Sydney Metro

[Gazza]

I don't really have a problem with the choice of tech for the NWRL.

If we look internationally, if a new  line doesnt get its own depot and rolling stock order then = not serious IMO.

Nobody has really been able to articulate why being as to use the same rolling stock is the most crucial thing... Its not like Crossrail in London is made to take subsurface tube stock for example.

For me the crucial factor is that it is setting up the core track of a future metro system (Hopefully with a northern beaches branch for example)

As for the argument that its too far from the CBD to use single decker stock, its no worse than the Mandurah line, or the Tung Chung line in HK.

[tazzer9]

I don't really have a problem with the choice of tech for the NWRL.

If we look internationally, if a new  line doesnt get its own depot and rolling stock order then = not serious IMO.

Nobody has really been able to articulate why being as to use the same rolling stock is the most crucial thing... Its not like Crossrail in London is made to take subsurface tube stock for example.

For me the crucial factor is that it is setting up the core track of a future metro system (Hopefully with a northern beaches branch for example)

As for the argument that its too far from the CBD to use single decker stock, its no worse than the Mandurah line, or the Tung Chung line in HK.

Its the use of metro style rolling stock that far out that is the problem.  Not thats its single deck.  Although having the stations so far apart does decrease the benefit of the better acceleration.  Its all longitudinal bench seating, 6 doors per carriage, no walkway between carriages, no provision of luggage racks or any bathrooms.   Its not going to be the most pleasant trip if coming out from the edges.  My main issue is that they intentionally drilled tunnels too small for double deckers, so they can never be used and they built the station platforms slightly too short.  Its like london building more tube style railways instead of to mainline standard.  I don't think mandurah or gold coast line users would be too happy if they suddenly changed their trains to have only longitudinal seating.

Its castle hill to the CBD, even built to its current standard it will never come close to its capacity so I don't understand why they are designing it for crush loads only.  The station exits themselves are a bigger limiting factor.   No reason they couldn't make the trains have a few comforts.  If they had built the stations to 200m (8 car v-set equivalent) they could easily run 10 car metro trains with 2+2 seating, 6 doors per carriage, a few bathrooms and luggage racks.  Heck, if they made it up of 2x5 car trains they could make the service levels tailored to the time of day without sacrificing frequency. 

We as a nation should be doing everything to try and get rid of peak hours and have more transport by any mode outside of the traditional peaks. 

[Gazza]

What makes you think there would be no walkway between carriages.
http://nwrail.transport.nsw.gov.au/News/Latest-news/First-glimpse-of-New-Metro-Train


It says there that you can see from one end of the train to the other.
As for no bathrooms....Sydney suburbans don't have them.

In terms of crush loads, I can imagine south of Epping they'll get pretty full.

[tazzer9]

To quote your link, "passengers will be able to see from one end to another".   If there were walkways wouldn't it be walk from one end to another.
I'm pretty sure in another rather early media release they stated it and it had fixed ends in an artists impression.   Nothing else in their website indicates being able to walk through, which is probably a safety issue.
I presumed it was to do with easier extension to 8 cars at a later date.   Just stick two trailer cars in the middle.   


With regards to crush loads, in australia trains only get full at best 4 times a day.  2x in the morning and 2x in the afternoon.   considering the line will be easily timetabled for 3 minute running (doubt it will be timetabled to run closer)  A bit of comfort should be considered to those who don't who the trains in peak hour in the peak direction.  Sydney has a very directional peak flow compared to most large cities.

Does anyone know if the metro will be faster to the city compared to getting off at epping and catching an express(or even a normal all stops northern line).  They have seemed to keep very quiet about this, leading my suspicions that getting off at epping and changing will be faster.   

[SurfRail]

I don't think mandurah or gold coast line users would be too happy if they suddenly changed their trains to have only longitudinal seating.

Ever been in a B-set?  The middle car is entirely longtitudinal, as is every single A-set.  Perth's C-sets were going to be 4-door per side 6-car trains with 100% (or if not 100% then primarily) longtitudinal seating.

The complaints about the structure gauge and type of train tend to ignore the land use and planning springing up around these stations.  Overwhelmingly, most people will NOT be commuting to the CBD from west of Epping, as the line is going to have enormous turnover from stop to stop compared to lines through places like Revesby or Pymble or Homebush.

I have a client putting a bid on a site adjacent to one of the new stops.  Just a bunch of existing resi houses.  Average value per lot is $4m over the site.  That is how much demand there is for development sites out there.  I have clients who paid less for the entire base land for 10+ storey buildings in the Valley.

