Sydney's Metro Future: A Comprehensive Proposal

Sydney is a beautiful city, supported by an extensive network of public transport; 181 train and metro stations spread out across 9 lines. But the network is broken.
Okay, broken is an exaggeration. But there’s many problems. A serious lack of circumferential routes, difficulty in accessing Sydney’s second CBD of Parramatta, the massive public transport desert that is Western Sydney...where does it even end?
Sydney; we can do better. I know we can. We can turn a good rail network into an amazing rail network, one that could rival New York and London. In this extended video, I’m going to tell you my plan for Sydney’s rail network future. This is a plan that leaves no one out, that solves many of the problems that Sydney’s rail network has had for decades. This is a plan inspired by you, my viewers. This is a vision for Sydney’s future.
Links to my proposal map:
- PDF: drive.google.com/file/d/1uiKV...
- Lower quality JPEG: drive.google.com/file/d/1FwP3...
- Higher quality JPEG: drive.google.com/file/d/17d6z...
- Exact station locations: www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edi...
Support me over at Ko-Fi! ko-fi.com/buildingbeautifully
Follow me on Instagram: / building_beautifully
Follow me on Twitter: / build_beaut
Sections:
00:00 Introduction
03:36 Tallawong to St Marys Line
05:57 Aerotropolis to Macarthur and Glenfield Line
08:13 South-East Line
11:37 Epping to Parramatta Line
13:25 Norwest to Kogarah Line
16:39 Macquarie Park to Hurstville Line
19:19 Westmead to Aerotropolis Line
21:07 Bankstown to Aerotropolis Line
24:04 Victoria Road and Bondi Line
27:07 Northern Beaches Line
28:39 The Final Map
Music Attribution:
Luxury by Fugu Vibes - elements.envato.com/luxury-JN...
Allthat by bensound - www.bensound.com/
Funk Electro Groove by Alexey Anisimov - tunetank.com/music/t/5es/funk...
Sport by Green Rocket Audio - elements.envato.com/sport-NBC...
A New Hope by Me Gusta Music - elements.envato.com/a-new-hop...
Back in the 80s by HoliznaCC0 - freemusicarchive.org/
90s Energy by Lumen Media - elements.envato.com/90s-energ...
Retro Desire by Loops Lab - elements.envato.com/audio/gen...
The 80s by Summer Loops - elements.envato.com/the-80s-T...
Adventures in Mana by Schematist | www.schematistmusic.com (Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com)
Progressive Club House by Sawtooz - elements.envato.com/progressi...
A Vlog by Khursey - elements.envato.com/a-vlog-YU...
Upbeat Promo Technology Inspiring by Sound Forces - elements.envato.com/upbeat-pr...

[@BuildingBeautifully]

PDF TO OFFICIAL MAP: drive.google.com/file/d/1uiKVwWXw6__XhT6O798S_fLdKsKynP0u/view EXACT STATION LOCATIONS: www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1LlsICdiPQPwdhGqT4w81cvjhABLJLPU&ll=-33.8741438825343%2C151.00721495&z=10 Hey! Took me a long time to make this video, I've been working on it on and off since October, but it's finally done. Hope you all enjoy it. Just to mention how I didn't put the T3 line in, because the T3 line east of Bankstown is being converted to metro as part of the Sydney Metro Southwest, and the T3 west of Bankstown will join the T2 line. A new service will run between Liverpool and the City Circle via Regents Park, as well as and shuttle services between Bankstown and Lidcombe. Honestly, not a big fan of how the T3 line's conversion has been handled; strongly considering making a video about that sometime. Anyways, hope you enjoyed the proposal :))

[@marcoho4908]

I'd be keen to hear your thoughts about the T3 conversion and what they should've done instead. On the Western Sydney Airport line, I remember being surprised to read that they're using 25 kV AC instead of 1500 V DC they're using everywhere else. Do you know why they chose 25 kV AC and whether they'd be using that for newer Metro lines? It seems weird they didn't go with that for the other Metro lines, my suspicion is the T3 conversion meant they went with 1500 V DC for the City & Southwest line, but that doesn't explain why they chose 1500 V DC for Metro West.

[@steveny32]

please make a vid about t3. i hate the conversion

[@Snoop_Dugg]

What software did you use to make the maps? It's really professional!

[@LightbulbTedbear2]

Amazing video, what did you use to make the map?

[@BuildingBeautifully]

Yes, I'd really like to go into the T3 conversion. Not sure about the electrification decisions unfortunately!

[@speculationsperceived]

it's a real pity how Sydney hasn't built many new railway lines since the early 20th century.

[@JenperTV]

and the current government is just building and proposing more Metro lines, nothing new for standard heavy rail.

[@qjtvaddict]

Typical for former English colonies

[@MitchellBPYao]

@@qjtvaddict its getting bigger

[@eddielong8663]

There was a shift in mentality. The private car took over in the 1950s when there was a growing middle class who could afford it. Along with that typically came lower density housing as people were able to live further away from the CBD. Ridership on public transport typically went down. Of course ridership has gone back up since the early 90s but that's only because population growth has made driving unattractive now. The problem today is that we're all wishing that we had more rail, but most of us still want to live in low density urban sprawl. It just doesn't work that way.

[@varno]

I think a real problem is that the state government hates the train unions, and so they want metro lines that are separate so they can force down costs for train salaries. They also know that the city loop and harbour crossings are congested, and so extra separation is nessicary, and metro tunnels are cheaper to bore.

[@franckozzy7979]

Whether all is realistic or not, it doesn't take away the fact that I have just spent 20 very exciting minutes watching your video. You put a lot of effort into it, and your enthusiasm is highly contagious!!!!

[@celestarsyd]

Awesome video Sharath, I'll vote for you to be the NSW Transport Minister any day! Great suggestions to expand the network and plug some critical gaps in coverage. The Victoria Road & Bondi Line isn't one I'd considered before but really should be the next line constructed, plugging gaps in the Western Sydney Metro line such as Camellia and addressing a lot of highly dense suburbs which are close to the city and plagued by terrible traffic clogged routes, such as Gladesville, Drummoyne, Rozelle Broadway (U-SYD) and Glebe). One suggestion on the Macquarie Park to Hurstville line, would it perhaps be better to go from South Strathfield to Strathfield (connection with the Western, Northern and Newcastle/Central Coast lines) then Concord, Mortlake, Putney and Ryde. The Concord peninsula is screaming out for better transport option, to me this alternate route provides better additional metro coverage than Flemington (already has a train station and Strathfield is a better alternative to transfer lines), Olympic Park (already served and getting better) and Wentworth Point (will get the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 - yeah I know).

