Fantastic content Paul, I know it takes hours of filming planning and editing. You have done a great job. You’re helping me stay in touch with what’s happening around Sydney. I live in Murwillumbah, end of the branch line, sadly no longer served by trains. Thank you for your hard work.
Hi Anthony, Glad you enjoyed this video! Yes the editing takes lots of time! I know that these videos benefit many people that no longer live in Sydney, and it's very rewarding to share what is happening!
Hi Paul, finally after watching all your videos there's some infrastructure that I worked on 26 years ago that is still in place, those seats were ours.
Interesting to see the set up at Dulwich Hill. I wasn't previously aware that the light rail and heavy rail stations were so near to each other, within walking distance. Thanks for sharing that information on your video. For some reason, I had the impression that the two stations were a least a bus ride apart. Back in the 1960's, I found Campsie especially interesting. Back in those days, I was collecting Matchbox Cars and Campsie had a number of Newsagents that stocked some of the older models made back in the 1950's.
Yes, the light rail stop is pretty close and it will be even closer when the new aerial concourse goes in. I wonder if any of the Campsie newsagents still stock matchbox cars!
@@TransportVlog Sadly, I don't think there would be any Matchbox Cars in Newsagents these days. Matchbox Cars were taken over by Hot Wheels some years back and I am not even sure if Hot Wheels are still around. It is still possible to find Matchbox Cars at specialized collectable shops and Swap Meets, but they usually sell for very high prices, even in poor condition.
Great video Paul, thanks for taking the time to showcase the construction work. I must say, I feel a strong sense of nostalgia seeing that many of these Bankstown line stations still retain City Rail era signage. Will be sad to see those go but excited to see the Metro extended
Thanks a lot for making this video Paul. I spoke with one of the representatives of the Southwest Metro project via email, I got a few responses very similar to what you covered in this video. At Campsie, Platform 0 (Platform 1 junction) and Platform 3 (northernmost platform) would remain there and Platform 0 will be fenced off (most likely with the same type of platform screen doors). Drove past Sydenham and Dulwich Hill stations along the way to the city, seems that the Railway Pde entrance is finished, but not opened. Dulwich Hill stays the same, new white concrete but I’m not sure how they’ll take off the temporary tactiles. I’m also not sure if they will take off the CityRail station signage at Campsie (ie. signs to tickets, lifts, etc) and I am pretty sure the stations will go by the same signage (Platform 1: City & Tallawong; Platform 2: Bankstown). A points cleaning movement was once done to check crossovers if they work. Usually the last westbound train would go through the crossover from Down-Up, stop at Platform 1 and go from Up-Down parallel where the Metropolitan Goods Line verges off. However, this was booked out of service and now it’s just used for empty trains terminating at Campsie. I’m still figuring out if Bankstown will become an island platform interchange (two island platforms connected), or side platforms. About regular heavy rail stations, do you have an idea why each station has different types of tactiles? For example, Birrong with blue and yellow, Wynyard with grey and yellow and Newcastle Interchange with white and yellow? Regardless, apologies for the long comment but thank you for this video Paul. Appreciated. Could you also cover the upgrades to Birrong and Yagoona? PS. 14:58 Wiley Park
Hi Lil, Glad you enjoyed this video. Thanks for the extra info on the other Campsie platforms. Yes the new Sydenham aerial concourse looks finished now, so hopefully it won't be long before this and the two new entrances open. Regarding the signs, I'm not sure, but it will probably be similar to what they did on the Epping to Chatswood stations when they were converted in 2019. I'm still figuring out what is happening at Bankstown. and I'll cover this in detail in Part 2 (which will be out before Christmas). I don't know the reason for the different tactiles unfortunately! Yes Wiley Park is the right answer! I plan to cover some of the stations being upgraded as part of the Transport Access Program, so I'll see if I can include Birrong and Yagoona.
Thanks for the video. From memory Campsie has alway been the busiest station out of those 5 you covered in this video. Canterbury does not look much different than when I went to school around there. I always found it rather strange that there was a ramp down to Platform Two rather than stairs. I remember one person running for a train down that ramp when it was raining, they slipped and went under the train and died. I'm shocked that, so may years later, it is still there. I'm sure, over the years, that many have slipped running for a train down that ramp, but not with the same tragic result. When the station was originally desgned there must have been some reason they installed a ramp rather than stairs but, what that reason was, I don't know.
Hi Lynda, that's a tragic story regarding Canterbury Station. That's one thing that won't happen with platform screen doors! It's a shame that Canterbury station isn't getting more of an upgrade. Wiley Park also has similar ramps on both sides. I'm not sure what the reason for ramps as opposed to stairs was at the time. Glad you enjoyed this video.
@@TransportVlog That incident has always stuck in my mind. Wiley Park also has a high school nearby so I wonder if the ramps have something to do with nearby schools and students using the station? But then again Belmore and Punchbowl also have state high schools nearby and they don't have ramps - as far as I know.
Brilliant excellent work Paul, the Bankstown Line we are getting the Metropolis Car train sets in 2024. It will be an interesting venture getting closer to my home in 2024 and working my way through a Time Tunnel a Sydenham going 40 m under the Habrbour from Barangaroo to Victoria Cross and then up to Chatswood on one train not two. I suggested they extend the Metro to a new station at Regents Park and the NSW Government would not agree to do that at all. They would rather a train shuttle service from Bankstown to Lidcombe. When we get to Belmore, don't forget the Buldogs Football Club and Belmore Oval.... "Go the Doggies!!!" : )
Thanks Tony, glad you enjoyed it! - I've already filmed Belmore and I'll be working on Part 2 next week (Parramatta Light Rail Part 2 is coming first). There is a longer term aspiration for the line to be extended from Bankstown to Liverpool via a new (and more direct) route. Not sure if we'll see this in our lifetime, but you never know!
