New bus services in Sydney’s north west to run amidst Metro line delay

The opening of the latest instalment of the Sydney Metro has been delayed just days before commuters were due to jump aboard.

The Chatswood to Sydenham line was anticipated to open this Sunday, August 4, but has failed to receive the necessary approvals from the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR).

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Transport Minister Jo Haylen says that while she is disappointed about the delay, passengers would only have a wait a little while longer to try out the new line.

“This railway is 99 per cent ready,” she says.

“We just need a little more time,” she says. “The wait will be worth it.”

Once the service is open, passengers will be able to travel from Victoria Cross in North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes, four minutes between Martin Place and Central, and get from Sydenham to Chatswood in 22 minutes.

Bus services designed to connect with the new metro line will start from Sunday as planned. New bus services will be added in the North West area this weekend that will assist people travelling from Chatswood to the city.

“Our bus timetables and changes are ready,” Haylen says.

Haylen did not confirm a new opening date for the Metro line and the ONRSR says several critical safety checks were yet to be completed.