STATION LINK CONNECTS CUSTOMERS FOR METRO UPGRAD

Customers travelling between Epping and Chatswood will get more than 110 bus services an hour during the busiest parts of the day from 30 September 2018, as the rail line is upgraded to the world-class Sydney Metro system. 
 
This major milestone marks the final stage of construction before the $8.3 billion Sydney Metro Northwest starts carrying customers in the first half of next year. 
 
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said the seven-month upgrade will be supported by a $49 million investment into a new high frequency pink bus fleet called Station Link that will run more than 1,000 services a day. 
 
“When Sydney Metro opens next year, there’ll be a new metro train every four minutes in the peak in both directions at these stations – which is almost four times as many services that currently run in the peak direction,” Mr Constance said. 
 
“The new high frequency Station Link service will run on a turn-up-and-go basis on seven additional routes, ensuring those who live and work on the Epping to Chatswood corridor have regular and reliable transport options. 
 
“To support the bus plan, there will be extended turning lanes and 580 metres of dedicated bus lanes to boost capacity and reliability.” 
 
Ryde MP Victor Dominello said the investment in Station Link and road improvements for capacity and bus priority are the result of almost four years of working with stakeholders and engaging with the community. 
 
“A brand new fleet of fully accessible, air-conditioned Station Link buses will connect stations between Epping and Chatswood at least every six minutes in the peak, with more than 110 services per hour running during the busiest parts of the day,” Mr Dominello said. 
 
“For university students and staff, we’ll be running a dedicated Station Link service direct to campus from Epping Station during semesters, on top of the many other services that will stop at Macquarie University Station.” 
 
Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Marg Prendergast will work with employers and key stakeholders to manage travel demand in the lead up to the start of work on the upgrade in September. 
 
“These proven strategies have been key factors in managing congestion in the Sydney CBD where, since 2015, inbound vehicles reduced by 11 per cent and public transport trips increased by 9.4 per cent in the morning peak period,” Ms Prendergast said. 

 Station Link service details will be available on the trip planner and real-time apps well before services start on 30 September.  
 
For the latest information on service routes and frequencies, visit mysydney.nsw.gov.au. 
 
The Epping to Chatswood upgrades include major work, testing of new signalling and communications systems and electrical and fire safety systems. The existing tracks and overhead wiring will be used by the new metro system, which is the same standard gauge railway as the rest of Sydney’s train network.