At Campsie when the new concourse was being completed (I remember this as Campsie used to be my local station or Belmore station) all the heritage listed building where refurbed and repainted. They used to not be great and had very leaky roofs. A little disappointed they got rid of the heritage listed original part at the front of the old Concourse as it was refurbed as part of the reconstruction. I remember the temp scaffolding that was used to enable passengers to continue to use Campsie station back in 2001/2002 as at the end of the heritage buildings of each platform. Furthermore growing up, the last form next to Platform 1 (city bound) back in the late and early 90’s use to allow a 4 car red rattler set terminate their before it became a dedicated goods line and non-operational platform. Not sure if my mum has a photo of this but will try and see what I can find in the family archives. Also I have heard the lifts at Campsie will be upgraded as they are still Hydraulic powered to the new standard as part of the shut down in 2022/23
Hi Alex, thanks for sharing some of the history of Campsie station with us! If you do find any pics, do let me know. Interesting about the 4 cars terminating in the adjacent platform (where the goods line is). I was wondering why there was a platform there. I didn't realise that the lifts are Hydraulic, so that's good to know. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
@@TransportVlog no worries Paul. Trying to see what my mum has got but so far I can't find them. The lifts have been hydraulic since the station upgrade happened in 2002. I still know some staff that work there and ex staff who worked even at the old station so will reach out them also. Yeah they used to run a service from central all the way delec which has been closed since the early 90's. You may now know it as port Enfield but they used to run it from central where it would stop at the two platforms that are now non operations to delec and back again in the afternoon
Once again,; great job Paul. re: Dulwich Hill station, at about 2:20. You will find that the concrete structure there is the base of the lift shaft. cheers
Thanks for a great video. It’s not talking about the impact of this on commuters. A longer trip for most commuters past Campsie. The loss of over 10,000 seats in peak hour compared to what we have now. This is at max number of metro trains. Before Covid this would be massive over crowding on Metro trains. Hard to say now with less people working in the office. All this upgrading could have been done without removing the existing train service.
It is strange they are removing the existing train service. I'm not really sure why that decision was made. Most other stations using the current operational Metro line were integrated with Metro, not replaced by it. One thing to consider is, even though seating capacity per train is lower, the services are tipped to be much more frequent - which might solve that problem.
Hi @Wayne, glad you enjoyed this video. I tend to keep my videos very factual and avoid getting in to the pros and cons of these changes. With any change, there are always some people that lose out, but overall, I feel it will be beneficial with direct services to many new destinations such as Martin Place, Barangaroo and North Sydney, and higher frequencies.
That's good to know. I'll do some research on how the gap fillers work on Aucklands Trains. Hoping to get across the ditch to Auckland to do some filming when things return to normality.
Once again a extremely thorough, well researched and informative video. I don't how you put this together so quickly. It seems the South-West stations still have a lot of work to do. Do you think there is potential for trains to be testing through the city and maybe out to Sydenham before the line is finished out towards Bankstown?
Glad you enjoyed this video! This one did take a while to research, record, edit and narrate. It's difficult to say. There is still a lot of work to do at the Chatswood and Sydenham ends. I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens!
Hi Paul, thanks for sharing another absolutely excellent video. Marrickville is my old haunting ground, where I lived prior to 1981. I can hardly recognise the place. One of those Station Street derelict buildings used to be a Taylor from memory. Also, I think there was also a shoe repair shop and op shop there in years gone by. Around the corner turning left from Station Street, there was a Florist a few shops up. When converted, how long will trains be not running before the Metro commences? I used to live to the south of Marrickville Station in the warren area. It used to be about a ten to fifteen minute walk from Marrickville station to where I lived. Anyway, wishing you all the very best. Robert.
Thanks Robert! Glad you enjoyed it! I don't know for sure, but I reckon it will be 6 to 8 months. With plenty of bridges on the Bankstown Line, it will be interesting to watch the work that takes place while the line is closed! Thanks for your memories of Marrickville. It's certainly changed now!
That tram/train interchange at Dullo is shocking. I've been cranky about how half-arsed it is right, from when it was built, and it put a bad taste in my mouth about the current state government. I'm glad it's going to get fixed, but the fact that it was allowed to be so poor in the first place baffles me.
Thanks mate, I’ve been looking forward to a detailed coverage of the Bankstown line upgrade. Most of the stations seem very old and run down, and in dire need of refurbishment and upgrade. Good to see SM will fix that. Also, I noticed in the design pictures that some of the stations appeared to lack turnstiles, instead having the pole opal machines. I would have thought turnstiles would have been a part of SM standards, due to being modern and more secure when it comes to paying with Opal cards. Just an interesting note I made. Do you happen to know anything about this? Looking forward to part 2!
Glad you enjoyed this video! I think the space limitations at some of the station entrances means that the pole opal machines will continue to be used, instead of the turnstiles. Even on the new Dulwich Aerial Concourse, I reckon pole opal machines will probably be required in some locations to save space. I think the design documents do mention the type of opal machines to be used, so I'll look into this more.
The mechanical gap fillers is interesting,as these could be used at New York City’s famous old City Hall looped station,which closed in 1945 as deemed too dangerous for passengers to enter and exit the trains due to the curved platform.That’s if of course the authorities in NYC ever decide to reopen the old City Hall station.
Yes they certainly are! - I think they could only work on an automated railway, as it would require the train to always stop at the same place on the platform. Hopefully I'll. make it to NYC one day!
Just of interest, I remember as a young child riding trams with my mum along Illawarra Road Marrickville, heading to and from the Marrickville Road shops.
@@TransportVlog Some of the old tram track in Illawarra Road wasn't removed until as late as 1963,, which was six years after trams ceased running in Marrickville back in 1957.
11:25 I have no idea why the Dulwich Hill station building only dates from 1935 and resemble East Hills line station houses. I would have expected 1895 like the Marrickville, Canterbury and Belmore main station house buildings. The timber ticket/booking office at Hurlstone Park was even bigger and better looking than the Dulwich Hill one if you can remember it. It was still there at the end of 1977. It appears that it would have given the station more visually pleasing atmosphere.
Thanks, Paul for a great video. Just in time for my trip on 14th December to Dulwich Hill on the special L1 replacement bus so I and my walker can avoid Dulwich Hill station stairs one way, anyhow. But now you have encouraged me to maybe checkout at least was it Campsie and Marrickville already with lifts? I have visited Sydenham with the lifts and I want to do that again. Might go back through and see if I can figure out how many of this line's stations have lifts. Hoping some kind soul at Dulwich Hill will assist me down those pesky stairs. Why haven't they applied the gap mechanism to Parramatta? They spent millions doing it up but most of the platforms are a mile distant from the train entries? Look forward to your next video.
Hi Geoffrey, Glad you enjoyed this video. Yes Campsie and Marrickville definitely have lifts. Lots of other stations will be getting lifts over the next couple of years including St Peters, Erskineville and Redfern. It's all part of the Transport Access Program. Here is a link - www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects-tap. Mechanical Gap Fillers are a very new technology and would probably only work on an automated railway, as it depends on the trains lining up directly with the gap fillers. There is a trial at Circular Quay using rubber strips that are strong enough to hold passengers and the train brushes against them. I'll do a video on this shortly. Enjoy your outing on the 14th!