[Gazza]

Let's be logical about this...walk through interiors are standard on new trains, and specifically the A sets made a big deal over that feature.
Why would they change back?
http://nwrail.transport.nsw.gov.au/The-Project/Project-Overview

Anyway, in the rendering on this page you can see it will have the standard bellows between carriages and a full open end to end walkthrough design

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Sydney CBD buildings to be demolished for underground Metro interchange

High-rise buildings will be knocked down in the Sydney CBD to make way for a major underground interchange at Martin Place for the Sydney Metro.

The New South Wales Government has unveiled the Environmental Impact Statement for the next stage of the project, which includes 15.5 kilometres of rail tunnels from Chatswood to Sydenham.

The tunnels will dip 40 metres below the surface of Sydney Harbour as they make their way to stations including Barangaroo, Martin Place, Pitt Street, and Waterloo.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance said high-rise buildings on two sites at Martin Place and Castlereagh Street would be levelled to provide access for underground construction.

Those sites would then become entrance points to the interchange.

"This is going to be like keyhole surgery here in the centre of Sydney," Mr Constance said.

"It's a project which is largely underground, causing minimal disruption.

"We won't see the type of extensive disruption we've seen with the light rail because of the very nature of the project."

Most properties for acquisition are commercial

All up, 150 homes and businesses in 70 buildings along the route will have to be acquired, but Mr Constance said only a minority were residential properties.

"It's mostly commercial, it's in the centre of town," Mr Constance said.

He said the Government had already purchased some properties, but was still in the midst of negotiations on others.

Mr Constance said all property owners had been notified, but would not say how much the Government was willing to pay for buildings.

Premier Mike Baird acknowledged that the cost of the project had risen from its previous price tag of $11 billion, but said that was because more stations had now been planned.

"The expectation on the project now is between $11.5 and $12.5 billion, that includes the additional cost that comes with the additional stations," Mr Baird said.

"But I think that's the right thing for the city, the right thing for the project."

Mr Baird said the final cost of the project would be released with the final business case.

Work will start next year at Martin Place with a massive cavern to be excavated underground for the interchange.

Tunnel boring machines will begin in 2018.

[ozbob]

Documents are available >> http://sydneymetro.info/home

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> Central Station commuters bear brunt of disruptions from metro line construction

[ozbob]

The first railway tracks have been laid for Sydney Metrohttps://t.co/TT20qUH79K

— Transport for NSW (@TransportforNSW) June 8, 2016

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> Sydney metro line 'on track and on budget' as first tracks laid

[ozbob]

Sydney Metro is fully funded thanks to tomorrow's 4-year $12 billion NSW Budget commitment https://t.co/PMffNxn2VP pic.twitter.com/EBeCHvfBgD

— Transport for NSW (@TransportforNSW) June 20, 2016

[kram0]

An example of a state governemnt that knows how to grow and economy and infrastructure and stop just talking about it. Anna2, Pitt and Trad take note.

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> $12.6 million to spruik Sydney Metro - including to kids

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> Inner city councils call for better walking, cycle paths near metro stations

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> 'Window of opportunity' for new metro line in Sydney's west closing fast

[ozbob]

7 News --> Channel 7 goes behind the scenes for one of Sydney's biggest projects

As tunnelling works on one of Sydney's biggest ever construction projects comes to an end, Channel 7 has captured the behind the scenes activity on the $8.3 billion Sydney Metro.

For mother and son Robin and Rob Baird, the Sydney Metro is personal. While Robin was working above ground keeping the community informed on tunnelling for Stage 1, her son Rob was working deep below Sydney's North West as a tunneller to help deliver Australia's longest railway tunnel.

Robin who has lived in Sydney's North West all her adult life and worked at the local business chamber, said the project is a opportunity to open new doors for the area.

"This project will make a huge difference for the people of Sydney's North West for generations to come," she said.

"For many years making choices about work or education has been limited by the transport options in the area – Sydney Metro will open the door to opportunities.

"I'm so proud to have contributed, and that my son Rob also had the opportunity to be involved in this significant project."

Rob said he jumped at the chance to work on the historic project two years ago, wanting to learn new skills as part of the tunnelling team.

"I like a challenge and trying different things, but really I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to play with the big boys' toys," he said.

"It was an awesome team to be part of. Everyone supported each other and made sure the whole team was delivering a great project.  

"It's not very often you get to be part of such a big project with such longevity. It's going to be there longer than I am."

