Sydney Metro Southwest line development

The Sydney Metro Southwest line has officially commenced operations, providing service between Bankstown and the Central Business District. The project includes the opening of several new stations, such as Bankstown, Lakemba, and Marrickville. The new line has reduced the commute from Bankstown to Central station to approximately 28 minutes, which is roughly half of the previous travel time.

On October 29, 2026, the 66-kilometre rail project officially opened to the public, marking the end of a two-year period where commuters relied on replacement buses following the closure of the T3 Bankstown Line. The project involved converting a historic heavy rail line and upgrading ten heritage stations. The new automated service is expected to increase passenger capacity by 50 per cent, with trains running every four minutes during weekday peak periods. Key stations opened simultaneously include Bankstown, Punchbowl, Wiley Park, Lakemba, Belmore, Campsie, Canterbury, Hurlstone Park, Dulwich Hill, and Marrickville.

While the project has faced budget increases, with the total cost for the city and southwest metro lines reaching an estimated $23 billion to $25 billion, the extension is expected to influence local suburbs. Using Marrickville as a precedent, experts note that previous metro connections led to a surge in gastronomy and arts spending that exceeds the state average by more than three times. Following the opening, the line has already highlighted various culinary destinations, such as Banh Cuon Ba Oanh in Marrickville, a Persian patisserie in Lakemba, and various eateries in Hurlstone Park and Bankstown. However, this development has also raised concerns regarding gentrification, as rising housing and commercial land prices may impact long term business owners and artists.