@@TransportVlog As I posted to you above...131500 informed me there are lifts on all on that line except Dulwich Hill, Punchbowl and Hurlstone Park. I was all set for a great day out until the strike on the 14th was announced...bleah.
@@geoffreymoore1510 That's s a shame! - If you do go out on the 14th, it will be every 30 mins on the Bankstown Line with K sets and Tangara's operating the service. It will be a little like this video! - ua-cam.com/video/UFCJmovDHec/v-deo.html
Hi Paul, what do you think of the lack of secure bike storage facilities in these new stations? It seems like Sydney is missing out on a key tool to enhance use of both active transport & public transport. Sad that they aren't a key feature of these station upgrades. Half of all train riders in the Netherlands get there by bike, I believe. Bike lockers operated by swipe card would be essential for boosting active transport in our sprawling city - massively extends the accessibility radius of these stations, wouldn't have to worry about locking up ebikes outside, etc. A real shame for both trains and riding.
I think there are plans for secure bike storage at some of the stations. But I agree with you, it would be great to see these at every station. I guess space might be an issue at some of the stations. One thing Sydney Metro North West has, is an abundance of space, which is why there are secure bike lockers at most, if not all stations between Tallawong to Cherrybrook .
Will be very saddening seeing most of the Bankstown line as a metro rather than a normal train line. Once I get back to filming trains again I’m gonna film as much as I can on the Bankstown line
There is still plenty of time to film the Bankstown Line as it is now! I don't think filming the freight trains will be as easy when Sydney Metro opens. I believe there will be a protective barrier between the Sydney Metro and freight lines and possibly screens on any platforms that face the freight lines as well.
@@TransportVlog that’s the thing that I hate about the metro the most. As well as the metro trains looking like crap, the platform barrier gates just make it even more shit. I will most likely never film any metros, just real trains only. But yes, I should still have plenty of time to film on the Bankstown Line 🤞
Hi Peter, yes that would have been good. It's quite a steep cutting there, so I guess it would have been expensive and might have required demolishing some properties or making the freight line single track.
@@TransportVlog a piled wall so the tram stop could use the space taken up by the slope. Will be good clearance to the freight tracks. The port needs a pair of tracks so no doing away with one track no matter how short the length
Cool have you seen the strike I think the strike was cool because there was a lot of t sets next to villawood like the t 5 t 8 and t 2 a couple of t sets at central or city I should say so you should of recorded the strike.
I did record a strike video a few weeks ago - here is a link to it - Lots of T and K sets! - ua-cam.com/video/UFCJmovDHec/v-deo.html. It's going to be the same tomorrow (Tuesday).
I've noticed in the video that the platforms' height at Dulwich Hill is still not even with the trains yet. I wonder if, (or rather when) futher Metro conversion works will raise the platforms in the future to make Dulwich Hill station more Metro compatible?
Hi Mario, I noticed that the trains tended to be higher than the platforms on many of the curved platforms. It could be because the curved track is on a slight camber. They will need to correct this either by increasing the platform height or perhaps by using the mechanical gap fillers. There is another 2 week shut down over Christmas, so I'll check back in January to see if the platform heights have changed. Let's see what happens!
Hi Jasper, yes that would be interesting! - I believe it's closed as a result of the 2019 bushfire damage. Looks like its reopening in mid 2022, so I'll definitely do a video then!
Hi Ethan, no I don't think the light rail has a platform number at the moment, but with the new aerial concourse, it would make sense to number it platform 3 now.
Gap fillers are only needed if the curve exceeds a set amount. The radius of the curve exponentially pushes the platform away from the train. Either because of the inside of the train carriage or the furthest end of the carriage. Obviously the two situations are different because the doors are closer to the end of the carriage and closer to the bogies. So, it definitely does matter whether the platform is on the inside or outside of the curve. Another factor is track camber. Some of the curves into the platforms have the train on an angle. This would also factor. Honestly, I'm not very concerned, but it is of worthy note of what occurred at Heyington Station in Victoria. But, a bigger factor into that is that the doors here have handles, which caused people to try and open doors on a moving train. But, that's a real horrible disaster. The station in question is mostly used for a school, so it's on a corner and was never upgraded.
Hi Beren, that would make sense. However, there isn't much of a curve at Marrickville Station and yet I could see the recesses for the mechanical gap fillers. I'm sure the parts of the platforms that will have mechanical gap fillers is documented somewhere, but I haven't been able to find this online as yet. One thing I've been thinking is whether the gap fillers need to be custom made for each gap! As you say, camber and whether the platform is on the inside or outside of a curve will influence the size of the gap. Let's see what happens!
@@TransportVlog it might just be that the original platform was placed further away or resettled. You could measure the gap whilst the train is stopped.
@@TransportVlog The main reasons for the gap filling is that if someone gets trapped in the gap, the train won't know, and nobody will be capable of signalling to stop the train if it happens. It will essentially take off and not stop. This is kind of one of the draw backs of automation. A normal train the driver would be looking at cameras at each station to make sure that the platform is clear. I think me personally, I think E-stops really need to be considered here. Because no matter what, somebody will find a way to get into that gap. Sometimes no matter how well you design an industrial machine, things happen. To give an example, read about the incident where a damaged bogie led to a piece of steel being forced upwards into the carriage narrowly missing passengers. I think that one of the people who almost was hit by the steel has suffered significant mental health trauma as a result of that. When it comes to industrial machines, we never think of every possible outcome. E-stops should exist for situations like this where the unexpected occurs.
@@berenscott8999 I hadn't thought of this scenario, and I wonder if this could happen on Sydney Metro Northwest, or whether the gap is too small. I would have thought that Sydney Metro would have some kind of emergency stop, but I wouldn't know for sure. Yes I remember that incident! - I was trying to get a train from Kings Cross at the time this happened!
It always baffled me why there wasn't a bridge to connect the Light Rail with Heavy Rail at Dulwich Hill also baffles me why the Light Rail Terminus on NSW Light Rail is single platform
A bridge is being built as part of Sydney Metro. It will run from the existing lift, over all the tracks go the island platform and then to another entrance on Ewart Lane. You can learn more about it in this video. ua-cam.com/video/yq2offXBCGg/v-deo.html. Yes it would make sense to double the track into Dulwich Hill.