[@BuildingBeautifully]

I didn't choose Strathfield as it was a little out of the way to get to, although logistically speaking it would make more sense for sure. The route I chose was just more direct. Anyways, that's just my thoughts but your proposal definitely sounds great too. Thanks for watching!

[@elsagillespie5210]

I agree with you on that too. Sharath, you'd get my vote for Transport minister any day too.

[@nevyn1854]

Yeah, I guess we have never had any ministers who gave a crap about anything other than Metro rail anyway, so what is another reject in the job who doesn't understand where the real economic engine of the state is.

[@nevyn1854]

@@facta-non-verba Incorrect and silly. You believe what’s wants done by their actions not their words. If they wanted people to move out there then they would build services out there. I mean yes, in theory they want people to leave those areas. But aren’t willing to do anything about it. And the attitude of the people in those areas do help. The government says they want people to stop smoking, so you believe them? Actions tell you who people/governments are, not worlds.

[@nevyn1854]

@UCaeePiZ7ybc95UGHtu-LiEw what a load of rubbish. The only reason it has taken so long to establish regional communities is because of the refusal to build transport. Do you think the United Stated built the railroads for their cities? That is wrong. The US prospered because large populations grew along the train line. If there is no train line regional areas die. Everyone except farmers move to the city, house prices explode and everything crashes. Sound familiar? This could have been fixed. Could still be, it will not. Because politician own investment properties in capital cities and do no want house prices to fall.

[@andrewsmith2591]

Sharath, I love your passion and your ambition. Transport in general and public transport in particular are so difficult to retro-fit into any city, especially a sprawling and growing city like Sydney. It seems as though transport is always playing catch-up with urban development. Transport corridors are rarely set aside and we often find public transport is being squeezed into and onto the road network. Future city planning should ideally incorporate plans for future public transport and set aside the necessary transport corridors. Trying to fix existing problems is almost impossible and too expensive.

[@frankbanner8572]

Andrew I agree wholeheartedly with your comments. The main problem is that Sharath's proposals would be too costly or expensive as you have said

[@BuildingBeautifully]

Yeah, I agree a lot of these proposals are difficult to build. Truly, this system was meant to be sort of like an absolute best-case scenario; they're all possible to build, even though they are expensive. But the good news that you'd be happy to hear is that the corridor from Aerotropolis to Macarthur has been reserved. The government seems to be learning from its mistakes to some extent, although it remains to be seen what the future holds.

[@aaronster6504]

@@frankbanner8572 not too expensive, frankly, it would be impossible or take at least a 100 years for all the lines to be constructed from the money which needs to be allowed for one line from design to execution and then not to mention labour, distances involved, political will, unnecessary stops and lines and geographical obstacles. Its a well made video and proposal but entirely fantastical. Of all the lines, the South-East line strikes me as poor planning. The stops after Moore Park to Kingsford are already serviced by the light rail which continue into the CBD but would also make logistical sense to continue on to little bay instead of a whole new metro line, A stop at the Art Gallery would be highly unlikely due to the surround area either bring housing or parks neither of which would be destroyed for a stop at an art gallery. Conversely, the continuation of the line from Bondi down through bronte, clovelly, coogee, randwick, kingsford, eastlakes, mascot and then linking back to the new metro at sydenham makes more sense to me personally.

[@steam4eva]

@@murraykitson1436 For some time there has been an open secret that the current Kingston (Canberra) Railway Station is to be demolished and a new station built further to the east at Fyshwick so that more housing can be built over the then vacated station and rail yard area. This would also include the removal of the railway museum as well!

[@murraykitson1436]

@@steam4eva How typical! Two possible solutions to this situation present themselves: 1 A light rail link from whatever heavy rail station eventuates to the city.2 The construction of the much anticipated high speed railway which, if electrified, could run through a tunnel into the CBD without the problem of diesel fume pollution in a confined space.

[@TheRealMycanthrope]

Making it possible for Westies to catch the train right into the Northern Beaches is the most beautiful proposal I have ever heard 😂😍

[@sik249]

Lol

[@flyxiq]

Lmao.

[@gorgu08]

Will. Never. Happen.

[@originalsusser]

Sure! Just like how Cronulla loves its 'Westie' line coming straight to the beach... lol

[@timponder3219]

Yep but to many NIMBY will cry and moan.

[@DragonPhlegm]

“Underplan today, tunnel tomorrow” The focus on hub and spoke is the biggest problem. Our big CBD being on the east means every line ends there, but Parramatta is a much more feasible hub for the CBD with its actually central location.

[@dxnerd86]

As a fellow geography nerd, videos like this warm my heart. I hope to see a functional Sydney someday with a world class urban transit system... but for now I am happier living away from it!

[@RGC198]

Same for me. I left Sydney way back in 1981, though I still have fond memories of my life there when growing up.

[@scksqzbngblo9880]

There is too much American style development (strip malls and housing estates) going on in Western Sydney and even Central Coast. They don’t care about building nice cities, or the people that end up living there, just making money. This is why this city is like it is. The planners have lost control and the money is not there for huge infrastructure, only toll roads and the odd metro line. I like your ideas and hope someone works out how to change how our city is run, as it clearly hasn’t been run properly for decades, only small sections run by local mayors. It needs a larger vision, or at least better conversation with us about short, medium and long term plans.

[@Subh8081]

Went for a drive to Marsden Park, and it reminded me of suburbs in America where I lived for 2 years - concrete, asphalt and square blocks with no rail or Metro connection. Modern and nice, but not pretty and convenient.

