The NSW Liberal Party has announced a plan to introduce three-minute Sydney Metro services, promising increased passenger capacity, shorter waiting times and more frequent trains across the M1 network.
The proposal, announced by NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, forms the first part of the party’s broader transport plan to improve and expand Sydney’s Metro and public transport network, connect growing communities and support economic growth.
Sydney Metro currently records more than 260,000 journeys on an average weekday, with demand continuing to grow. The Liberals say additional capacity is needed to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and ease pressure during peak travel periods.
Plan to Begin Within First 100 Days
A Liberal Government led by Sloane would, within its first 100 days, instruct Sydney Metro to begin negotiations and procurement for approximately 12 to 15 additional trains through the existing operator.
The proposal would also include a customer review and aims to reduce peak-hour service intervals from every four minutes to every three minutes.
According to the party, the proposed changes would deliver:
- 33 per cent more peak-hour services, increasing from 15 to 20 trains per hour in each direction.
- Capacity for an additional 5,760 passengers per hour in each direction, based on existing six-car Metro trains.
- Shorter waiting times and more frequent services for commuters across the M1 network.
- Additional capacity to support growing communities and improve connections between homes, workplaces, schools and essential services.
- Better transport connections to support housing and population growth.
Kellie Sloane Says Plan Will Build on Metro’s Success
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said the proposal would build on the popularity of Sydney Metro and provide commuters with more frequent services.
“Sydney Metro has changed the way people move around our city, and its popularity shows just how important it is to keep investing in better public transport,” Sloane said.
She said the plan for three-minute services would provide 33 per cent more peak-hour trains, increasing capacity and reducing waiting times on crowded platforms.
Shadow Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Natalie Ward described the proposal as a practical investment in the network.
“Investing in three-minute Metro services is a no-brainer for Sydney. It is cost effective and focuses on what commuters need,” Ward said.
Business Sector Highlights Economic Benefits
Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolau said Sydney Metro had improved connections between workers, businesses and customers across the city.
He said more frequent services could make commuting easier, increase capacity for workers and visitors travelling into the CBD, and support businesses that depend on an accessible city centre.
The Liberal Party pointed to cities including Singapore, Copenhagen and Paris, where three-minute Metro services are already established, as examples of frequent, high-capacity public transport.
Proposal Forms Part of Broader Transport Plan
The proposed service increase is the first component of the NSW Liberals’ broader plan to improve and expand Sydney’s Metro and public transport network.
The party said it wants to build on its record of delivering Sydney Metro by increasing services and ensuring the network keeps pace with Sydney’s growth.
The proposal is an election commitment from the NSW Liberal Party and would require implementation following the formation of a Liberal Government.