Hi Paul, appreciate the pretty prompt reply. Just caught me on the way to bed. Those fillers or rubber what'sits would they cope with the weight of a power chair? I called 131500 today and was informed there are lifts on the Bankstown line for all but Punchbowl, Hurlstone Park and Dulwich Hill. So I might check some more of those on the 14th if the trains are not on strike! Regs look forward to your next video.
Hi Geoffrey, great question and I'm not sure of the answer. I haven't actually seen these as yet. I'm hoping to get to Circular Quay in the next few days to take a look. I don't think Wiley Park has lifts.
@@TransportVlog Hi there 131500 informed me there are lifts on all on that line except Dulwich Hill, Punchbowl and Hurlstone Park. I was all set for aa great day out until the strike on the 14th was announced...bleah.
Hello Paul I have a question about the eventual opening of the new Metro. Since current trackwork is only occurring in the Chatswood-Sydenham section, does that mean it will be operational before the Sydenham-Bankstown section or will they open at the same time?
I am not sure. If the latest information is anything to go by it is more likely they will be open around the same time. Because new buildings are being built on top of most of the stations between Chatswood and Syendham It’s still scheduled to open in 2024
I think the current thinking is that it will all open at the same time. I agree, there is still a lot of work on the over-station developments at places like Victoria Cross, Martin Place, Pitt Street, Waterloo and that's going to take some time!
Anybody knows the time it takes Syd Metro train to run from Bankstown to Central station ? I remember it took nearly an hour ( all stations , off peak ) for the old time table around 10 years or so ago
If it's possible to work with curved platforms thanks to the mechanical gap fillers, why arent they doing this at every station with curved platforms? at stations like Sydenham the straightening of the platforms made the distances longer that passengers need to walk, or am I wrong?
Great questions Nicolas. I think mechanical gap fillers will only work on a fully automated railway. It's dependant on the train lining up at the correct location on the platform every time. Sydenham station will be getting two new entrances, including one on Railway Parade which will be very close to the Metro platforms. I guess the walk will be slightly longer for some people, but shorter for others that live or work closer to the new entrances. Hope this helps. Paul
I learnt that Sydney trains will stop operating on that line sometime in 2023 to make way for Sydney metro. Is it likely to take place in the 1st half or the 2nd half of 2023?
Hi William, I don't know for sure, but I reckon 2nd half of 2023 is more likely. It might even slip a little into 2024. I reckon you'll know the exact dates towards the end of next year.
@@TransportVlog the Transport minister is likely to make an announcement next year on when the Sydenham to Bankstown line might close. I think it’s likely to close sometime in the 2nd half of 2023
I’m referring to the line being closed to Sydney trains. It might be shut for 3 to 6 months and once conversion is complete the line will reopen to Sydney metro trains
Hi Jon, yes, feel free to email them to me at paul@transportvlog.com - or you can send me a link to them (if they are in the cloud). That might be easier! Thanks Paul
"Artist's impression" at 8:20 shows a flock of pigeons flying overhead. Any Liberal/National Party government project should show a flock of pigs flying overhead.
Thanks Paul. Very comprehensive. I was wondering what work was happening along that line for the Metro. Certainly appreciate the considerable effort you've gone to. I know it's outside your scope, but I've been wondering how the remaining lines between Lidcombe, Bankstown and Liverpool will be operated after the Metro is in use. If you hear anything, or anyone here knows, would be interested.
Hi Tacit, that's a great question and definitely the subject of a future video! The most likely solution is a 30 minute service from Bankstown to Liverpool and from Bankstown to Lidcombe. Another option could be for the Liverpool services to go via Sefton and Lidcombe and then to the City. I'll do some research into this.
@@TransportVlog Thanks Paul. I don't think the second option would be a goer. It would mean those trains would need to go onto the already busy suburban tracks through Lidcombe instead of into the separated turn-back (Platform 5). The first is the operating pattern I think is 'normal' (bit hard to tell between Covid and the current industrial action) and probably the most likely option. At the moment they're only operating between Bankstown to Liverpool as far as I can tell, and the trip-planner directs people to use a bus from Lidcombe to Bankstown.
Fantastic content Paul, I know it takes hours of filming planning and editing. You have done a great job. You’re helping me stay in touch with what’s happening around Sydney. I live in Murwillumbah, end of the branch line, sadly no longer served by trains. Thank you for your hard work.
Hi Anthony, Glad you enjoyed this video! Yes the editing takes lots of time! I know that these videos benefit many people that no longer live in Sydney, and it's very rewarding to share what is happening!
Hi Paul, finally after watching all your videos there's some infrastructure that I worked on 26 years ago that is still in place, those seats were ours.
Awesome! - It's wonderful to hear that some of your work is still there!
Interesting to see the set up at Dulwich Hill. I wasn't previously aware that the light rail and heavy rail stations were so near to each other, within walking distance. Thanks for sharing that information on your video. For some reason, I had the impression that the two stations were a least a bus ride apart. Back in the 1960's, I found Campsie especially interesting. Back in those days, I was collecting Matchbox Cars and Campsie had a number of Newsagents that stocked some of the older models made back in the 1950's.
Yes, the light rail stop is pretty close and it will be even closer when the new aerial concourse goes in. I wonder if any of the Campsie newsagents still stock matchbox cars!
@@TransportVlog Sadly, I don't think there would be any Matchbox Cars in Newsagents these days. Matchbox Cars were taken over by Hot Wheels some years back and I am not even sure if Hot Wheels are still around. It is still possible to find Matchbox Cars at specialized collectable shops and Swap Meets, but they usually sell for very high prices, even in poor condition.
Great video. As a Dulwich Hill local resident these changes and the metro will be such a gamechanger. Particularly travelling with kids.
Thanks, yes absolutely! The new footbridge and lifts at Dulwich Hill seem to be progressing well now!
Great video Paul, thanks for taking the time to showcase the construction work. I must say, I feel a strong sense of nostalgia seeing that many of these Bankstown line stations still retain City Rail era signage. Will be sad to see those go but excited to see the Metro extended
Hi Dylan, yes that will be a little sad. Still good to see the heritage buildings staying. Glad you enjoyed this video.
Many thanks Paul You have opened up a whole new area of Sydney rail network unfamiliar to me .
Hi Luke, you're very welcome. It's an interesting line with lots of history!
Thanks a lot for making this video Paul. I spoke with one of the representatives of the Southwest Metro project via email, I got a few responses very similar to what you covered in this video.
