Huge disruption for commuters with Bankstown train line to close in a month

Preparatory works will begin on September 21, meaning part of the line between Campsie and Bankstown will be shut from then.
When the conversion is complete, passengers will have access to a 21st century high-tech metro line with a train every four minutes during the peak, along with fully accessible stations and services.
Fare free travel on Southwest Link buses will begin on day one and continue for the entire conversion period, until the estimated completion date of late 2025.
The program of works to transform the 130-year-old line, between Sydenham and Bankstown, for modern metro trains is a complex and difficult task, meaning it could take longer than 12 months to complete.
Major work includes:
Installing platform screen doors at all stations between Marrickville and Bankstown ,
Installing the remaining 81 (of 170) gap filler between platforms and trains across eight stations ,
Refurbishing station buildings and platform surfaces,
Installing new security barriers at 81 locations along the alignment,
Removing and replacing fencing,
Final platform works including installation of signage,
Final adjustments to overhead wiring and tracks to metro standards,
Station services and systems installations such as help points, CCTV cameras and passenger information displays,
Public domain finishes including landscaping, footpath rectification works, bike parking and new lighting,
Heavy vehicle management bollard installation for station security at station entrances,
Finishing works at stations including painting and repairs to refresh stations, and
Rigorous testing and commissioning of the metro trains and station equipment.
All bus driver positions have been filled to support the 100 buses that will run from early in the morning to late at night seven days a week. The timetable aims for a service every 2-4 minutes in the peak.
Fare free travel will apply on the three dedicated bus routes known as SW1 (all stops), SW2 (limited stops) and SW3 (limited stops), which passengers will be able to catch from their local station:
SW1 – Sydenham, Marrickville, Dulwich Hill, Hurlstone Park, Canterbury, Campsie, Belmore, Lakemba, Wiley Park, Punchbowl, Bankstown.
SW2 – Sydenham, Belmore, Lakemba, Wiley Park, Punchbowl, Bankstown.
SW3 – Sydenham, Canterbury, Campsie.
The T6 train line will also become available at the same time as Southwest Link, to support passengers during the conversion. The T6 will connect Bankstown to Lidcombe Station via Yagoona, Birrong, Regents Park and Berala.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said it will be a disruptive time for the people of Canterbury Bankstown and for the Inner West but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
““When this section of the metro is complete, they will get a train every four minutes. That’s a massive increase in train services, because right now there are stations on the T3 Line that only receive four trains an hour in the peak,” she said.
“The fair thing to do is not charge a fare on our dedicated Southwest Link bus services because this will be a really tough time for passengers in Canterbury Bankstown and the Inner West.”