[@nickwhite3142]

Nice, informative, well thought out and presented. Let's hope it gets visibility to those within TfNSW

[@rogue265]

Couple of fun things for you: - Currently Sydney Metro WSA and Sydney Metro North West won't be compatible. The only reason that Sydney Metro North West isn't 25kV/AC is because of the ECRL - they looked at doing that, but the tunnel linings were never designed to take AC current, and as a result would corrode badly. - The Department of Planning has reserved a corridor to take Sydney Metro North West to Marsden Park as you noted, but no further, due to major issues. Shane's park will be incredibly unlikely to get a rail service, because it is expected to be so low density, because of flooding and other issues. - Taking over the GLRL is not confirmed - that only occured because of a Federal Government commitment under the Morrison Government. With a new Federal Government who knows? - Sydney's rail network isn't actually that radial - as there are so many connections between lines in the suburbs (albeit most do go to the city) - and it is also why Sydney has the highest amount of non-cbd trips by rail in ANZ. - Your comment about Chatswood to Parramatta - the 545 between Chatswood and Parramatta gets significant patronage for this link, and is faster than going into the CBD. yes, rail would be faster, but at a significant price... As a side note you really do seem to be missing the idea of high frequency, high speed bus services - the only reason i mention this is that there are cities overseas, which move more than 50,000 passengers per day by a single high frequency bus route. As a fun fact, some years (pre covid) the Sydney Harbour Bridge bus lane in the AM peak, actually moved more commuters than the adjacent North Shore Line - which actually does show a proper bus service with high frequency can be utilised at a higher rate than the rail network. Brisbane also has this with the South-Eastern Busway. That busway moves far more passengers than the generally parallel Beenleigh line. - Some of the routings you have proposed aren't quite feasible, even with Metro able to do <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="85">1:25</a> grades (which standard rail can also do but digression) - With slight modifications and changes to operational practices, you could get from Parramatta to Central on the existing Sydney Trains alignment in 15minutes. - Lurnea, Hoxton Park, and Austral actually have quite high density zonings along Hoxton Park Road... - Some apartment buildings have already been built in this corridor. - The Northern Beaches actually has one of the highest job containments in Sydney. Pre Covid it was hovering around 75% of all people in the Northern Beaches, worked in the Northern Beaches region... - Going via The Spit for a railway line is incredibly challenging - Bradfield originally had a line through this area. It had a spiral on the Mosman side to get acceptable grades, and ironically a zig zag on the Seaforth side. Given the horrific blowback from even replacing The Spit bridge with a higher level bridge, it is very unlikely that you could ever get a railway line through this area. It's even why the Christie report went from Chatswood... - Final thing i will say about the proposal, is that you are looking at about 100-200 billion worth of new rail lines (Sydney - Parramatta metro currently is far beyond the proposed budget). All of the things that you have said are very worthwhile and i agree with the lot - but whether the NSW Government would ever have the fortitude to replicate what the current Victorian Government is doing is very questionable... Don't take this as criticism as i agree with the lot - but whether it happens is another matter.

[@beckster3388]

the northern beaches line is going to be an challange. their is going to be changes to the area adn yes it is good but i think the line really needs to stop at dee why. collorary have problems and then where is an station going to be built and we have the park near the beach and people will opposed the line on the northern beaches.

[@rogue265]

@@beckster3388 It is why the Christie Report had the line go via Chatswood as it was more viable...

[@beckster3388]

@@rogue265 agree but they need something for the north shore to the northern beaches

[@rogue265]

@@beckster3388 I'll bite..? Why do they need more than buses with decent priority - or even bringing back a light rail. Low patronage demand. And let's be honest, if you got a decent high capacity ferry (say 2,000) which does the trip manly to circular Quay in 20 min, which runs every 10 min 0600-2200 - the capacity issue is solved. Those who want a train can go via Chatswood. Those who want a quick trip can go by the ferry. Those who don't want to go on water can take a slower bus to North Sydney or track up to the result link to Chatswood

[@Jmiedawg]

Very intelligent comment, not just someone connecting dots on a map

[@Respectable_Username]

Heya, have you thought to send this to TfNSW/your state rep/the local council? Would love to get some official eyes on it and see what could happen! In fact, a call-to-action in the pinned comment to share with local state reps might be worthwhile! Edit: Have emailed to my state rep. Hopefully somebody in her office will see it, or at minimum checks a box that says "constituent wants more rail infrastructure"

[@HenryMidfields]

I was going to say the same thing! I've done this once, but I'm going to ask my state rep again. This time, for some improvement with Parramatta Road, which is currently a stroad (something covered in Sharath's later video). Once I am done, I can send that to you as a template of what I've written.

[@abiramen]

"and then we'll put a station in Collaroy, quite close to the beach. This would really open it up to tourism" and this is exactly why locals would not want this line :') also the production on this video is incredible

[@kayseek1248]

That’s the entire reason there’s no Northern Beaches Line.

[@BuildingBeautifully]

Haha when I said that line I knew I sounded ridiculous...any local will hate that I said it! But hey, it's true 👀

[@steveny32]

why would the locals not want it? genuine question btw. wouldnt it be better with a rail way cuz more tourism? not like many people new will move there because it costs more than west syd

[@kayseek1248]

@@steveny32 because they don’t want their precious beaches to have more people.

[@yblksama]

@@steveny32 NIMBY attitude.

[@hart-of-gold]

As someone on The Northern Beaches, any metro would likely run through Frenchs Forest via Northern Beaches Hospital to Chatswood from Dee Why and Brookvale. I suggest this as it would follow a rocky ridge and there will be enough people in Frenchs Forest, Dee Why and Brookvale to consider it. FYI there is a rezoning happening in Brookvale to increase the residential density along Pittwater Road at the moment. Some of the worst NIMBYs are frankly dying but metro from Dee Why through Narrabeen to Mona Vale won't happen because it's a sandbar, so would be way too expensive to build.

[@andrewyoung3299]

I was screaming at the computer for Chatswood. Makes more sense as there's much more connectivity at Chatswood (Metro and regular Sydney trains services)

[@murraykitson1436]

There is a "Nimbey" Avenue at Narraweena off Warringah Rd which will probably never die out !!!

[@qjtvaddict]

No problem build elevated

[@covelar]

We need a fast train connecting the two airports. Imagine all the connections between people flying into and connecting out of another airport. Also a stop at Liverpool is a must as it is Sydney's third CBD and exactly between the two airports. Lots of hotels are being constructed there right now which will also give options.