At Campsie, Platform 0 (Platform 1 junction) and Platform 3 (northernmost platform) would remain there and Platform 0 will be fenced off (most likely with the same type of platform screen doors).
Drove past Sydenham and Dulwich Hill stations along the way to the city, seems that the Railway Pde entrance is finished, but not opened. Dulwich Hill stays the same, new white concrete but I’m not sure how they’ll take off the temporary tactiles.
I’m also not sure if they will take off the CityRail station signage at Campsie (ie. signs to tickets, lifts, etc) and I am pretty sure the stations will go by the same signage (Platform 1: City & Tallawong; Platform 2: Bankstown).
A points cleaning movement was once done to check crossovers if they work. Usually the last westbound train would go through the crossover from Down-Up, stop at Platform 1 and go from Up-Down parallel where the Metropolitan Goods Line verges off. However, this was booked out of service and now it’s just used for empty trains terminating at Campsie.
I’m still figuring out if Bankstown will become an island platform interchange (two island platforms connected), or side platforms.
About regular heavy rail stations, do you have an idea why each station has different types of tactiles? For example, Birrong with blue and yellow, Wynyard with grey and yellow and Newcastle Interchange with white and yellow?
Regardless, apologies for the long comment but thank you for this video Paul. Appreciated. Could you also cover the upgrades to Birrong and Yagoona?
PS. 14:58 Wiley Park
Hi Lil, Glad you enjoyed this video. Thanks for the extra info on the other Campsie platforms. Yes the new Sydenham aerial concourse looks finished now, so hopefully it won't be long before this and the two new entrances open. Regarding the signs, I'm not sure, but it will probably be similar to what they did on the Epping to Chatswood stations when they were converted in 2019. I'm still figuring out what is happening at Bankstown. and I'll cover this in detail in Part 2 (which will be out before Christmas). I don't know the reason for the different tactiles unfortunately! Yes Wiley Park is the right answer! I plan to cover some of the stations being upgraded as part of the Transport Access Program, so I'll see if I can include Birrong and Yagoona.
Thanks for the video. From memory Campsie has alway been the busiest station out of those 5 you covered in this video. Canterbury does not look much different than when I went to school around there. I always found it rather strange that there was a ramp down to Platform Two rather than stairs. I remember one person running for a train down that ramp when it was raining, they slipped and went under the train and died. I'm shocked that, so may years later, it is still there. I'm sure, over the years, that many have slipped running for a train down that ramp, but not with the same tragic result. When the station was originally desgned there must have been some reason they installed a ramp rather than stairs but, what that reason was, I don't know.
Hi Lynda, that's a tragic story regarding Canterbury Station. That's one thing that won't happen with platform screen doors! It's a shame that Canterbury station isn't getting more of an upgrade. Wiley Park also has similar ramps on both sides. I'm not sure what the reason for ramps as opposed to stairs was at the time. Glad you enjoyed this video.
@@TransportVlog That incident has always stuck in my mind. Wiley Park also has a high school nearby so I wonder if the ramps have something to do with nearby schools and students using the station? But then again Belmore and Punchbowl also have state high schools nearby and they don't have ramps - as far as I know.
@@lyndamck3446 I guess it was just a preference for certain stations at the time.
Great work covering the Metro upgrades.
Thanks Philip. I appreciate your feedback!
Brilliant excellent work Paul, the Bankstown Line we are getting the Metropolis Car train sets in 2024. It will be an interesting venture getting closer to my home in 2024 and working my way through a Time Tunnel a Sydenham going 40 m under the Habrbour from Barangaroo to Victoria Cross and then up to Chatswood on one train not two. I suggested they extend the Metro to a new station at Regents Park and the NSW Government would not agree to do that at all. They would rather a train shuttle service from Bankstown to Lidcombe. When we get to Belmore, don't forget the Buldogs Football Club and Belmore Oval.... "Go the Doggies!!!" : )
Thanks Tony, glad you enjoyed it! - I've already filmed Belmore and I'll be working on Part 2 next week (Parramatta Light Rail Part 2 is coming first). There is a longer term aspiration for the line to be extended from Bankstown to Liverpool via a new (and more direct) route. Not sure if we'll see this in our lifetime, but you never know!
Thanks Paul more good information very good video to .
You're very welcome Jason - thanks for your feedback.
At Campsie when the new concourse was being completed (I remember this as Campsie used to be my local station or Belmore station) all the heritage listed building where refurbed and repainted. They used to not be great and had very leaky roofs. A little disappointed they got rid of the heritage listed original part at the front of the old Concourse as it was refurbed as part of the reconstruction.
I remember the temp scaffolding that was used to enable passengers to continue to use Campsie station back in 2001/2002 as at the end of the heritage buildings of each platform. Furthermore growing up, the last form next to Platform 1 (city bound) back in the late and early 90’s use to allow a 4 car red rattler set terminate their before it became a dedicated goods line and non-operational platform. Not sure if my mum has a photo of this but will try and see what I can find in the family archives.
Also I have heard the lifts at Campsie will be upgraded as they are still Hydraulic powered to the new standard as part of the shut down in 2022/23
Hi Alex, thanks for sharing some of the history of Campsie station with us! If you do find any pics, do let me know. Interesting about the 4 cars terminating in the adjacent platform (where the goods line is). I was wondering why there was a platform there. I didn't realise that the lifts are Hydraulic, so that's good to know. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
@@TransportVlog no worries Paul. Trying to see what my mum has got but so far I can't find them.
The lifts have been hydraulic since the station upgrade happened in 2002. I still know some staff that work there and ex staff who worked even at the old station so will reach out them also.
Yeah they used to run a service from central all the way delec which has been closed since the early 90's. You may now know it as port Enfield but they used to run it from central where it would stop at the two platforms that are now non operations to delec and back again in the afternoon
@@AlexDennismiracleboi Thanks Alex, it's great to hear about the history and past services.
Thanks for the update Paul
You're very welcome
Once again,; great job Paul.
re: Dulwich Hill station, at about 2:20. You will find that the concrete structure there is the base of the lift shaft.
cheers
Thanks for that. Did you mean at 9:20? - If so, yes I think you might be right there!
Another fantastic update! Well done. I'm enjoying them so much I've become a Patron. Cheers
Hi Jim, thanks so much for your feedback and for becoming a Transport Vlog Patron! - I really appreciate that 😀
Thanks for a great video. It’s not talking about the impact of this on commuters. A longer trip for most commuters past Campsie. The loss of over 10,000 seats in peak hour compared to what we have now. This is at max number of metro trains. Before Covid this would be massive over crowding on Metro trains. Hard to say now with less people working in the office. All this upgrading could have been done without removing the existing train service.
