First Look Inside Victoria Cross Station - Sydney Metro City & South West Community Open Day

[@exploringsydneysrailways]

It's cool to see how high-capacity some of the new stations are on Sydney Metro City and Southwest. Victoria Cross has 8 escalators and 4 lifts between platform and concourse level, which is a lot! I think Martin Place has 8 escalators and 2 lifts (plus 3 escalators and 1 lift connecting to the Eastern Suburbs Line platforms), Gadigal has 7 escalators and 4 lifts, and Central has 9 escalators and 2 lifts. These stations are going to be busy so they're built to handle lots of people.

[@TransportVlog]

Yes, Vic Cross does have a lot of lifts and escalators. Where possible, its always good to have 2 lifts for each step-free connection, so that if one is out of use, there is an alternative. I'm still not exactly sure where all the Martin Place lifts will be, but I'm hoping that there will be 2 lifts to the platform from both entrances (so 4 in total). Only 1 lift to the ESL platforms would be Ok, as you can do that step-free via the south entrance if that lift was out of action. But as you say, these stations have all been built to handle lots of people and so should be future-proofed for anticipated usage in the years to come.

[@flamingfrancis]

Paul, that concept of loading / unloading of lifts from both sides was one that was used on trains at Olympic Park station during the Olympics. Worked brilliantly and was amazing to watch at that time and I expect it would be used at times of very high volume such as the Royal Easter Show or a big sporting event at the Olympic (currently Accor) Stadium. The overall trnsport system worked very effectively back then.

[@TransportVlog]

Yes that seems to be working well at Victoria Cross. Yes I've used Olympic Park station after a couple of big events, so have been how they use both sides of the platform. The Sydney Olympic Park metro station will have platform screen doors on both sides.

[@baalbektrilithon]

Brilliant video Paul, I think this is your best yet! I've seen a ton videos from this open day but yours had multiple elements that hadn't previously been shown. The Sydney Metro team are doing a fantastic PR job and you can see by the information they're sharing and the outstanding quality of the stations why the metro review rated their management so highly. Can't wait till this line opens to the public!

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! Yes I think you might be right there! I certainly put lots of effort into this one! Its my sense of curiosity that helps me find things that other KZbinrs miss. For Denison Street, I was keen to see where that passageway went too! The bike sheds for the northern entrance were captured a few weeks before. On the open day, the Mclaren Street pavement was closed, so it would have been difficult to see that. Yes the Sydney Metro team are so excited and enthusiastic and it really comes across! Not long now before it all opens!

[@baalbektrilithon]

@@TransportVlog I love exploring every nook and cranny too, so it was great to see the new angles and elements. I was very excited to see the Denison exit will line up perfectly with the One Denison cut-through! We should eventually be able to get an almost straight line through all the new developments down to Little Walker St which would be fantastic.

[@nomadMik]

I'm so excited about this video, this station and this line. Big thanks to Paul, everyone who helped make the video, and everyone who helped make this metro line a reality.

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it so much! Yes it's always lovely to feature Sydney Metro people in my videos, so that you hear their knowledge first hand!

[@yesand5536]

That was very well put together Paul - your skills have escalated and escalated quickly! That was me, Eric, right at the end filming you!

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks Eric, Glad you've been noticing the improvements in my video skills! And thanks for your help with the filming!

[@ralphbyles142]

Thanks Paul. Your videos just keep getting better and better!

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks Ralph, Yes I do try and improve each one, especially the open day videos.

[@benjaminsamuel2740]

Amazing video. The best way to start my weekend. I remember asking one of the workers there when it started the excavation and now it's near completion. Love how you present all aspects of the station. Tha ks

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it so much! Yes it's good to cover everything, including what's happening with the integrated station developments.

[@friggincanvee]

London underground has a lot of lift only entrances. But also there are some in Barcelona, the US, Hong Kong...

[@TransportVlog]

Yes that's right! I don't know the metros in other cities that well, but its interesting that Hong Kong has some lift only stations.

[@greenmagicdragon]

@@TransportVlogExamples in Hong Kong include Sai Ying Pun and HKU stations on the Blue Hong Kong Island line.