[@2Blue2BeKing]

That would actually be super helpful..

[@muzzaball]

Wow - you have put so much energy and effort into completely fixing Sydney's transport system and doing it properly! Amazing work - Urban Planner Extrordinaire! It is a lot of fixes, but over time it's doable, we just need to find successive Govts who have forethought and a will to make a difference.

[@BuildingBeautifully]

Thank you!

[@stuartdparnell]

Yeah think we're all sick of pollies playing politics with the state of transport these days.

[@metricstormtrooper]

Sharath. You really deserve a holiday in Tasmania after all the work you did on this epic video.

[@BuildingBeautifully]

Hahaha thank you, it was a great holiday for sure!

[@inky3]

i really wish Transport for NSW did more with regional trains, as it stands they are not very good.

[@brad4013]

So much effort has gone into this extensive plan. Even if it took a hundred years to complete, line by line Sydney would be transformed into a city of the future.

[@gomezgomezian3236]

I believe that we could (COULD!) build it in, say, 30 years. But you are absolutely right. What it takes is to have a plan, and then to START implementing that plan ... and stick to it! (I hesitate to say 'no matter how long it takes', because that just allows pollies an 'out' to just keep pushing it back). We have had plans in the past (not necessarily good plans, but plans none the less), but the govt of the day keeps wanting to change them, and eventually just drops them. End result? Nothing happens. But, the rampant NIMBYism that is so much part of our society, unfortunately means that, 30 years from now, a new generation will be facing exactly the same problems that we are today. So, Gen Z voters, it is over to you ... 'cause us oldies aren't going to be alive long enough to see the change, and therefore make the change.

[@roballen3281]

Firstly I congratulate Sharath on his excellent presentation and visions for Sydney Transport Network. As an ex-Sydney sider (now in residing in the worst city on earth for public transport, Houston Texas), I still have my heart and home still in Redfern and love travelling the world's train networks. I also agree on having connectivity to satellite growth cities and currently, Australia lacks this in a huge way. It is critical to the economy, growth and preserving a better lifestyle that a High-Speed Rail network connects Newcastle to Sydney / Parramatta /Wollongong and the Airports are more critical and are financially more sustainable for the future. Yes filling the gaps in the Sydney network is obviously for the future and Sharath has done a fantastic job in this presentation which I would hope comes to fruition when Sydney becomes as densely populated as London, Paris or Hong Kong. Following the Asian model of building hubs and having business and Residential centres above the station boxes is an excellent way to finance these projects. Sydney's geology and topography are challenging and tunnelling is not always beneficial, incorporating light rail as the Dulwich line is an excellent example and extending this say on the Northern Beaches from Chatswood via a loop to Hornsby and again from Bondi to La Perouse back via the current Randwick line would be far better in reality. Still, so many fantastic suggestions from this presentation and most are a no-brainer for Western Sydney and the growth centres, perhaps the inner suburbs would may be better suited to fast light rail through the hills, bays and awkward terrain. The Metro is more viable to link High-Density centres Like Hurstville to Parramatta for example, non the less, your wonderful vision has to be financed.

[@harrydrewer905]

Fantastic video! I believe you have touched on much of the pain points of rail access in Sydney. Those orbital routes are very important!

[@BuildingBeautifully]

Thank you!

[@p_tricky3780]

I think this had a lot of information about improving the rail networks to new areas, but some more existing areas needed more connections such as the International Airport, Liverpool and City Circle. Every other proposal is spot on!

[@BuildingBeautifully]

Fair point. Thank you for watching!

[@morganjones9269]

Potentially a direct airport to airport purely built around allowing transfers

[@HenryMidfields]

Totally agree, there are still existing sections we could improve on. We should have Clearways 2.0. 1. A third pair of tracks between Lidcombe/Flemington and Blacktown via Parra/Westmead, and completely separate Inner West/South/Cumberland, Western, and Intercity services. I also say extend Inner West services to Blacktown and rename it as Western Local. Most likely, this would be a new tunnel (unless if we can make use of compulsory acquisition) and would be for Western or Blue Mountains Lines to eliminate station building. 2. I'd either extend T4 Eastern Suburbs to Bondi (Beach), or revisit the original plan and extend to Coogee and Five Ways. If water pressure and crowding near Bondi Beach is a problem, just place the station a couple of streets further away. 3. Totally agree with extending the Metro from Bankstown to Liverpool. I think Liverpool should be another mini-CBD. On a related note, I also wouldn't mind extending the quadding from Revesby to Holsworthy, and extend local services to Casula/Liverpool. (Exp would still go to Glenfield/Macarthur.)

[@bluestreak55au]

Sydney's Northern beaches can be more easily serviced by rail by taking a spur line from Gordon generally by tunnels/overhead viaducts following the Lane Cove Road & Mona Vale Roads . These are the areas now ear-marked for future residential development. This would help minimise the number of additional cars on the local roads.Mona Vale would be the main terminus, with possible extension north towards Palm Beach & south towards Narrabeen & Collaroy, then onto Brookvale, Frenchs Forest, Roseville, Chastwood. There is nothing wrong in using commuter bus links to service other areas off this loop.

[@flyxiq]

If metro went all the way to palm beach it could trigger big deurbanisation and palm beach would become like~ Woy Woy. People in the northern beaches don’t like tourists and want to live calmly. I think the better option would be to end services at Clareville or Avalon Beach..

[@nickcroft6487]

Definitely on the money with some of these proposed routes. Bear in mind that Sydney Metro is meant to operate as a rapid/efficient service so the chances of getting as many stations along some of these routes as you propose is very unlikely. The idea is that Sydney Metro stations each serve as a transport interchange in their own right, meaning there is a greater focus on multi-modal transfers and interchange to connect each station to the surrounding residential areas, rather than having a literal station in every residential neighbourhood possible.

[@Waterfront32]

This video is so great! I’m from Victoria and even this is so great to see! Sydneys definentally needs these new transport routes.