Sydney Metro is a new standalone railway that will deliver 31 metro stations and more than 65 kilometres of new metro rail. Services start on Stage 1 in 2019, with the line extension under Sydney Harbour and into the CBD expected to be complete in 2024.

Robin and Rob's story features in Seven News Presents: World's Best Metro, on Thursday at 8pm on Seven.

[ozbob]

Plus 7

The World's best metro

--> https://au.tv.yahoo.com/plus7/the-worlds-best-metro/-/watch/32067182/the-worlds-best-metro-thu-14-jul-special/

(only available for 27 days on this link)

[ozbob]

Sydney Metro: Extra station at Alexandria could cost $500M to construct. https://t.co/MtgGBQkxuT @jeloscek #7News pic.twitter.com/PNtolHKoXA

— 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) July 30, 2016

[ozbob]

International Railway Journal --> Shortlist revealed for Sydney metro stage 2 tunnels

THE government of the Australian state of New South Wales has announced the two consortia that have been shortlisted for the contract to construct twin tunnels under Sydney Harbour that will link Sydney Metro North West project, which is already under construction with the planned Sydney Metro City & Southwest.

Stage 2 of the metro will extend the line from Sydney's North West region, beneath Sydney Harbour, through seven new underground stations in the city centre and beyond to Bankstown.

The twin-bore 15.5km long tunnels will run from Chatswood to Sydenham. The project will require five tunnel boring machines (TBMs), including a specialised TBM for work under Sydney Harbour due to the geology beneath the sea bed.

A joint venture of John Holland CPB Ghella and a joint venture of Ferrovial Agroman, Acciona Infrastructure, and BAM International have been invited to submit bids for the project.

The state government expects to award the contract to build the tunnels in the middle of next year and the first TBM is due to be launched before the end of 2018. Services on Sydney Metro City & Southwest are expected to start in 2024.

[ozbob]

[#Metro]

^You don't need an animation when you have drone view of the real thing

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> Sydney's new metro line builders consider standardised stations for Bankstown section

The project team charged with converting Sydney's Bankstown Line to take driverless metro trains is considering pre-fabricating standardised stations at factories before shifting them to their final locations to "bolt together".

The conversion of the 110-year-old Bankstown Line presents one of the larger challenges for the project builders because of the need to close it for more than six months, forcing tens of thousands of commuters onto buses.

The 13.5-kilometre line from Bankstown to Sydenham also services freight trains, while heritage buildings are located alongside it.

Tim Parker, the project director for the second stage of Sydney's $20 billion-plus metro line, told a transport conference on Friday it was looking at standardising the 11 stations. ...

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> Temporary closure of Sydney train line a 'necessary evil'

Transport Minister Andrew Constance says the disruption to commuters and residents from the conversion of Sydney's Bankstown line to take single-deck metro trains is a "necessary evil" but it is too early to tell how many months it will be closed for construction.

The temporary closure of 13.5 kilometres of track between Bankstown and Sydenham will follow the shutdown of the rail line between Epping and Chatswood in the city's north from late 2018 to allow for the completion of the first stage of the $20 billion-plus metro rail project. ...

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> Revealed: new metro between Sydney CBD and Parramatta

A new metro line between Sydney's Central Business District and Parramatta will be the next major public transport project initiated by the NSW government, but might come at the expense of parts of Parramatta's planned light rail network.

Senior sources have confirmed planning is underway for the metro line, intended to bring long-needed relief to Sydney's western rail corridor and service growth areas, such as the Bays Precinct around Rozelle and the former industrial lands at Camellia. ...

[BrizCommuter]

The Ferny Grove line is an excellent metro conversion candidate. This could happen with or without rollingstock conversion.

Only if you spend $$$$ on removing all the level crossings!
It technically has a "metro like" am peak service, but not an any other time.

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> Single-deck metro trains on Airport Link a win for airline passengers

[ozbob]

Sydney Metro property acquisition hits $1.8 billion https://t.co/mTPhQg40d0 | @SeanNic

— smh.com.au (@smh) October 1, 2016

[ozbob]

Check out the progress on Sydney Metro Northwest. Almost 5km of tracks laid and more than 2.5km of overhead wiring installed. #nswpol pic.twitter.com/gtXPEJqCCu

— Andrew Constance MP (@AndrewConstance) October 17, 2016

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> Span cracks, buckling risks causing major delay to Skytrain for north-west metro line

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> Compulsory acquisition: Sydney Metro accused of 'unfair pressure tactics'

[Stillwater]

The difference between the slick drive-through video presentations of other states and Queensland is that they get it right first time, with a firm concept plan that, ultimately, comes to fruition.  In Brisbane we cannot find enough train drivers and have too few trains to meet the timetable -- even an interim one with fewer services.

