‘Difficult, disruptive’ year for commuters

However, preparatory works will begin on September 21, meaning part of the line between Campsie and Bankstown will be shut from then.
The NSW Government has also announced the travel on replacement bus services, known as Southwest Link, will be free for all passengers.
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.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said it is going to 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.”
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. However, preparatory works will begin on 21 September, meaning part of the line between Campsie and Bankstown will be shut from then. The T6 will connect Bankstown to Lidcombe Station via Yagoona, Birrong, Regents Park and Berala.