[@flamingfrancis]

Some of the older stations on the Paris Metro could certainly do with some over their steps with worn treads

[@johnstewart1841]

Great coverage. My dad lived at Victoria Cross in the early 50s. Biggest thing in those days was construction of the MLC bldg. The Metro dwarfs that undertaking. Thank you for these splendid video records.

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks John, There have been proposals to demolish the MLC building, but it's always managed to survive! I've really hoping that Victoria Cross station and the integrated station development will revitalise North Sydney, which has suffered since Covid, with many retail businesses closing.

[@getjiggywidit1772]

Great video Paul! There's quite a lot of elements to this station and you seamlessly covered them all! This station looks gorgeous and I'm keen to visit this whenever I come to Sydney. I'm still waiting on our State Library and Anzac Station to be completed so that we have something to experience with new architectual designs and engineering feats. Looking forward to your videos of these stations once they are completed too!

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! Yes there was much more to Victoria Cross than some of the other stations. Yes when Metro Tunnel opens, I will do a video on each of the new stations. Flying down for community open days might be a challenge, but if you do hear of any, please email at [e-mail].

[@paulburgess-qr9rx]

Incredible video Paul it was the first time seeing one of the new metro stations also nice to have a quick chat with you on the day can’t wait to see the other stations when the line is up and running

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks Paul, glad you enjoyed it, and it was lovely to have a chat with you too! Yes, not long now!

[@Nalehw]

It feels like basically any time someone makes a video on Australian trains, they credit Other Paul for his footage. What an honour that you got to meet the legend in person. ...is what I originally typed before seeing you saved the best for last. What an introduction to USTSL! There's few train bloggers that young and even fewer who can lay down beats like that. Also grateful Kathryn was ready & willing to switch from public relations mode to nerd mode for us. (edited for spelling)

[@TransportVlog]

That's interesting! I wasn't aware of that! Glad you enjoyed the USTSL rap, and Kathryn's nerdy facts!

[@CNPapadopoulos]

Informative and entertaining as always. Paul, your videos are in a class of their own

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks! I do try and be different, and bring my personality into the video, and cover things outside of what could be seen on the open day itself.

[@TaniTaniwha]

I remember lift only access at Lancaster Gate, part of the London Underground. A huge single lift.

[@TransportVlog]

Yes, I remember the big lift at Lancaster Gate.

[@Designfornow1]

Hi Paul, It was great to chat with you again at the open day. I'm still surprised you let me film you for a scene!

[@TransportVlog]

Yes likewise! That's quite normal! I often do quick bits for other people's videos, or ask someone to film a little bit of me to save me holding the camera!

[@koshishdhakal]

Hi Paul, it was great having a quick catuchup with you at Central Station. Love how you were hustling to catch Sydney Metro testing even without a camera.😅 Keep up your good work!

[@TransportVlog]

Yes great to see you too! I always have my phone with me, and that's still the main camera that I use! Yes will do!

[@AheadMatthewawsome]

Hi Paul, this was a fantastic video! I was actually travelling past North Sydney on a train when I got the notification for this video. It has some amazing information on here and I can imagine young people watching this video and being inspired to participate in Sydney Metro. Thanks also for putting me onto this video! You captured me on my good side! You can find on my channel videos about transport, urban planning, and disability advocacy. P.S, Beware the Stormtroopers!

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks Matthew, glad you enjoyed it! You're very welcome! Thanks for explaining the accessible toilets! I have to give Jim the credit for the Stormtroopers, as that was his idea! Nice timing on the notification too!

[@maxplanck9055]

Good to see a thorough review in detail, looks to be a great transport asset for Sydney ✌️❤️🇬🇧

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks Max, glad you enjoyed it! Yes it's going to be a game-changer for Sydney!

[@tamworthtrainnut285]

9:26 Last year at Steamfest 2023, I was lucky enough to meet Paul in person from Paul’s Train vlogs at Maitland station, huge fan of Transport Vlog, Sydney Trains Vlogs and Transport for NSW vlogs, hopefully I get to meet Paul from Transport vlog, Phil from Sydney Trains Vlogs one day when I’m in Sydney again

[@TransportVlog]

Nice! Tamworth is on my list of stations to visit, so I'll let you know if I'm up your way. Hope you can come down to Sydney when the metro opens, and we can chat, and I can introduce you to Phil too!