And our state governments wonder why federal funding for projects goes interstate?  It is because the feds know those states can deliver a project.  In Queensland, it just buys a whole lot of political mess, finger-pointing and one-upmanship.

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> Metro rail from CBD to Parramatta confirmed - but it's $10b and 10 years away

The Baird Government has committed to a new metro rail line between Sydney's central business district and Parramatta, estimated to cost at least $10 billion.

Amid open warfare within the NSW Nationals following the backlash in the Orange byelection at the weekend, the government said it would use funds raised from the $16 billion sale of Ausgrid to pay for the project, intended to relieve mounting pressure on Sydney's overcrowded Western Line.

The new rail line, which the government says should be built in the middle of the next decade, will run driverless, single-deck trains  and include new stations at Olympic Park and the Bays Precinct around Rozelle.

The government says the final cost of the project will be determined following talks with industry and a business case. The project's route, and the location of other stations on the line, will be determined over the next two years.

Premier Mike Baird said the Ausgrid deal had given the government the ability to bring forward planning for the project, which was first revealed by Fairfax Media in September.

"A metro line in Western Sydney will effectively double rail capacity between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, transforming the way we get around our city forever," Mr Baird said.

"This is the first step – we've identified the need for this project, we're committing the government to delivering it and today we begin the work to bring metro rail to Western Sydney," he said.

Called "Sydney Metro West", much of the new line will run through tunnels. The route follows a similar abandoned scheme promised by the former Morris Iemma Labor government in 2007 and then abandoned.

The first stage of a $20 billion metro line currently under construction, between Sydney's north-west and Chatswood, is due for completion in 2019. The second stage of this line will continue onto the CBD, Sydenham and on the existing Bankstown Line and should open in 2023.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the new west metro line line would complement the existing Western Line, which was quickly reaching capacity.

"We are already delivering stages one and two of Sydney Metro – 66 kilometres of new metro rail opening from 2019 that will change the face of the north west and take pressure off Town Hall and Wynyard in the CBD, with a new crossing of Sydney Harbour and metro to Bankstown," he said. ...

[ozbob]

Commercial Real Estate --> Demolishing Sydney: How to take down a high rise

Australia's largest public transport project will soon turn Sydney's CBD into a giant demolition zone with 19 buildings, including towers 22 stories high, to be knocked down.

Sydney Metro, the government body building an $11 billion rail network from the north shore to the south west via the CBD, has confirmed 52 buildings will be demolished to allow for construction to begin in 2018.

This comes as an exhibition titled Demolished Sydney opens on Saturday at the Museum of Sydney, examining the stories behind the city's razed buildings and sites during more than 200 years.

The most up-to-date demolition techniques will be used on the buildings in the CBD, where demolishers will eschew conventional methods such as wrecking balls, dynamite and external cranes in order to bring down the buildings as neatly, quietly and safely as possible.

Demolition firms will be chosen in part on their ability to cause minimal traffic disruption, and risk hefty costs for closing roads, according to Metropolitan Demolitions Group spokesman George Magoulias.

"If a demolition company needs to shut a road down in the city at any stage, the council slams them on price," he said.

A "corkscrew" process is used to bring down each floor of a building one at a time to optimise safety, reduce environmental risks and costs.

Demolishing each level from within reduces noise, dust, and vibrations and eliminates the inconvenient weather factor, thus allowing quicker completion times, he said.

"It's a very technical and machinery intensive process and there is only a select few companies that can do this type of work. Maybe four of five will be considered for the demolition of the Sydney Metro CBD buildings and only one chosen for the job," Mr Magoulias said.

To bring down a high-rise building, small demolition machines are installed on the interior roof, and up to 20 men work through the concrete slabs on each storey.

The roof is supported by steel columns, and scaffolding surrounds the exterior. As the building is dismantled, floor by floor, waste material is dropped down through an elevator shaft – a drop down zone – to trucks waiting below.

"You don't want to push down too much waste all at once to the bottom, as the trucks can only get rid of so much at a time, otherwise it holds them up and traffic," Mr Magoulias said.

"The aim is to demolish the buildings with as little disruption as possible for traffic, workers in the CBD and nearby buildings." ...

