<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>327023</docID> <postdate>2024-08-19 09:00:25</postdate> <headline>‘Historic’ moment for Sydney as city metro line opens</headline> <body><p><img class=" wp-image-327024" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sydney-metro-e1724021967556.jpg" alt="" width="901" height="600" /></p> <caption>The metro line from Chatswood in Sydney's north to Sydenham in the inner west has officially opened.</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Sam McKeith</strong> in Sydney</span></p> <p><strong>Up to 200,000 commuters are expected to use Sydney's long-awaited driverless metro train line under the central business district on its first day, after the link officially opened.</strong></p> <p>The metro, which runs from Chatswood in Sydney's north to Sydenham in the inner west via tunnels under Sydney Harbour, is expected to carry around  37,000 passengers in morning peaks.</p> <p>The opening was pushed back in July after the NSW government said more time was needed for safety checks.</p> <p>Premier Chris Minns said the project was a "huge change for Sydney and a big step forward" for its transport network.</p> <p>He urged commuters using the new link on Monday to be patient as the line, started under the previous coalition state government, operated for the first time.</p> <p>"Obviously, this will see hundreds of thousands of people get to work in a different way," Mr Minns said in a statement.</p> <p>"It needs to fully integrate with the rest of the public transport system."</p> <p>"It will genuinely transform the way people get to and from work, and it'll be fantastic, so Sydney enjoy the experience."</p> <p>Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the opening of the line was a "truly a historic moment " in the city's history.</p> <p>Up to 200,000 passengers were expected to take advantage of the new line on its opening day.</p> <p>"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.</p> <p>Passengers could travel from Sydenham to Chatswood in 22 minutes and from the CBD to North Sydney in just three minutes, Ms Haylen said.</p> <p>Transport for NSW boss Josh Murray expected passenger numbers on the line to reach 250,000 on a typical weekday.</p> <p>Some 445 new metro services across eight stations will run through the city each weekday.</p> <p>Metro trains can carry more than 1150 people and hit speeds of up to 100km/h.</p> <p>The line is part of a $21 billion public transport project of four metro lines, 46 stations and 113km of new rail in Sydney.</p> </body>