[@mt-mg7tt]

The different voltages on the Western Airport Metro and the Sydenham to Tallawong Metro is unconscionable. It virtually GUARANTEES problems in running a unified system, or even expanding it in the way you sensibly suggest. I think it shows far more of an ideology of semi/total privatisation and setting up commercial patches for the operators, than actually making a system that serves its USERS. The only way around this would be dual-voltage metros (certainly possible, but added complication). But it does NOT have to be this way. There is not even the excuse of inheriting or using private Metros from different companies (as in somewhere like Tokyo). This is the same government authority that has approved both (and would approve a 3rd joining line ) BEFORE the fact. These are meant to be run FOR the government, which is meant to serve the people and which supposedly will take them over (or something) eventually. There is simply no excuse for it. Ditto for the nonsensical proposal to run Metro from Glenfield to the WS airport. It would make far more sense to continue the TRAIN line to the WS Airport and interchange with the Metro there. This would allow convenient inter-airport traffic, which will certainly be necessary. Nobody wants to be lugubriously lugging luggage at Glenfield for an unnecessary change. Mr Bradfield the namesake for part of the airport development, would be sick at the sight of such nonsense.

[@darrenbellion7320]

The voltage issue might not be an absolute killer. Consider the Tsukuba Express which uses dual-voltage trains. Agree that the airports should absolutely be linked by a single service.

[@mt-mg7tt]

@@darrenbellion7320 Yes that's true, and some HSTs in Europe use *3* voltages/pickups. That would just leave the issue if different door spacings, which have to be accommodated NY platform doors. I dunno if they would / could match.

[@Cotote]

I've never seen a comment on KZbin I agree with more until I've seen this.

[@triplehdrive]

Just a heads up in March I am planning to ride the entire rail network stopping at every station in a day. Let me know if you are interested in doing something around that.

[@DshibiVideo]

Amazing video mate! I used to draw maps of fixing Sydney as a kid but this is next level. Really well thought out and presented!

[@gabriellafield8978]

As a USYD student The Victoria Road & Bondi Line is the most beautiful thing I've ever heard of

[@orangeeater453]

This Is The Greatest Idea For The Metro I've Ever Seen But If I Designed It I Would Make Denistone Useful By Making It A Metro Hub

[@chao5s]

Not sure if residents will accept that😂

[@danielnikolopoulos7703]

Lol

[@celticchris]

Denistone has multiple unused platforms

[@orangeeater453]

@@celticchris That's Why It Would Be Useful

[@rotorookie]

I believe that Australias' capitol should be moved to Denistone.

[@russ.harding3d]

Well thought out proposal. Also good work on seamlessly editing together a very clean topological map - keep up the good work!

[@champschannel44]

Hey Sharath thanks for the big effort put in this video! Really loved the ideas of building metro lines around roads that I usually use (A3 and Victoria Road), and I very much agree that Ryde (and Top Ryde City) should be connected with rail For me another potential proposal would be from Camden to Sutherland Shire via Macarthur, which would be going under and bypassing the Holsworthy military area, I think this would shorten a lot of time used between the Shire and Campbelltown Camden regions Also there can be a line from North Ryde (or Macquarie Park) to Manly via Lane Cove, Chatswood, Willoughby and Balgowlah, to get Lane Cove, Willoughby, Manly and the famous Manly Beach rail stops

[@BuildingBeautifully]

I don't imagine the military would like that hahaha. In theory a good idea, but I can't really see it being built because it's such a long distance to go without any stations. I did consider extending my A3 line, but I cut it short because I think it's already a bold enough proposal without making it too long and implausible!

[@kayseek1248]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="983">16:23</a> I can confirm. I took the 410 from Rhodes to Hurstville once and it took a century.

[@iris4547]

i took it when it was the m41 from hurstville into top ryde and yeah it was a day trip. bit like the frequent trips i used to take on the m92 from padstow to parramatta, or the even slower m91. in some cases it is actually quicker to take a train all the way into the city and then another one back out. these routes would be a good candidate for improving the road network for buses as a cheaper alternative to building metros (there just isnt enough demand atm). extra bus lanes, priority traffic lights etc would all improve these routes.

[@ItzWindyyy]

Hi u might want to look at linking macarthur to wollongong for faster access to the west from the gong. Plus theres soooo many curves after curves at helensburgh which they need to build tunnel or reroute to save lots of minutes on waterfall to wollongong line

[@kuyans3889]

would a macarthur to wollongong line use the incomplete corridor to donbarton? it seems to not be very winding, which is good since you don't want to go too slowly through the bush where the rail serves no stations. It would be cool if they did make one station in the middle of the bush for that wondabyne charm.

[@80sOGRE]

I must say. I love your videos. You do such a professional job and presentation. You do Sydneysiders proud. State Rail should offer you a job. ;)

[@BuildingBeautifully]

Haha thank you!

[@conradfuller6697]

Excellent video Sharath! Thanks for the huge effort!

[@BuildingBeautifully]

Thank you!

[@jvvoid]

There's no doubt this would be the ultimate upgrade to transport (and commerce) for our city. Just one problem $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. It's politics vs policy. When it's something that takes this long to build, politics wins out 99% of the time. Govts don't generally fork out the mega-dosh for things that won't be completed for decades after they were in power. I've mulled over such things for decades whilst looking at maps of Sydney - but you've got the intelligence, the wherewithal and the motivation to make such an excellent presentation. Great video.

[@RGC198]

Interesting video. I used to live in Sydney and now live in Melbourne. Your suggestions are quite impressive and I really hope someone in the Sydney transport takes notice. Incidentally, one other area that badly needs heavy rail is Belfield, which seems to have been completely forgotten. Also, reopening the area on the eastern side of the Harbour Bridge with either heavy or light rail, using the former tramway corridor across the bridge through to Wynyard (Platforms 1 and 2) would really make a difference. Then, there is a corridor, that was previously used by trams to La Perouse and most of the reservation is still there. This could easily be used by heavy or light rail. Anyway, I hope the right people up there see your videos and use your suggestions, which could really improve Sydney's transport dramatically. Wishing you all the very best.