[@greenmagicdragon]

Great video. Really thorough rundown. 👍 Thank you 🙏

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@peterelvery]

Hi Paul. Some of deeper London stations have only lifts and stairs. IIRC Elephant and Castle has through lifts in cylindrical lift shafts with stairs winding around the outside.

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks Peter, that's a good example. Covent Garden is one that springs to mind too.

[@uzziman9659]

Sydney finally improving 💪

[@TransportVlog]

Yep!

[@fittipaldi7326]

Fantastic video as alway Paul. The level of detail in the specifications of the stations you provide is first class. Plus it is great to see the Metro construction staff available to provide further context on the scale of the build. I was taken aback by the sheer scale of the platform cavern. It is truly breathtaking!! I think Victoria Cross is the only metro station that has 3 seperate banks of Escalators from mezzanine to the platform. Is that correct? I also did a timed test run from the platform doors to the Miller Street south exit. If you casually walk from the train platform and stand on the escalators it takes 3m 15 sec. If you can time the two lifts and walk fast it takes just on 2 minutes to reach the surface.

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Yes the scale of the platform cavern is amazing. The Martin Place South Entrance will also have 3 sets of escalators to the platform. You can learn more about this station in my Martin Place Explained video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5uThmyVnNllY9E. Thanks for sharing your timing tests. It would be fun to do some escalators v lift races when the station opens to see which is consistently quicker!

[@DRpokeme]

Cool and amazing. Your work is very important, thank you.

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks! I appreciate your lovely comment. Glad you enjoyed this video!

[@artistjoh]

London definitely has lifts only stations such as Covent Garden which is equivalent of 15 floors below ground, but it also has at least one station (Wapping) that is lifts only to half way, then stairs only to the platform.

[@whophd]

Paul would've shown a clip of me saying that, except in my nervousness on camera, I said "Charing Cross" when I meant "Covent Garden" and wouldn't that be embarrassing!

[@artistjoh]

@@whophdHe did say there is one other city with lifts-only platforms, and we all know and love the London tube network, but only one other city? Nope. While it is new to Sydney, it is fairly common around the world. Long escalators have problems with commuter's becoming disoriented and falling over backwards, so beyond a certain depth elevators are the only safe option. They have the added advantage of efficiently utilizing the vertical space, because long escalators use a lot of sideways space. I suspect that very old stations, like Covent Garden were built before the modern escalator was developed, so lifts were probably the only realistic choice. It would have been before Otis invented his "safety elevator" so would have been a more dangerous hand operated goods lift type of elevator that were common in factories before the Otis lift.

[@TransportVlog]

Yes I know Wapping station well. It was one of my local stations for a while.

[@artistjoh]

@@TransportVlogWapping is very curious, because there is no obvious reason why the lifts don't go down to platform level with a level walkway to the platform. It is a very narrow and short platform as if the builders ran out of money and built it on the cheap. I suspect it was originally stairs all the way, but when modernising the concourse there was no room for escalators so a lift install became the solution.

[@becsterbrisbane6275]

Equivalent to 15 floors underground? You sound like Geoff Marshall lol

[@robertcoleman4861]

👍👍👍👍💯Thanks Paul.

[@TransportVlog]

You’re very welcome!😊

[@staryoshi06]

Your camera tracking of those downward escalators was perfect.

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks!

[@tdb7992]

I'm amazed by how many people from the UK seem to be working on this project. Nearly everyone involved in its construction you hear seems to have an English accent.

[@shoobiefu]

where I live north of sydney every second person has a british accent.

[@TransportVlog]

Yes, the Brits have a lot of experience from the Elizabeth line and early tube extensions.

[@josephlownang6992]

Good video mate

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks 👍

[@AegirPhotography]

Great video, very informative. How do you find out when the community open days happen ? Keen to see my local Crows Nest station when it's open to the public. :)

[@TransportVlog]

Enter your name in the Register for updates box which is on the footer of any page on www.sydneymetro.info/. Make sure you tick Sydney Metro City & Southwest project updates, and also tick Construction Updates, and then tick Crows Nest. Sydney Metro did mention that no further open days are planned at the moment, so you may have to wait until the line opens to see Crows Nest.