It is strange they are removing the existing train service. I'm not really sure why that decision was made. Most other stations using the current operational Metro line were integrated with Metro, not replaced by it.
One thing to consider is, even though seating capacity per train is lower, the services are tipped to be much more frequent - which might solve that problem.
Hi @Wayne, glad you enjoyed this video. I tend to keep my videos very factual and avoid getting in to the pros and cons of these changes. With any change, there are always some people that lose out, but overall, I feel it will be beneficial with direct services to many new destinations such as Martin Place, Barangaroo and North Sydney, and higher frequencies.
Great video Paul :)
Thanks Emmily
Hi Paul thankyou for the update I'm so looking forward to riding this line , but we will be waiting a while , oh well 😅
Yes, it's still 2 or 3 years away. It will be fun to have a drivers eye view from the front of a metro train when it opens!
Love the video Paul
Thanks Nic
Gap fillers are needed on the Blue Mountains line. In Auckland they have gap fillers on the trains.
That's good to know. I'll do some research on how the gap fillers work on Aucklands Trains. Hoping to get across the ditch to Auckland to do some filming when things return to normality.
You can go to the lilyfield tram depot and see a bunch of the L1 light rails around the depot
Hi Finn, yes I plan to do that. However, it would be nice to have some moving ones too!
Once again a extremely thorough, well researched and informative video. I don't how you put this together so quickly.
It seems the South-West stations still have a lot of work to do.
Do you think there is potential for trains to be testing through the city and maybe out to Sydenham before the line is finished out towards Bankstown?
Glad you enjoyed this video! This one did take a while to research, record, edit and narrate. It's difficult to say. There is still a lot of work to do at the Chatswood and Sydenham ends. I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens!
Great video 👍
Thanks Daniel 👍
Hi Paul, thanks for sharing another absolutely excellent video. Marrickville is my old haunting ground, where I lived prior to 1981. I can hardly recognise the place. One of those Station Street derelict buildings used to be a Taylor from memory. Also, I think there was also a shoe repair shop and op shop there in years gone by. Around the corner turning left from Station Street, there was a Florist a few shops up. When converted, how long will trains be not running before the Metro commences? I used to live to the south of Marrickville Station in the warren area. It used to be about a ten to fifteen minute walk from Marrickville station to where I lived. Anyway, wishing you all the very best. Robert.
Thanks Robert! Glad you enjoyed it! I don't know for sure, but I reckon it will be 6 to 8 months. With plenty of bridges on the Bankstown Line, it will be interesting to watch the work that takes place while the line is closed! Thanks for your memories of Marrickville. It's certainly changed now!
That tram/train interchange at Dullo is shocking. I've been cranky about how half-arsed it is right, from when it was built, and it put a bad taste in my mouth about the current state government. I'm glad it's going to get fixed, but the fact that it was allowed to be so poor in the first place baffles me.
Yes, I'm very pleased to be seeing this getting fixed now!
Tactiles will still remain because they are an indicator for the blind but they might be moved closer to the PSD's. Wiley Park is a straight platform.
Hi Craig, thanks for that. According to the design documents, they will go, but lets see what happens. Yes Wiley Park has the straight platforms!
The station with straight platforms is Wiley Park. This because it was a late addition to the line
Thanks Peter! - Yes that's correct. Looking forward to covering Wiley Park in Part 2!
Thanks mate, I’ve been looking forward to a detailed coverage of the Bankstown line upgrade. Most of the stations seem very old and run down, and in dire need of refurbishment and upgrade. Good to see SM will fix that. Also, I noticed in the design pictures that some of the stations appeared to lack turnstiles, instead having the pole opal machines. I would have thought turnstiles would have been a part of SM standards, due to being modern and more secure when it comes to paying with Opal cards. Just an interesting note I made. Do you happen to know anything about this? Looking forward to part 2!
Glad you enjoyed this video! I think the space limitations at some of the station entrances means that the pole opal machines will continue to be used, instead of the turnstiles. Even on the new Dulwich Aerial Concourse, I reckon pole opal machines will probably be required in some locations to save space. I think the design documents do mention the type of opal machines to be used, so I'll look into this more.
The mechanical gap fillers is interesting,as these could be used at New York City’s
famous old City Hall looped station,which closed in 1945 as deemed too dangerous
for passengers to enter and exit the trains due to the curved platform.That’s if of
course the authorities in NYC ever decide to reopen the old City Hall station.
Yes they certainly are! - I think they could only work on an automated railway, as it would require the train to always stop at the same place on the platform. Hopefully I'll. make it to NYC one day!
Just of interest, I remember as a young child riding trams with my mum along Illawarra Road Marrickville, heading to and from the Marrickville Road shops.
Wow! I wish the trams were still there!
@@TransportVlog Some of the old tram track in Illawarra Road wasn't removed until as late as 1963,, which was six years after trams ceased running in Marrickville back in 1957.
11:25 I have no idea why the Dulwich Hill station building only dates from 1935 and resemble East Hills line station houses. I would have expected 1895 like the Marrickville, Canterbury and Belmore main station house buildings. The timber ticket/booking office at Hurlstone Park was even bigger and better looking than the Dulwich Hill one if you can remember it. It was still there at the end of 1977. It appears that it would have given the station more visually pleasing atmosphere.
Yes I'm not sure either. I can't find much information on the history of this station online.
Thanks, Paul for a great video. Just in time for my trip on 14th December to Dulwich Hill on the special L1 replacement bus so I and my walker can avoid Dulwich Hill station stairs one way, anyhow. But now you have encouraged me to maybe checkout at least was it Campsie and Marrickville already with lifts? I have visited Sydenham with the lifts and I want to do that again. Might go back through and see if I can figure out how many of this line's stations have lifts. Hoping some kind soul at Dulwich Hill will assist me down those pesky stairs. Why haven't they applied the gap mechanism to Parramatta? They spent millions doing it up but most of the platforms are a mile distant from the train entries? Look forward to your next video.
Hi Geoffrey, Glad you enjoyed this video. Yes Campsie and Marrickville definitely have lifts. Lots of other stations will be getting lifts over the next couple of years including St Peters, Erskineville and Redfern. It's all part of the Transport Access Program. Here is a link - www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects-tap. Mechanical Gap Fillers are a very new technology and would probably only work on an automated railway, as it depends on the trains lining up directly with the gap fillers. There is a trial at Circular Quay using rubber strips that are strong enough to hold passengers and the train brushes against them. I'll do a video on this shortly. Enjoy your outing on the 14th!