[@crazyauspal527]

Amazing video man! I will make sure to share this video to every person I know 😃

[@BobGilbey]

2 changes. The Parramatta to Aerotropolis line should take over the Glenfield branch in lieu of the st Mary’s to Glenfield option, so that you can have separation of lines. Second, the northern beaches should be an extension of the Hurstville to Macquarie Park line, and include the French’s Forest Austlink, area to Dee Why, then head south with a branch to Manly from Brookvale. The line should continue toward Victoria Cross but interchange, not join. This would eliminate the direct train line fears but still provide access.

[@aleco1991]

A bit of a missed opportunity on the SE line- you could have looped it back around through Botany and Eastlakes, ending with an interchange at Mascot. I used to live in Botany and it was so frustrating getting into the city, or to other areas of the Eastern Suburbs. There was only 2 bus routes through the area. It is becoming a very high density area and would benefit greatly from a rail link to the city.

[@raysieelmo]

Can't believe I've only just discovered your channel now! I've never subscribed so fast! Great to see some love for the South West. Having a line between the new airport all the way through to Macarthur would completely change the dynamic and stress of main roads like Camden Valley Way and Narellan Road, while giving far better access to Oran Park Town Centre, Narellan Town Centre and the Australian Botanical Gardens in Mount Annan. I now live overseas, but to one day see a world where this region has your proposed line, brings warmth to my heart.

[@dangermouse3619]

You have a flaw in this. Major parts of Sydney would be the city, Parramatta, Chatswood, Liverpool, Campbelltown, and Penrith. You left out Penrith as Penrith will be what Parramatta is now. Parramatta is the central point which will be shopping based sort of city. The city it self is more based on the economic side. The government should of put a line from Richmond to Penrith to the new airport and then to Campbelltown.

[@MrPanda._.]

CBD, Parramatta, Chatswood, Macquarie Park, Norwest, Bankstown, Liverpool, Hurstville/Kogarah, Aerotropolis/Bradfield, are the big future hubs. Penrith won't grow as much as these areas because there isn't as much potential for development due to the floodplain and more focus on the new Aerotropolis which is in a better location to be a future centre. Richmond/Windsor is an example of a part of Sydney that has effectively peaked already, again due to the floodplain. Penrith is already well-deserved by heavy rail. The most it will get is more bus services, or a light rail line (that's really pushing it).

[@BulldogDynasty]

I've had a look at this in the PDF and just what we need. Not sure where your Schofields to Macarthur line runs but surely we need more around St Clair it's a massive suburb both residential and with the industrial at Erskine Park. I love how you have done the Metro past Bankstown to the new Airport. I really believe the new Airport can define Chris Minns as a Premier and define his legacy. This is his chance under the Airport guise to finally get our Rail and Motorway systems right. Rail in terms of Sydney and even exiting Sydney. I read on another platform & page someone commenting about the lack of trains to popular tourist spot Mudgee and most people who travel there go to drink wine. So there's another on the trains front to look at. You have covered the trains so beautifully now let me get to my passion - motorways connecting Sydney and connecting regional towns/areas either side of Sydney. Newcastle our 7th biggest city in Australia has one road that links it to our 2nd biggest city in Sydney and no clear link to Wollongong our 11th biggest. Central Coast in between Sydney and Newcastle is our 11th biggest city. Sydney to Newcastle has an M11 link that's more designed for Newcastle to Western Sydney and Canberra in an 80km zone. We can do better than just one that's a band aid job. - the proposed M9 should be starting from the F6 (Princes Motorway), going in line with Appin & Picton Roads to the new Airport, working northwards past Penrith, towards Windsor and continue along the Putty Road linking with the Hunter Expressway (M15), proposed Singleton Bypass and Golden Highway. This gives Western commuters another way of getting to Newcastle, Hunter and New England taking the pressure off the F3 (now M1). Golden Highway to be upgraded to motorway standard between M15 and 1-3km past the M9 interchange, the M15 to continue onwards to the Singleton Bypass. An upgrade if it hasn't been done to John Renshaw Drive allowing a dual carriage way between M15 and M1 for Taree bound commute. - look at the original M7 Orbital proposal that had the M7 joining the F3 at Mt White. This pushes the new Airport traffic away from the worst part of the F3, M2 and M11 freeing them up. Allows a better commute to Gosford and Newcastle from all parts of Sydney & surrounds. - extending the M2 to the M9 as part of a proposal decades ago and land is there. - linking Bells Line of Road to the M9 and M7 covering the growth in North-West and better links to the Blue Mountains region. Upgrade Bells Line of Road to take pressure off the Highway that goes through Springwood, Katoomba and Blackheath. - extend the M11 to the A6 Silverwater Road the tunnel is an easy thing to do this makes the M11 not a white elephant but a key road for Sydney Olympic Park for the major events it holds. Even though it's not a full motorway to the M4 does provide a key link to get to both airports. Upgrade the Heathcote Road side of the A6 which can in some areas be motorway conditions until Padstow again a key link to the M5 that provides connection to both airports. - not sure on the best route but the F3 north of Wahronga and the F6 at Waterfall needs to be connected whether this is one mega expressway with lots of tunnel features or connecting to various major roads turning them into motorways and connecting to roads like the Harbour Tunnel, the new M6 and all that is one for better minds than me this. With the Pacific & Princes M1's linking (F3-F6) and the M7/M9 this now gives two connections from Newcastle/Central Coast to Wollongong/South Coast. Some out of Sydney options: - Upgrade of Bells Line of Road to allow another passage way to areas like Lithgow, Bathurst and Mudgee bypassing Katoomba. - Duplication of the Great Western Highway from Katoomba to Bathurst. - Newcastle Inner City Bypass to better link to the Hunter Expressway M15, new M1 at Hexham, the Nelson Bay turn off via Stockton the upgrade from Swansea to F3 at Doyalson Interchange the framework is there for it to be done. Nothing can be done from Caves Beach to Belmont. - Another link from the Princes to Hume motorways this time south of Wollongong probably around Albion Park or Dapto areas take pressure off the Wollongong and Bulli areas and can be used as a key link to both the Airport and Canberra. - Riverina to South Coast via Canberra - Wagga Wagga is the states largest inland city (not including Canberra) and needs to be further encouraged as the unofficial NSW/VIC border. Canberra is Australia's biggest bubble and every side of it is NSW with only a link to Yass (currently under development) and a great road to Goulburn, Southern Highlands, M5 & M7. Canberra people would leave the ACT for a weekend in a heartbeat if it had better roads in NSW to venture onto. Bring all our tolls under the one umbrella and one pricing structure that it's consistent across all of NSW. Doesn't matter what motorway we are on we have the one pricing structure designed by KM's driven as the M7 once was. Doesn't matter if you cross between M7 to M2 to M11 etc. This can be achieved with how the tags are now done. Have a daily max limit and and weekly max limit. Eg $13 daily, $60 weekly. When I visited Mt York near Blackheath. I read an interesting sign. It took just 28 men to build a road from Emu Plains to Bathurst in only 6 months without the technology we have today. We barely get a map proposal done within 6 months today despite everything at our disposal. We can turn NSW into a mega hub where City-West-South-North-Newcastle-Wollongong-Canberra all link with such ease and out of regions like South Coast, Blue Mountains, Central Tablelands and New England.