[@lachlantula]

Another exceptional video - maybe your best yet!

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks! Yes quite possibly! I put a lot of effort into this one!

[@Chadtransportvlogs]

Excellent video Paul sorry I didn’t get there on time beause I was home

[@TransportVlog]

No worries Chad, glad you enjoyed it. I was there all day.

[@aldredd]

'Fun fact' - The cavern was going to be blast-excavated. They did a few test-blasts one weekend ... in 2021 I think, but the impact on existing buildings was too great so had to switch to roadheader excavation.

[@TransportVlog]

Interesting! Did sound like a risky strategy!

[@ForTheBirbs]

Awesome video Paul!

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks Jim, and you had quite a big part to play in that, so a huge thanks for all your help.

[@ForTheBirbs]

My pleasure!

[@samsam21amb]

Those corridors remind me of the Elizabeth Line in a way.

[@TransportVlog]

Yes there's definite similarities

[@andrewkim1729]

I got this feeling after watching this: u r a great film editor! I can’t imagine how can such a well structured film be brilliantly written!

[@TransportVlog]

Hi Andrew, thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! Yes there is certainly some skill involved in structuring it in a logical and captivating way!

[@davidmcdonald3314]

I remember one of the reasons for not pursuing the (at one time) proposed Carlingford to Epping extension not proceeding was because of the distance between the two points not having a station (which would result in unacceptably low patronage) and this being the consequence of the line needing to run too far below Carlingford Road Seems like the technology to do this (lift only access) would have been in place long before the extension's proposal

[@TransportVlog]

Hi David, I think there are lots of reasons why the Carlingford to Epping extension hasn't happened. Having travelled between Epping and Carlingford several times on the bus, I can see the challenges in terms of geography. The only option seems to be underground and that would be very expensive, even if any intermediate stations were lift only.

[@davidmcdonald3314]

​Oh, there's no doubt it would/should have been a tunnel ​@@TransportVlog- the Chatswood - Epping line that (at that time) was going to be part of the same line was / is a tunnel too That said, a people-moving rail service for the North West was necessary - just a pity we couldn't have both I'd really like to see a bi-partisan transport plan for Sydney** - bickering for the sake of politics makes the rest of us losers ** Actually, no need to stop at Sydney - there are other cities in NSW that could well do with more transport planning too - and better regional cities can make for a better Sydney

[@PeterCowan1969YouTubePersonal]

Can you point out where the extra 2 carriages will stop at the station when extra carriages are added in the future, when they go from 6 car trains to 8 car trains. (I read in the documents about Sydney Metro that says it has been designed for 8 car trains in the future when required).

[@TransportVlog]

Hi Peter, the platforms of all the underground stations are long enough for 8 car trains, but there are only platform screen doors for 6 car trains (as its relatively easy to add the extra ones later). So trains will initially stop 1 car short of the end of the platform, and they'll be another 1 car gap at the other end of the platform. When trains are extended to 8 cars, they'll take up the full length of the platform. I'll explain this in more detail when the line opens.

[@PeterCowan1969YouTubePersonal]

@@TransportVlogCheers, I was just checking to see if you could tell on the platforms. I would imagine this would be the case for all other Metro Lines being built in Sydney? (I.E - Sydney Metro West & Western Sydney Airport to St-Mary's). CAN YOU PLEASE POINT THIS OUT ON THE PLATFORMS IN YOUR NEXT VIDEO & LET ME KNOW WHICH VIDEO? Thanks for the reply. Appreciate it.

[@quartz9556]

How does one learn about; sign up and visit station open days?

[@TransportVlog]

Enter your name in the Register for updates box which is on the footer of any page on www.sydneymetro.info/. Make sure you tick Sydney Metro City & Southwest project updates, and also tick Construction Updates, and then tick the stations you're interested in. Sydney Metro have mentioned that no further open days are planned at the moment, so you may have to wait until the line opens to see the remaining stations.

[@stephencrawshaw120]

Is there any provision for a pedestrian link between VicX station and the Greenwood pathway to N Sydney station?

