The Sydney M1 metro extension has reached an end-to-end testing milestone from Bankstown to Tallawong, including the Sydenham–Bankstown link, with an opening anticipated in mid-October 2026.

Trains completed the first full end-to-end journeys during testing, and the operator has been handed over to Metro Trains Sydney, with end-to-end operations to be rolled out progressively as patronage grows.

Final testing will run weekday services between Tallawong and Sydenham, with trains arriving at Sydenham Platform 2 for testing before continuing to Bankstown.

Officials say handover aligns with plans for a full October 2026 opening, as testing continues and final regulatory safety approvals are sought.

The Southwest Metro is projected to add about 17,000 peak-hour riders of capacity and substantially cut travel times across the network.

Travel-time savings include Marrickville to Gadigal in the city dropping to about 12 minutes, Lakemba to Victoria Cross in North Sydney cut by 24 minutes, and Bankstown to Central shortened by six minutes.

Premier Chris Minns says the testing puts the project in the home stretch and highlights the transformative impact the Southwest Metro will have on Sydney’s public transport when completed.