[@geofism]

Love your passion and enthusiasm mate!

[@arokh72]

Excellent video Sharath. Anyone who has lived in Sydney for long enough will attest, the biggest issue with your plan, or any decent public transport plan, is politics. It's bad enough that the NSW Govt keeps bringing Brits in to run the network, a nation whose network is somewhat worse than Sydney's, especially in London itself, but we have successive governments in NSW, govts of all stripes, obsessed with toll roads, roads that actually bring income into the govt, whereas rail just costs the govt.

[@BuildingBeautifully]

Yes you're exactly right. Our government need to focus far more on rail than they do on roads. I really hope we turn a corner on that soon, especially with the WestConnex finally nearly done.

[@johanlinder4455]

Well done. Good to see the thought and research that you have put into it.

[@jaysonbradbury162]

As someone who lives in Ryde, getting home from the T9 line from the city is absolutely hell when deciding at which station to get off to catch a bus home. Your proposed M5 and M6 lines would do absolute wonders for transport from the T9 line, as well as connecting Ryde to the current Tallawong to Chatswood metro, and connecting Ryde to Sydney Olympic Park. Access to Sydney's inner west would also be greatly improved. I've been a fan of your channel for a little while as the Sydney train network is something that I have always found interesting and if you're putting a petition forward for this, I am in 100% support. Sydney would definitely benefit from a more train and metro focus. Big fan man! Unfortunately, I'll probably be past retirement before we would see many major completions of future plans (confirmed or not), by government standards anyway haha.

[@paulvivian5538]

Sharath, Well Done.. Your plans are exactly what Sydney needs.. Infact, its what a lot of Australia's major cities need.. Congratulations.. I hope someone in power sees this and enacts at least part of it.

[@Tolpuddle581]

Excellent. I remember the old "red rattlers" in Sydney they were hot noisy and slow the network may have expanded and the rollingstock updated but Sydney suburban trains are still like slow motion.

[@peterkehoe1984]

They used to be quick as in the early/mid 1990's but thanks to the Glenbrook disaster the state government turned them into tortoise trains.

[@jean-claudelufu9291]

This an excellent planning ahead for growth. Well done 👏👏

[@thermitebanana]

Thanks heaps for this. I appreciate your passion

[@donjezza]

Just discovered your channel and I love it!

[@thesparechannel6580]

This is beautiful. I am mentally laying a loving hand on this rail plan through the glass of the shop.

[@PatSmashYT]

i reckon the existing sydney trains leppington lines being extended to the new airport would work better cus it would be a direct line to central or parra from the airport without having to interchange

[@thunderwalk]

wow this is so cool. need this asap!!

[@gurudeep5061]

Keep it up, man, love your video and don't let your dream and passion die. We are all here to support you 👌👌

[@VJMorph]

Great video. As a Wollongong resident the Illawara line REALLY needs a tunnel from Stanwell Park to Helensburgh/Waterfall. The current service limit due to the single line stretches and dual use with freight/coal need to be addressed.

[@paulhall170]

It takes the same amount of time to get from Wollongong to Central as it did 50 years ago; in what other first-world country would this be tolerated?

[@ganping4596]

Thanks for the info. Very useful

[@KatoombaTourGuide]

Can someone send this to the Sydney Trains CEO?

[@otpusprime]

I love your idea for the future! new to the channel, keep up the great work

[@ettaxi1082]

Sharath, I have ALWAYS thought, from the moment I heard about the Parramatta Metro, that it should've followed your Victoria Rd route, as as crowded as it maybe, Parramatta is adequately served by the existing heavy rail.

[@ShadeyFella]

The Illawarra Line needs some attention. It's only two tracks until you reach Hurstville leaving it vulnerable to disruption (as it is notorious for) and having to work with freight trains coming up from Port Kembla.

[@braydenpianoman]

dude you're a beast, your passion is infectious.

[@TheMisturi]

Love your visions! I have always wondered why the rail network is so lacking in Sydney and you’ve answered my question! While your proposals look great in theory, you probably already know that so many factors go into creating transport solutions, topography being one of the main ones (along with resources, finance etc etc) as l said, love your ideas and would be great to see them come to life one day!

[@Nicholas.T]

Have you forgotten the MAIN FACTOR?? The MASSIVE COST ?? While his proposals are certainly comprehensive, he has given NO CONSIDERATION to the cost!! These metro lines and their stations cost an absolute FORTUNE, as we are finding out with the cost of the current 2 Sydney Metro lines under construction. The stations themselves are particularly expensive, which is why the new Metro lines have so few, compared with the old stations on the heavy rail network. The total cost for all his proposed lines and stations would be in the order of $100-200 billion!!!!! Mind boggling!! And take 60-80 yrs to build!!

[@zedlicious]

Well done Sharath. Love your work.

[@shrikelet]

Fantastic video. Now you've got me thinking about the paucity of radial lines here in Melbourne.