[@TransportVlog]

No, but its about a 300 metre walk to the Victoria Cross intersection entrance to the Greenwood centre, so its pretty close. It's not designed to be an interchange with North Sydney station, as passengers will typically change at Chatswood or Central instead.

[@napalm5]

Made very efficient use of the space they were given

[@TransportVlog]

Yes they certainly did!

[@brettyallop6018]

I woke up this morning and actually thought to my self, 'Where is Paul's video on the Victoria Cross Station open day?' Not long after this gem dropped proving the old adages 'good things take time' and 'life is not a race'. 100% your best video yet show casing not just the Station but also your progression and development as a content creator! Huge accolades to you Paul and the Sydney Metro team in developing this awesome station. Wondering whether the Denison St entrance is going to be open when the line opens or whether it will be later given the tower crane appearing to be in the middle of it?

[@TransportVlog]

Hi Brett, I think a few people were wondering when my video would appear! Yes that's right, in this case, it took about 3 weeks to put this video together, and then a further week to obtain feedback from Sydney Metro. Glad you think its my best video so far! I did put a lot of effort into this one. Regarding Denison Street, I'm not sure. Things sometimes progress quite quickly, so I'll keep an eye on this entrance.

[@ranger8237]

The Core up the building is now Upto Level 27 of 42 (15 Floors to go) as of Monday

[@TransportVlog]

Cool! - I guess they can probably do a floor every 1 or 2 weeks

[@fittipaldi7326]

They were working today.. maybe a shut down pre Easter 🐣

[@stevemurnane1892]

Great video Paul. It's a pity they didn't an extra few gallons of paint to do the inside of the lift wells. Would have brightened them up, instead of seeing dreary grey concrete. Could have even painted a theme of some sort. I'm curious as to why you have near 13K subs with 10K views, but there are ONLY 504 likes/thumbs up!!!!! Is it so hard to click the "like" button?

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks Steve, glad you enjoyed it. Painting the lift wells would have been nice, but it would be difficult to repaint them over time. The likes in relation to views is higher for this video compared to some of my other recent videos, so I'm not too concerned about that. People watching the video all the way to the end and posting comments is more important to me (and for the KZbin algorithm).

[@suchdevelopments]

😃😄Hi Paul, Good day from Lismore NSW. Ian Cleland - Goonellabah 2480 I am a Project manager and civil engineer who has worked in Singapore designing and building Tunnel Boring Machines and five underground stations, managing 160 engineers and architects from 1999 to 2004.

[@TransportVlog]

That sounds exciting! I love the Singapore MRT system.

[@suchdevelopments]

@@TransportVlog MRT we produced 3,600 A1 drawing in four years. 12k 2 TBM and five stations, two of which can stand bunker busters or indirectly hit nuclear weapons.

[@birdcam1982]

If there was to be a line in the future running through to the lower north shore and northern beaches, is there room for another box underneath or next to the existing cavern?

[@TransportVlog]

Probably not. the northern beaches aren’t keen on a metro line, and it’s not on Sydney Metros planned metros map they shows proposed lines up until 2056.

[@birdcam1982]

Fair enough. Definitely a shame but hey it is what it is. Btw great video on Vic X!

[@bobaustralia3]

Hi as anybody know when the line will open?. I know they're doing a lot of testing between Chatswood & sydenham .

[@TransportVlog]

The official line continues to be "the middle of this year", with an exact date to be announced about 6 weeks before. There are rumours of it opening in July, but these are only rumours!

[@SamTowne2002]

the ceiling kind of looks like a starwars ship

[@TransportVlog]

yes it certainly has a futuristic sci-fi look about it!

[@aaronc3032]

correct me if I'm wrong but no stair case at all for normal use besides emergency exits?

[@TransportVlog]

That's right. All the new metro stations are escalators and lifts only, with emergency exit stations at either end of the station.

[@aaronc3032]

@@TransportVlogpainful if anything goes pair shaped with more then 1 at a time I think.

[@davidmahony4421]

Jus great Paul…

[@jpizzaio2465]

London! Covent Garden tube station has only lifts or a massive spiral staircase!

