Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance today unveiled the first look at Sydney’s new state-of-the-art metro railway stations with two life-size station models built for official testing in the North West.
Two prototypes – an underground station and above-ground concourse – are being put through their paces as work ramps up on the $8.3 billion Sydney Metro Northwest – Stage 1 of Sydney Metro, Australia’s biggest public transport project.
“We’re taking Sydney’s new metro stations out for a test run to make sure we deliver the best experience possible for commuters – it’s another example of making sure our customers are at the centre this project,” Mr Constance said.
“These prototypes are a valuable development tool in finalising station designs and have been used in other major infrastructure projects like Crossrail in London.”
Key customer features showcased by the prototypes include:
· Sample platform screen doors at the underground station, showing how this Australian-first safety feature keeps people and objects away from the tracks, also allowing trains to get in and out of stations much faster;
· Working Opal gates and machines;
· Escalators and lifts, station and platform security cameras, video help points, toilets, signage and wayfinding;
· Final finishes like paving, 100 per cent LED lighting and the distinctive energy efficient leaf-design of the above-ground station roofs.
Sydney Metro Program Director Rodd Staples said: “Everything about the design and planning of Sydney Metro Northwest has been considered from the customer’s point of view – from their decision to catch the train in the first place to the end of their journey.”
Mark Elliott, the CEO of Sydney Metro Northwest operator Northwest Rapid Transit, said: “Getting a customer view on this brand new Australian-first metro railway is a crucial part of finalising our design and engineering work and getting it right from the start.”
Sydney Metro includes eight new railway stations, five upgraded stations and 4,000 commuter car parking spaces. The project is Stage 1 of Sydney Metro, with metro rail to be extended under Sydney Harbour, through the CBD and beyond to Bankstown by 2024.
