Sydney Metro sees surge in passenger demand

Passenger demand on Sydney’s $30 billion M1 metro rail line has surged over the past 12 months, leading to overcrowded trains during morning peak hours. New government figures indicate that several central city stations have significantly exceeded patronage forecasts made two years ago.

Martin Place station saw a 14 per cent increase in morning peak passengers during May and June compared to the previous year, with average weekday morning patronage reaching 20,500—nearly a third higher than 2024 predictions. Gadigal station also surpassed expectations, with morning peak patronage up 8 per cent from the prior period and 43 per cent higher than original forecasts.

Other stations reporting growth include Victoria Cross in North Sydney, which saw a rise of over 10 per cent, and Central Station, which increased by approximately 9 per cent as commuters transitioned from heavy rail to the metro. Conversely, patronage at nearby heavy rail stations North Sydney and St Leonards has declined significantly.

The surge in usage occurs ahead of the expected mid-October opening of the M1 line’s final stage between Sydenham and Bankstown, pending approval from the national rail regulator.