Hosted by the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF), the peak national advocacy body for tourism, transport and aviation sectors, Andy Lord, the Commissioner of Transport for London, has yesterday toured the new Sydney Metro.

TTF CEO Margy Osmond said, “We’re beyond delighted to welcome Commissioner Andy Lord to the fabulous city of Sydney.

“As a long-standing representative of transport, and now the most senior transport official in London, Andy brings a unique and powerful insight into Sydney’s transport challenges and our newest piece of infrastructure.”

Sydney Metro has been Australia’s biggest public transport project. Providing fast, easy and reliable metro rail services, the line began in May 2019 in Sydney’s North West. These services were extended under the harbour and below the Sydney CBD to Sydenham on 19 August 2024.

Since opening, more than 12 million metro journeys have been recorded, with an average of 200,000 metro trips per weekday.

Sydney Metro Chief Executive, Peter Regan said, “As Australia’s biggest public transport project to date, the Sydney Metro marks a new age for Sydney’s commuters. It is a feat that will have a 100-year impact, not just on Australian railways, but also in the regeneration of precincts, the development of new transport hubs and the creation of new places for local communities.

“With this latest service, we’re proud to be delivering Sydneysiders to their destinations safely, and promptly, with 99 per cent of our services having run on time.”

This morning, Andy Lord experienced the new line in person, riding between two of the metro’s busiest stations, Martin Place and Victoria Cross.
Delivery Directors for both stations provided insight into the key elements and construction of the terminals, highlighting the size, scale and accessibility of the facilities.

Serving as Chief Operating Officer for TfL during the opening of the London’s Elizabeth line, Lord was able to provide unique discernment into the challenges and opportunities that the new, and upcoming, metro lines mean for a city like Sydney. Officials from TfL also visited Sydney to help review the readiness, as well as maintenance plans and practices ahead of the new City Section opening.

Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said, “Since the Elizabeth line opened two years ago, more than 450 million journeys have been made. This is a staggering achievement and is representative of the increased cross-city connection and accessibility we’re now providing to Londoners and visitors travelling throughout the city.

“Promoting growth, connected communities, and future housing opportunities is important for every world city and the Sydney Metro promises to deliver a redefined future for this bustling city.”

After the tour, Andy joined industry representatives at a luncheon to discuss key transport challenges and opportunities.

ENDS