minns said the project was a “huge change for Sydney and a big step forward” for its transport network.
He urged commuters using the new link on Monday to be patient as the line, commenced under the previous coalition state government, operated for the first time.
“Obviously, this will see hundreds of thousands of people get to work in a different way,” Minns said in a statement.
“It needs to fully integrate with the rest of the public transport system.”
“It will genuinely transform the way people get to and from work, and it’ll be fantastic, so Sydney enjoy the experience.”
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the opening of the line was a “truly a historic moment “ in the city’s history.
“What an incredible day to experience the first passengers travelling on the new M1 extension deep below the city and under the harbour,” she said.
Transport for NSW boss Josh Murray expects passenger numbers on the line to reach 37,000 in morning peaks.
Some 445 new metro services across eight stations will run through the city each weekday.
Metro trains can carry more than 1,150 people and hit speeds of up to 100km/h.