[@TransportVlog]

Yes that’s right! Covent Garden is probably the most famous lift only station!

[@Aarav_Vispute]

Hi there it is a great station however where can find out which stations are open and when because I can not find it.

[@TransportVlog]

All the City & Southwest stations are likely to open when the line opens in the middle of this year. For forthcoming community open days, enter your name in the Register for updates box which is on the footer of any page on www.sydneymetro.info/. Make sure you tick Sydney Metro City & Southwest project updates, and also tick Construction Updates, and then tick any stations that have not already had open days. Sydney Metro did mention that no further open days are planned at the moment, so you may have to wait until the line opens.

[@Aarav_Vispute]

​@TransportVlog Thanks alot great video!

[@robertthomson1587]

Is there an underground passage connecting with the existing North Sydney station? Or will transferring passengers need to go up to street level and walk to the other station?

[@TransportVlog]

Hi Robert, No. there is no underground connection. Its about a 300 metre walk from the Miller Street exit to the Greenway Plaza entrance at Victoria Cross. Most passengers will transfer at Chatswood or Central, or use alternative stations nearby to get to their destinations, so I don't think many people will interchange between the two stations.

[@maccomplex]

One odd thing with this metro station is why are the exits not numbered like the other stations in the system? It would be helpful for denison street and miller street south. Numbering just makes it easy for refrencing.

[@TransportVlog]

Good point! I guess they could add numbered exits later.

[@FrostyBlueberryFox]

isnt the lift thing common in London? a few stations had it when i went

[@TransportVlog]

Yes that’s right! Covent Garden, Hampstead, Wapping and Lancaster Gate are lift only, and I’m sure they’re others too!

[@RGC198]

Hi Paul, thanks for another interesting video. How far is Victoria Cross from North Sydney station? Also, is North Sydney station now more underground? I remember they were building over it when I was last there back in early 2000. I gather that Victoria Cross would be the most southern Metro station before heading under Sydney Harbour to Barangaroo. Would that be correct? Anyway, take care. Rob in Melbourne Australia.

[@TransportVlog]

Hi Rob, Its about 700 metres away. Its probably only 200 to 300 metres from the Miller Street entrance to the Greenwood Shopping Mall, which then feeds into the station. North Sydney is subsurface now, with buildings on top of it. Yes, Vic Cross is the last station before the line goes under the harbour.

[@RGC198]

I am not familiar with the Greenwood Shopping Mall. Was that built since 1981?

[@greenmagicdragon]

@@RGC198 It’s known as Greenwood Plaza and consists of a 3 level shopping mall directly below a 29 storey office tower at 101 Miller St completed in 1992. Greenwood Plaza directly connects to North Sydney station underground and there is additionally a long underground shopping tunnel at the opposite northern end that has an exit at Victoria Cross on the junction of Miller and Mount streets and the Pacific Highway. The Victoria Cross Metro station is somewhat misleading with its name because it is not actually situated at Victoria Cross. The southern entry of the metro is actually on the corner of Miller and Berry streets not at Victoria Cross at all. The entry that Paul went in that is lift access only is even further north from Victoria Cross than the Berry and Miller St entry. The North Sydney Post Office, HSBC Bank, Northpoint Tower and MLC Tower are all located at what is traditionally known as Victoria Cross (Junction of Miller st, Mount St and the Pacific Highway) to North Sydneysiders. So the naming of the new Metro station is rather odd. Within the Greenwood Plaza at street level you can find the historical Greenwood Hote “Pub”l (constructed from 1876-1877) which was originally the North Sydney Technological High School.

[@ftoobs.5237]

Hi Paul I’m coming to Visit Sydney at the end of this month. And to travel on the new Metro, or course. I would like to know where is the best place to keep your Opal card secure yet handy when you are using Sydney public transport.

[@TransportVlog]

I use contactless these days, but when I used an Opal card, I just kept it in my pocket. It's quite hard to get the Opal wallets these days, but Officeworks have plastic covers that give it some protection.

[@flamingfrancis]

@@TransportVlog What's wrong with TfNSW...you should have a bottomless Gold Card for all the good work you do for them.