@@TransportVlog As I posted to you above...131500 informed me there are lifts on all on that line except Dulwich Hill, Punchbowl and Hurlstone Park. I was all set for a great day out until the strike on the 14th was announced...bleah.
@@geoffreymoore1510 That's s a shame! - If you do go out on the 14th, it will be every 30 mins on the Bankstown Line with K sets and Tangara's operating the service. It will be a little like this video! - ua-cam.com/video/UFCJmovDHec/v-deo.html
Thank you kind sir
You're very welcome
Hi Paul, what do you think of the lack of secure bike storage facilities in these new stations? It seems like Sydney is missing out on a key tool to enhance use of both active transport & public transport. Sad that they aren't a key feature of these station upgrades.
Half of all train riders in the Netherlands get there by bike, I believe.
Bike lockers operated by swipe card would be essential for boosting active transport in our sprawling city - massively extends the accessibility radius of these stations, wouldn't have to worry about locking up ebikes outside, etc. A real shame for both trains and riding.
I think there are plans for secure bike storage at some of the stations. But I agree with you, it would be great to see these at every station. I guess space might be an issue at some of the stations. One thing Sydney Metro North West has, is an abundance of space, which is why there are secure bike lockers at most, if not all stations between Tallawong to Cherrybrook .
@@TransportVlog agreed, the bike lockers at Metro North West look great. PS thanks for your outstanding videos.
@@SydneySlowRider You're very welcome!
Will be very saddening seeing most of the Bankstown line as a metro rather than a normal train line. Once I get back to filming trains again I’m gonna film as much as I can on the Bankstown line
There is still plenty of time to film the Bankstown Line as it is now! I don't think filming the freight trains will be as easy when Sydney Metro opens. I believe there will be a protective barrier between the Sydney Metro and freight lines and possibly screens on any platforms that face the freight lines as well.
@@TransportVlog that’s the thing that I hate about the metro the most. As well as the metro trains looking like crap, the platform barrier gates just make it even more shit. I will most likely never film any metros, just real trains only. But yes, I should still have plenty of time to film on the Bankstown Line 🤞
good video
Thanks Joseph
Nice Video :) I hope none of the new upgrades get vandalised with Graffiti! I'm sick of seeing it everywhere on my train journeys!
Yes let's hope so! Some of the new bridges on Parramatta Light Rail already have a few bits of graffiti on them which is sad!
The Light rail should have been extended another 90 metres to have the station parallel to the freight tracks
Hi Peter, yes that would have been good. It's quite a steep cutting there, so I guess it would have been expensive and might have required demolishing some properties or making the freight line single track.
@@TransportVlog a piled wall so the tram stop could use the space taken up by the slope. Will be good clearance to the freight tracks. The port needs a pair of tracks so no doing away with one track no matter how short the length
Good video Paul
Thanks 👍
Will we get a video for the Crows Nest and Victorias Cross Stations?
Probably early next year. I've been keeping an eye on Crows Nest and Victoria Cross, but there isn't that much to see at the moment.
14:58 Wiley Park
Yes, that is the correct answer! - Looking forward to covering this station in Part 2!
Cool have you seen the strike I think the strike was cool because there was a lot of t sets next to villawood like the t 5 t 8 and t 2 a couple of t sets at central or city I should say so you should of recorded the strike.
I did record a strike video a few weeks ago - here is a link to it - Lots of T and K sets! - ua-cam.com/video/UFCJmovDHec/v-deo.html. It's going to be the same tomorrow (Tuesday).
So basically dulwich hill train station will soon be a metro station instead?
Yes that's right Yuri, and with a much better connection to the Inner West Light Rail (L1).
I've noticed in the video that the platforms' height at Dulwich Hill is still not even with the trains yet. I wonder if, (or rather when) futher Metro conversion works will raise the platforms in the future to make Dulwich Hill station more Metro compatible?
Hi Mario, I noticed that the trains tended to be higher than the platforms on many of the curved platforms. It could be because the curved track is on a slight camber. They will need to correct this either by increasing the platform height or perhaps by using the mechanical gap fillers. There is another 2 week shut down over Christmas, so I'll check back in January to see if the platform heights have changed. Let's see what happens!
@@TransportVlog Are the floor heights of Sydney Trains and Metro the same? Just thinking they might have already have been set to Metro height.
@@tacitdionysus3220 I think they are about the same. On the Epping to Chatswood line, the platform heights were not changed for Sydney Metro.
@@TransportVlog Fair enough. Thanks Paul.
Is it Wiley Park that's perfectly straight?
Yes!
Pual you should do the zig zag Railway
Hi Jasper, yes that would be interesting! - I believe it's closed as a result of the 2019 bushfire damage. Looks like its reopening in mid 2022, so I'll definitely do a video then!
The Light Rail doesn't have a platform number. I think the Metro/Train Platform is 1 and 2, and the Light Rail Platforms would be Platform 3.
Hi Ethan, no I don't think the light rail has a platform number at the moment, but with the new aerial concourse, it would make sense to number it platform 3 now.
Gap fillers are only needed if the curve exceeds a set amount. The radius of the curve exponentially pushes the platform away from the train. Either because of the inside of the train carriage or the furthest end of the carriage. Obviously the two situations are different because the doors are closer to the end of the carriage and closer to the bogies. So, it definitely does matter whether the platform is on the inside or outside of the curve. Another factor is track camber. Some of the curves into the platforms have the train on an angle. This would also factor.
Honestly, I'm not very concerned, but it is of worthy note of what occurred at Heyington Station in Victoria. But, a bigger factor into that is that the doors here have handles, which caused people to try and open doors on a moving train. But, that's a real horrible disaster. The station in question is mostly used for a school, so it's on a corner and was never upgraded.
Hi Beren, that would make sense. However, there isn't much of a curve at Marrickville Station and yet I could see the recesses for the mechanical gap fillers. I'm sure the parts of the platforms that will have mechanical gap fillers is documented somewhere, but I haven't been able to find this online as yet. One thing I've been thinking is whether the gap fillers need to be custom made for each gap! As you say, camber and whether the platform is on the inside or outside of a curve will influence the size of the gap. Let's see what happens!
@@TransportVlog it might just be that the original platform was placed further away or resettled. You could measure the gap whilst the train is stopped.
