Global transport experts, world-class network planning, local knowledge and months of collaborative planning have resulted in a smooth start to the Southwest Link service rail replacement link in NSW for Transit Systems. 

Transport for NSW announced the end of an era on Sunday, September 29, with the closing of the T3 Bankstown line, making way for Metro transformations.

NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said new free bus services will do the heavy lifting, getting customers into trunk services, like Sydenham, to jump on the Metro into the city.

The deployment of 60 new Transit Systems buses, a successful recruitment campaign of over 140 brand-new drivers to the industry, and months of planning and collaboration delivered a seamless early morning start on September 30.

Michael McGee, CEO of Transit Systems, congratulated Transit Systems NSW team with extended thanks to the national team.

“This project reflects the values we stand for at Transit Systems,” he said.

Transit Systems successfully attracted, trained and qualified new industry drivers, and supplied specialist driver training for bus accreditation. They leveraged the group’s national resources to deliver above and beyond for the client, including flying in driver trainers from interstate to keep up with the influx.

The project showcases a united effort to support the complex rail replacement program. Its laser focus on safety includes risk minimisation, asset protection, world-class driver training, and customer experience.

Transit Systems is proudly playing a crucial role in delivering positive change for Sydney’s transport future.

“Let’s continue building on this success as we move forward, inspired by a commitment to deliver more connected, efficient, and sustainable networks,” said Mr McGee.

Transit Systems was awarded the majority of the rail replacement contract with Transport for NSW while it undertakes the conversion of the line to Metro. It is scheduled for a 12-month delivery program but involves difficult upgrades to a 130-year-old rail line, with Transport for NSW noting it could take longer.

Transit Systems NSW operates three of Sydney’s metropolitan bus contract regions – Region 2, covering the Liverpool and Macarthur areas; Region 3, covering the Parramatta, Liverpool and Bankstown areas; and Region 6, covering the Inner West of Sydney, which includes a permanent and fully integrated On Demand service.

With 11 depots, located in Bankstown, Bradbury, Burwood, Hoxton Park, Kingsgrove, Leichhardt, Macquarie Fields, Smeaton Grange, Smithfield, South Granville, and Tempe, Transit Systems NSW is proudly Sydney’s largest bus operator.