[@geoffreymoore1510]

Dear Paul, thanks so much for this comprehensive report on Victoria Cross Metro Station. Might post a link to my Facebook.

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks Geoff, glad you enjoyed it! Yes please do share it on your facebook page, and within any Sydney Metro FB groups too.

[@paulburgess-qr9rx]

Hey Paul are coming back out to parramatta soon to do a vlog of the parramatta light rail testing

[@TransportVlog]

Hi Paul, at the moment, I'm focussing on the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project. I would like to cover the Parramatta Light Rail testing, but it's going to depend on what else is happening over the next 2 or 3 months. It's lovely to have two major projects opening this year, but I am finding it challenging to cover both of them, in the kind of detail that I like to strive for. Of course, when it opens, they'll be a few videos for sure!

[@paulburgess-qr9rx]

@@TransportVlog so if that’s the case any more information on the city and south west metro that you can share would love to know

[@bernardteuben498]

Don't look now , all the on metro messages and station indicators have been updated 😮

[@k.vn.k]

This is looking very good. I cannot wait till they open. The shops and restaurants are one of the best decisions, as this area would be busy. I will pass through this on my work once the metro line opens but now I want to stop by too to explore.

[@TransportVlog]

Yes it certainly is! Yes I'm looking forward to the new shops and restaurants. North Sydney has suffered quite a lot since covid, so I'll really hoping the new station and new cafes and restaurants will breathe some new life into this area. Enjoy exploring Victoria Cross when it opens!

[@Secretlyanothername]

I know that you are a railway enthusiast (some might even say gunzel) but I would be keen to see the Sydney ferry system get some love. Do you know who is ferryblogging like you are?

[@TransportVlog]

I’d always planned to cover other public transport modes, hence the name “Transport Vlog”. However Sydney Metro has taken over for now, but once it opens, I will do more ferry videos and bus videos too. One of my earliest videos was on the refurbished first fleet ferries. Here is a link to it kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZzXiattr8qAe7ssi=g5JJF_4Krfu6SUzX

[@Elitist20]

4:27 - Lifts only - London, most notably Hampstead?

[@TransportVlog]

Yep, Wapping and Covent Garden are other London examples! I think Hampstead is the deepest station on the underground.

[@Elitist20]

@@TransportVlogI've been in the Hampstead tube station lift - supposed to be the equivalent of 15 storeys!

[@supermariorunwaratahtrainr2560]

Taylor owyns the Sydney Train annoucer has made it to Metro!

[@TransportVlog]

Yes I heard that!

[@rogerramjetox142pa]

London is the only other city I know which has lift-only access to stations being very, very common.

[@TransportVlog]

Yes that's right. Someone else mentioned certain stations in Barcelona and Hong Kong too.

[@BaileyStephens_2002]

Hey Paul, I have retired my “Blue Foxy” KZbin channel as I decided to use my own real name for now instead doing KZbin videos. I’m happy to view your new videos will be popping up on the Sydney Metro updates while I am still being patient and waiting for the Cross River Rail Part 3 update.

[@TransportVlog]

Good to hear that you're using your own name for your KZbin videos going forward. As I have quite a common name, I went for "Transport Vlog", but always introduce myself, so people know who I am! Glad you're enjoying my Sydney updates. It's unlikely that I'll do Cross River Rail Part 3 until after Sydney Metro opens, and even then, it will probably be after further updates on Parramatta Light Rail (which could also open at a similar time). At the moment, I'm not aware of anyone doing Cross River Rail updates in Brisbane (as I think Steve has stopped doing them), so it would be wonderful to see someone do that, and maybe, that person could be you! 😉

[@whophd]

Press 'Like' if you want the sundial renamed "The Sun Screen" - Aussie style Interesting trivia: If you're wondering why the numbers on the clock go backwards (right-to-left), just remember that the sun only does that in the southern hemisphere, and where do you think analog clocks were invented? That's where the sun goes left-to-right, and so do the clock numbers. Thanks to Paul for finding out that the moon is also represented on the dial - of course it should! How else would you know the time after dark? I really think this is the best fusion of art & function I've seen on a large billboard TV screen, and the fact it uses real footage from local areas instead of CG imagery is a really nice touch.

