The first train for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport Line has arrived in Sydney, marking a major milestone ahead of passenger services beginning in time for the opening of Western Sydney International Airport next year.
The first of 12 purpose-built, driverless three-carriage trains travelled 23,000 kilometres from Vienna before arriving at Port Kembla on Monday. It has since been transported to Sydney Metro’s new Stabling and Maintenance Facility at Orchard Hills, where it has been assembled.
Designed with airport passengers in mind, the trains feature wider aisles to accommodate luggage, under-seat baggage storage, real-time flight information screens, multiple seating configurations, designated wheelchair spaces, hearing loops throughout and four bicycle storage spaces per train.
The remaining 11 trains are expected to arrive over the coming months, with dynamic testing on the 23-kilometre, six-station line due to begin later this year. Once operational, the journey between St Marys and the Airport Terminal Station will take around 15 minutes.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King said the arrival of the first train was an important step towards connecting Australia’s newest international airport by rail.
“It’s great to see Metro trains arriving, which will serve Western Sydney’s new international airport.
“With room for bags and flight information, these will be among the most advanced trains in the country,” Minister King said.
NSW Transport Minister John Graham said the fleet had been purpose-built for airport travellers.
“Western Sydney is getting the most technologically-advanced driverless trains in the world to service the new international airport and that growing part of the city,” Graham said. “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.”
The Western Sydney Airport Metro will provide the airport’s first rail connection when services commence, with wider station platforms and gates also designed to improve the passenger experience for air travellers.
Design features of the new trains
- Wide, accessible aisles through the centre of the train – approximately 30 centimetres wider than those on M1 Line trains – to allow for ease of movement for passengers travelling with luggage;
- Room for luggage storage below seats;
- High resolution displays showing real-time flight information via a direct feed from the airport;
- Multiple seating choices in each carriage, including front and rear facing seating for groups, plus traditional longitudinal (sideways) seating;
- Designated wheelchair spaces and accessible areas;
- Hearing loops in all carriages for enhanced accessibility and
- Four bicycle storage spaces on every train.
