Projects in Focus - Sydney Metro West

Sydney Metro is the biggest urban rail project in Australian history.

Sydney Metro West aims to provide rapid and frequent connections between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.  

The 24-kilometre route will double rail capacity between the two CBDs, linking new

communities to rail services while boosting employment and housing supply. Sydney Metro West has stations confirmed at Westmead, Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock, The Bays, Pyrmont and Hunter Street in the Sydney CBD.

Sydney’s first metro line, the Metro Northwest, launched on 26th May 2019 - and it’s played a significant role in securing job opportunities in the construction, engineering, and infrastructure sector.  

With the major civil construction work continuing for Sydney Metro West, we see great promise in the extension of job growth and opportunities to meet the demands of this monumental infrastructure project.  The new underground railway is expected to create about 10,000 direct and 70,000 indirect jobs during construction.

By 2036, a massive 300,000 jobs are forecasted to be generated through this project. 

Sydney Metro train features

The delivery of Sydney Metro West is crucial to keeping Greater Sydney moving. The Sydney Metro provides a new generation of fast, safe, and reliable metro trains and produces a host of benefits and features for commuters, like:

Safety 

Safety is the number one priority of Sydney Metro, which is illustrated through the design, construction, and operation elements.

• Customer service assistants will monitor the network day and night
• Each train has 38 security cameras, allowing internal surveillance from the front to back of the train
• Extended patrol from the NSW Police Public Transport Command, just as they do for the rest of Sydney’s public transport network
• Enhanced communication and control system to enhance the performance of the brand new standalone railway. It will be part of a closed system with no external connections as a safeguard

Accessibility 

Sydney Metro stations are fully accessible for people with reduced mobility, and families with prams and children. This includes:

• Wheelchair spaces, separate priority seating, and emergency intercoms inside trains
• Two multi-purpose areas per train for prams, luggage, and bicycles
• Level access between the platform, train, and lifts at all stations
• Platform screen double doors which prevent people and objects from the edge - and allows for faster loading and unloading

Comfort features, such as heating and air conditioning, in all metro trains and reliable mobile phone coverage through the network are also key highlights.  

Elements of success: a case study

The Sydney Metro network is made by world class manufacturer Alstom. Alstom is responsible for the international metropolis train, seen in 25 cities including Singapore.  The global leader prides themselves on focusing on smart and sustainable mobility. With Singapore’s public transport system being rated among the best in the world, an important question is raised -  will the Sydney Metro also be added to their success stories?

In the report ‘Elements of success - Urban transportation systems of 24 global cities’, Singapore rated highly on the aspects of availability, affordability, efficiency, convenience, and sustainability, with a 86% satisfaction overall rating from their commuters. In particular, the convenience and flexibility of their ticketing system supported their best-in-class reputation. With the Sydney Metro using the Opal card for their ticketing and fares, we are highly optimistic that our system will also be widely praised as a great success.

Workforce development and industry participation

By 2024, Sydney would have witnessed the biggest wave of transport construction.  By then, the construction program would have delivered tens of thousands of jobs to Sydney residents - a much appreciated boost in our COVID-19 induced recession.  

The Sydney Metro West project provides significant opportunities to promote job growth and skills to encourage a more diverse and inclusive workforce and supply chain.  

The Sydney Metro industry curriculum (SMIC) program aims to increase workforce capability and capacity by developing transferable skills and competency of individuals across the industry.  A collaborative partnership with NSW Department of Industry and Training Services NSW supports the delivery of this program.   

The following areas were identified as critical skill areas: 

• Demolition 
• Tunnelling 
• General civil construction 
• Rail 
• Heavy haulage 
• Leadership skills across all industry disciplines

In addition, there will be substantial construction to prepare the key construction sites and provide protection to the public.

Enabling work may include activities such as: 

• Demolition of buildings and structures within the proposed construction footprint 
• Utility supply to the construction sites including power and water 
• Utility adjustments and protection
• Construction site establishment

For more information about the Sydney Metro network, read our blog here.

About CGC Recruitment

At CGC Recruitment, our team of experienced consultants cover all major infrastructure, engineering and construction sectors. We help clients throughout Australia deliver their projects by attracting the best candidates and talent. This sector-driven focus gives CGC a strong understanding of the project lifecycles, government policy and economic considerations impacting our industry and the demand for skilled professionals.

CGC Recruitment helps complex, large-scale development projects – like Sydney Metro West – to achieve the best outcomes through recruiting outstanding professionals. Our highly-motivated team of experienced consultants help clients and candidates connect with major projects by bringing in the best talent and opportunities.

If you’re looking for the right team member, get in touch with CGC, and one of our experienced consultants will be happy to help.

If you’re looking for your next career opportunity, you can register with CGC today. Simply complete our online registration, which takes just 30 seconds. Or if you’re looking for something in particular, contact us or search our jobs.

To be involved in projects or to attract candidates that are changing and improving Australia’s infrastructure, connect with CGC today.