[@TransportVlog]

Hi Christian, thanks very much for pointing this out, both now and also in the Patreon comments earlier. I decided to add the part about the numbers going backwards to the final video, you can see it at 25:44. Yes, it's certainly impressive! Probably my favourite piece of artwork so far. I agree, wonderful to see local footage used!

[@terencemccarthy8615]

Lifts in Underground stations?…London!

[@TransportVlog]

Yep that's right. Covent Garden station is probably the most famous lift only station.

[@darrenthorne1]

Please don't shut down the Bankstown line we love being able to get around.

[@TransportVlog]

Yes it will be a pain, but worth it when it reopens as a Metro.

[@MrZerg0403]

when will this line be operational officially?

[@TransportVlog]

The offical statement is still "the middle of this year" and the exact opening date is likely to be announced about 6 weeks before.

[@ranger8237]

Do you know when the next open day is

[@TransportVlog]

Hi Chris, I asked Hugh that question and he said that no further ones are planned for the time-being. It's mainly so they can focus on the train testing. I'll let you know if that changes.

[@thierryhenry8421]

It’s so deep. Escalator journey longer than metro journey 😂

[@TransportVlog]

It is a very deep station, especially from the northern entrance!

[@nose10620]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@alexisdespland4939]

how do they get to all the equiment level when th equiment there backs and need to be fixed.

[@TransportVlog]

Great question! I'm not sure of the answer, but there will be a way, as tunnel ventilation fans have a design life of 20 years.

[@alexisdespland4939]

why is it so deep.

[@fittipaldi7326]

This station is deeper so they can get under the harbour. Trains do not like steep inclines and when they do it is normally curved. If you watch some of the testing footage you can see the tunnel curve as it goes deeper from Victoria Cross to Barangaroo.

[@flamingfrancis]

@@fittipaldi7326 Also because the station is locted under a gradient. There is a 10-15 metres difference in ground level between the north and south ends of the station.

[@USTSL]

Ok trust me, I can do better. But I can't believe that I made it into a Transport Vlog video lol

[@TransportVlog]

Hi Alexis, I think you did very well for a totally improvised rap! And it was great to have you in the video!

[@AustNRail]

Paul when is this project open to travel upon?

[@TransportVlog]

The middle of this year, with an exact date to be announced about 6 weeks before.

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

London

[@TransportVlog]

Yep that's the one I was thinking of!

[@ranger8237]

Gone video again Paul

[@TransportVlog]

Thanks Chris

[@MrMomo182]

Could be anywhere.

[@spaceengineer1452]

Ppl who you might recognise ?! Who are they ? Maybe sports ppl...which I have no interest in...

[@DAEMTAM]

I'm sure there is some engineering or political reason why, but I don't understand why both entrances are so far from the platforms! I know it's a deep site, but why couldn't they have shifted the platform tunnel closer to the south entrance so only the north entrance was such a long walk... I feel like once again NSW has over engineered and complicated things that drives up the cost. If this was Spain or Poland the entrance boxes would have been under the intersection so you could easily enter the metro without having to cross the road 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@GAMSAT]

you don't know yet made the assumption its purely to drive up costs. very very smart.

[@DAEMTAM]

@@GAMSAT that's not what I was saying. I don't believe they were deliberately driving up costs, I'm saying TfNSW & transport projects in Australia carry an extra overhead by additional engineering that sometimes isn't warranted.

[@flamingfrancis]

Moving it to south and closer to North Sydney station would mean an even deeper situation to allow for the gradient of the track to be slight enough for the trains to pass deep enough for the Harbour crossing.

[@arnoldday5412]

🤷 *Promo SM*

[@TheOrigamiPeople]

Where the F. Is Victoria Cross? Why didn’t they give it a Sydney suburb name . ? Or is the railways so important they can make up new names.? Is this a salute to Australian colonial English a&#elicking.A medal of honour to war is our new station?

[@flamingfrancis]

The answer is in the information given here. The naming is synonomous with the area, the streets that cross over here plus the name of the old pub that was located here. It is also located very close to an existing well known suburban station. Schoolkids got to come up with the naming. TfNSW conducted a competition with locals and the name was most popular choice. So that's three strikes, yer out !!