@@berenscott8999 Yes I could do! I might get some interesting looks from station staff and passengers!
@@TransportVlog The main reasons for the gap filling is that if someone gets trapped in the gap, the train won't know, and nobody will be capable of signalling to stop the train if it happens. It will essentially take off and not stop. This is kind of one of the draw backs of automation. A normal train the driver would be looking at cameras at each station to make sure that the platform is clear. I think me personally, I think E-stops really need to be considered here. Because no matter what, somebody will find a way to get into that gap. Sometimes no matter how well you design an industrial machine, things happen. To give an example, read about the incident where a damaged bogie led to a piece of steel being forced upwards into the carriage narrowly missing passengers. I think that one of the people who almost was hit by the steel has suffered significant mental health trauma as a result of that. When it comes to industrial machines, we never think of every possible outcome. E-stops should exist for situations like this where the unexpected occurs.
@@berenscott8999 I hadn't thought of this scenario, and I wonder if this could happen on Sydney Metro Northwest, or whether the gap is too small. I would have thought that Sydney Metro would have some kind of emergency stop, but I wouldn't know for sure. Yes I remember that incident! - I was trying to get a train from Kings Cross at the time this happened!
It always baffled me why there wasn't a bridge to connect the Light Rail with Heavy Rail at Dulwich Hill also baffles me why the Light Rail Terminus on NSW Light Rail is single platform
A bridge is being built as part of Sydney Metro. It will run from the existing lift, over all the tracks go the island platform and then to another entrance on Ewart Lane. You can learn more about it in this video. ua-cam.com/video/yq2offXBCGg/v-deo.html. Yes it would make sense to double the track into Dulwich Hill.
Hi Paul, appreciate the pretty prompt reply. Just caught me on the way to bed. Those fillers or rubber what'sits would they cope with the weight of a power chair? I called 131500 today and was informed there are lifts on the Bankstown line for all but Punchbowl, Hurlstone Park and Dulwich Hill. So I might check some more of those on the 14th if the trains are not on strike! Regs look forward to your next video.
Hi Geoffrey, great question and I'm not sure of the answer. I haven't actually seen these as yet. I'm hoping to get to Circular Quay in the next few days to take a look. I don't think Wiley Park has lifts.
@@TransportVlog Hi there 131500 informed me there are lifts on all on that line except Dulwich Hill, Punchbowl and Hurlstone Park. I was all set for aa great day out until the strike on the 14th was announced...bleah.
Hello Paul I have a question about the eventual opening of the new Metro. Since current trackwork is only occurring in the Chatswood-Sydenham section, does that mean it will be operational before the Sydenham-Bankstown section or will they open at the same time?
I am not sure. If the latest information is anything to go by it is more likely they will be open around the same time. Because new buildings are being built on top of most of the stations between Chatswood and Syendham It’s still scheduled to open in 2024
I think the current thinking is that it will all open at the same time. I agree, there is still a lot of work on the over-station developments at places like Victoria Cross, Martin Place, Pitt Street, Waterloo and that's going to take some time!
Anybody knows the time it takes Syd Metro train to run from Bankstown to Central station ? I remember it took nearly an hour ( all stations , off peak ) for the old time table around 10 years or so ago
My guess would be 27 mins. This is based on 22 mins from Bankstown to Sydenham (2 mins quicker than now) and then 6 mins to Central.
Do you go to Marrickville Paul?
Yes!
OK
If it's possible to work with curved platforms thanks to the mechanical gap fillers, why arent they doing this at every station with curved platforms?
at stations like Sydenham the straightening of the platforms made the distances longer that passengers need to walk, or am I wrong?
Great questions Nicolas. I think mechanical gap fillers will only work on a fully automated railway. It's dependant on the train lining up at the correct location on the platform every time. Sydenham station will be getting two new entrances, including one on Railway Parade which will be very close to the Metro platforms. I guess the walk will be slightly longer for some people, but shorter for others that live or work closer to the new entrances. Hope this helps. Paul
Any idea when the Metro will be complete
Most likely in 2024i believe
Yes 2024
I learnt that Sydney trains will stop operating on that line sometime in 2023 to make way for Sydney metro. Is it likely to take place in the 1st half or the 2nd half of 2023?
Hi William, I don't know for sure, but I reckon 2nd half of 2023 is more likely. It might even slip a little into 2024. I reckon you'll know the exact dates towards the end of next year.
@@TransportVlog the Transport minister is likely to make an announcement next year on when the Sydenham to Bankstown line might close. I think it’s likely to close sometime in the 2nd half of 2023
I’m referring to the line being closed to Sydney trains. It might be shut for 3 to 6 months and once conversion is complete the line will reopen to Sydney metro trains
@@williamwalker8106 Thanks William. I'm sure it will be publicised widely!
I think the platforms 5 and 6 at Epping station were closed for about 6 months while they were being covered a couple of years ago.
will the sydney metro replace the T3 train line?
Yes it will between Sydenham and Bankstown.
Hey Paul, I have video and photos of Dulwich Hill construction works if you’re interested.
Hi Jon, yes, feel free to email them to me at paul@transportvlog.com - or you can send me a link to them (if they are in the cloud). That might be easier! Thanks Paul
"Artist's impression" at 8:20 shows a flock of pigeons flying overhead. Any Liberal/National Party government project should show a flock of pigs flying overhead.
Well spotted! Yes I did notice the flying birds!
Thanks Paul. Very comprehensive. I was wondering what work was happening along that line for the Metro. Certainly appreciate the considerable effort you've gone to.
I know it's outside your scope, but I've been wondering how the remaining lines between Lidcombe, Bankstown and Liverpool will be operated after the Metro is in use. If you hear anything, or anyone here knows, would be interested.
Hi Tacit, that's a great question and definitely the subject of a future video! The most likely solution is a 30 minute service from Bankstown to Liverpool and from Bankstown to Lidcombe. Another option could be for the Liverpool services to go via Sefton and Lidcombe and then to the City. I'll do some research into this.
@@TransportVlog Thanks Paul. I don't think the second option would be a goer. It would mean those trains would need to go onto the already busy suburban tracks through Lidcombe instead of into the separated turn-back (Platform 5).
The first is the operating pattern I think is 'normal' (bit hard to tell between Covid and the current industrial action) and probably the most likely option. At the moment they're only operating between Bankstown to Liverpool as far as I can tell, and the trip-planner directs people to use a bus from Lidcombe to Bankstown.