[ozbob]

Green light for Sydney Metro Stage 2 - https://t.co/kwQidPuyOE pic.twitter.com/C5QRSaTTnu

— Rail Express (@RailExpressNews) January 10, 2017

[verbatim9]

Be quicker than driving soon in Sydney when all these projects are completed.

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> Email trail reveals high-level warnings about Sydney's Skytrain safety threat

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> Longer, more crowded train journeys for commuters from parts of Sydney's south

Commuters from southern parts of Sydney will face greater crowding on trains and slower journey times to work during peak hours because some services will need to stop at inner-city stations left off the map for a new $20 billion metro line.

The state government has yet to reveal how it will service St Peters and Erskineville stations once the metro line opens. The stations are on three existing railway lines but only trains on the Bankstown Line stop to pick up and drop off passengers.

As part of the government's metro rail project, the existing line between Bankstown and Sydenham will be converted to carry single-deck, driverless trains.

The problem for residents of the inner-western suburbs is that the metro trains will not stop at St Peters or Erskineville.

It means the government will have to decide whether trains from southern parts of Sydney on the T2 South or T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra lines will stop at the inner-west stations once the new metro line begins operating in 2024.

The predicament facing transport planners is that trains on both the T2 and T4 lines are already over crowded during peak hours in the mornings and evenings. Two extra stops risk lengthening journey times for commuters from Sydney's south and south-east.

The City of Sydney and the Inner West councils have been pushing for an extra station to be built on the metro line between Waterloo and Sydenham in order to service fast-growing populations at Erskineville and St Peters.

"The level of demand will only increase as development in this area continues," a City of Sydney spokeswoman said.

Apartments for about 6000 residents will be constructed at the Ashmore estate development at the border of Alexandria and Erskineville over the next decade.

Inner West Council said the government had yet to reveal how it intended to service St Peters and Erskineville stations once the Bankstown Line was converted to metro.

While the metro trains would boost frequency and capacity on the Bankstown Line, the council said it was concerned calls for extra stations on the new railway had been overlooked.

The council said any downgrading of rail services to St Peters would "significantly compromise" rezoning changes made in 2011, and the suburb's ability to "continue to operate as a vibrant, connected and liveable neighbourhood".

St Peters resident Cathie Hughes said overcrowding would worsen if trains on the T2 or T4 lines stopped at the two inner-city stations.

"We have no idea how our stations are going to be serviced," she said.

"The only answer is to have one of those other lines stopping at St Peters or Erskineville. But at peak hour they are packed."

Ms Hughes, who works in the CBD in an administrative role, said the government should be expanding the suburban rail network instead of converting an existing line.

"Why would you duplicate something that already exists when Sydney is crying out for heavy rail?" she asked.

Transport for NSW declined to reveal how it plans to service St Peters and Erskineville with rail once the metro line opens.

However, the transport authority said it would ensure that trains continued to service the two stations during the shutdown of the Bankstown Line to allow it to be converted to carry metro trains.

"The existing infrastructure allows for trains to continue to stop at Erskineville Station and St Peters Station," a spokesman said.

The conversion of the existing line also means thousands of commuters who catch trains on the Bankstown Line west of Bankstown Station risk losing direct services to Sydney's CBD.

The government has yet to reveal whether it will extend the metro line from Bankstown to Liverpool.

If it decides against an expansion, commuters who catch trains from stations such as Carramar, Villawood and Chester Hill will need to transfer between metro and suburban trains at Bankstown Station.

Transport for NSW said planning was under way on the delivery of rail services between Bankstown and Liverpool to cater for commuters once the metro line opens in 2024.

"Passenger loads will be regularly monitored to ensure the needs of customers are met," the spokesman said.

The authority said Sydenham Station's role as a key interchange on the network would become more important for people from the city's south and south west because it would be where they would switch to metro trains to reach destinations such as Barangaroo, North Sydney and Macquarie Park.

"This new interchange option delivers faster journeys and more options for customers and will help reduce crowding at CBD stations," the spokesman said.

"Converting the Bankstown line to Sydney Metro allows extra suburban trains to be allocated to other lines."

[SurfRail]

There will be more room for T4 local trains when the metro opens, not to mention it will be advantageous for people from the T4 services to transfer at Sydenham to get to certain parts of the CBD or to avoid a longer walk to transfer elsewhere further north - hence more space.

Erskineville is spitting distance from Macdonaldtown which is also going to have more T2 services once Bankstown trains are kicked out of the City Circle.

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> Sydney commuters face closure of Bankstown line for up to six months