The 12-month conversion of the century-old T3 Line “will be a difficult process for the community” but the State Government says when complete in 2025, it will offer passengers a 21st century, high-tech metro line with a train every four minutes during the peak, along with fully accessible stations and services.
“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,” Transport Minister Jo Haylen said.
While a “high-frequency” bus service will replace the trains, it is expected that many commuters will head to stations on the East Hills Line, putting a lot of extra pressure on those services.
According to the State Government, the replacement bus services will be frequent, from early morning until late night seven days a week, with a bus every two to four minutes in peak periods; a mix of all stops and limited stops services to ensure commuters and local passengers have reliable public transport options; and easily recognisable services, with plenty of signage and ground staff to support.
“This is going to be a disruptive 12 months for the people of Canterbury Bankstown and for the Inner West but there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Ms Haylen said.
“Communities that rely on the T3 line are going to have a tough time, that’s why we’ve worked to deliver as many alternative public transport services as possible, including high frequency Southwest Link bus services with multiple routes.
“We’re also looking out for passengers in the West to help them through this tough 12-month conversion. Bankstown will get a new T6 Train service to Lidcombe and there will be a direct train service from Liverpool to the City via Lidcombe, Berala and Regent’s Park.”
Commuter pain alert
THOUSANDS of commuters face a “tough time” when trains are shut down between Bankstown and Sydenham later this year to make way for the new Metro line.