[@benjamingygi3327]

I wouldn’t be surprised if transurban had an input in not pushing the rail network to be circumferential as building this would take away from people using tolls to take the M2, M5 and M7 Also a metro from Sutherland to MacArthur would be nice as well

[@nathanaelsliferecords6850]

Nice video! I'm from Melbourne and this video helped me more from knowing more about Sydney's rail network

[@thugboi393]

great video, 10/10 quality, you deserve 1 million subs

[@tsetstransport]

This is absolutely amazing Sharath! Do you mind if I start making videos on my channel similar to this? Also what do you use to edit? And what do you use to animate (eg. Sydney Metro & Trains Map Proposals) Anyways, congrats on 10K! 😊

[@BuildingBeautifully]

Haha you're more than welcome to, it would be amazing to see more Sydney content which really has been the main aim of this channel. I use After Effects; steep learning curve but rewarding results!

[@tsetstransport]

@@BuildingBeautifully Great! 😊 Thank you! Merry Christmas :)

[@marcozolo3536]

@@BuildingBeautifully I use Adobe Illustrator, is it similar in learning curve to that? Nice work btw

[@lmmlStudios]

an additional line that makes tonnes of sense is a norwest-blacktown-western airport line, the metro curves at norwest like its jsut begging for an extension through there

[@mystarmach]

Congrats Sharath! You're speaking my language.

[@annat8599]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1198">19:58</a> you have no idea how much I want a train station at cecil hills. It takes over 2 hours to get into the city with a 40 minute bus ride to the closest station.

[@petersomers4353]

You are brilliant. Next time i'm in sydney i'd love to buy you a coffee and explain my dreams when I was a kid. I'm 56 and run a very successful business in Melbourne. I'll pass this on to all my sydney freinds.

[@jasonjohnson1178]

Outstanding Achievement brother, a true thinker

[@TheTommysbeast]

Love your videos, keep it up!

[@lachd2261]

Hurstville or Kogarah to Parramatta (via Bankstown) is a massive no brainer. Then extend the line north further to link up at Castle Hill. It will connect south, west, and north west and make Western Sydney finally navigable.

[@haynick8887]

Lots of this feels copy and paste from the 2056 plan, and faces alot of the same problems: -Needs a direct line from Nancy Bird to Kingsford, it doesnt make sense to require multiple changes to get between airports. -Requires an interchange to get from the city to Bondi beach. Why can't the ESL be extended instead? (its literally the busiest bus route in the city) Also your M1 line has 3 north branches, and 1 southern branch, that doesn't look right. But i do really like the Victoria and Beaches lines as ideas, especially as it doesnt require another metro harbour tunnel. (Also the 197 does the north section of the A3, and you forgot the grey interchange cirle at Chatswood 😉)

[@ausboy2281]

This is perhaps the best video on Sydney I have ever seen

[@nadabackovic2489]

This is fantastic, as a Londoner I’m often shocked at the lack of foresight with recent planning that has taken place, in particular I’m the inner west. I’m on the new proposed Sydney metro west, and it’s great that we get a train to city, however it’s currently useless for getting anywhere else across Sydney. The new ideas would be fantastic. I personally feel there is a hole getting from a to b in inner west in a circumnavigation. I’m still having to drive kids places to go out for example , the car trip may be 15 mins vs a public transport journey of an hour. Often our journeys and convoluted and involve multiple bus /train changes. Keep up the work I’d love to see this kind of network in Sydney!!

[@Dobuan75]

Great video! You’ll also want to link Mona Vale with Chatswood too.

[@trevorhare4238]

Great work Sharath

[@Hat1607]

Great video man, these are such good ideas. The NSW government and Transport for NSW need to see this video and take some notes.

[@AndrewMcLaughlin-cr8qq]

Great work. All makes so much sense, there's little chance any politicians will consider it.

[@Will-yq1si]

Fantastic job on this video. You got my vote for NSW Transport Commissioner. If Sydney is to grow sustainablely, this must be done. We need to present this to all politicians (present & future).👍👍👍

[@geoffworner5794]

Unfortunately for any of these routes to be built, will require massive funding. This is something that a relatively small population (compared to London, NYC, Paris etc) can't afford. The One route that is needed more than any other, is a high speed direct rail between the Airports of Western Sydney and Mascot. To truly capitalize on having two international airports we need this connection, otherwise we end up a long slow transfer between the two, similar to Melbourne's Avalon to Tullamarine (approx 2.5hrs for 52kms) and more than likely congested trains and buses to shuffle your luggage around on

[@poohbum12]

This plan is truly beautiful! Here's to hoping it becomes reality!

[@senseimourgi676]

This is the greatest channel about Sydney. I also live in Sydney

[@Kustom2170]

Sydney Transport and ministers should take note, great video 👏🏽

[@Michael_Chater]

You are very likeable because of your passion. More success is coming

[@nottenvironmental6208]

Thanks legend. It's so simple to apply planning principles but the system ignores them. As a planner, it's so frustrating to have to ignore good planning if working for local or state governments. Train line Para, Epping, Chatswood,been saying it for years but not as fancy, circumferential and radial 😉 love it

[@brlo1973]

AMAZING plan. Love it ❤

[@lukeldh8064]

I dunno about this whole metro-only thing. From my experience of using the MRT in Singapore over 13 years, you can never get seats on the bloody thing, especially in rush hour. Imagine standing all the way from Central to Bankstown, my knees shudder at the thought.

[@TerryT304]

You've ignored Southern Sydney. Almost every future plan I've seen has a Metro extending from Kogarah or KSA to Miranda.

[@speculationsperceived]

i think this also comes down to the fact that Sydney also needs more north-south controlled-access highways - no matter how much a government can invest in public transit, trucks and passer-by visitors need some way of travelling north-south without having to travel on the congested A3 or A6.

[@SS-yw7vo]

A3 or A6? Nobody knows what roads they are

[@speculationsperceived]

@@SS-yw7voboth A3 and A6 are congested 80 per cent of the time. there should be some sort of freeway that runs between the two, eventually connecting to NCX

[@Sniffy1975]

One of the other problems with radial networks is the reliance on shared lines and the continuance from one line to another via the city circle, so a major disruption at say Strathfield massively impacts not only every line going through there but other lines that eventually feed off of there as well.

[@abcdefgh1]

Now in the utopia state finally connect Mona Vale to North Ryde via Ingleside, Terrey Hills, Belrose, St Ives, Pymble (or Gordon), West Pymble. THEN you are finally done, as you have essentially a continuous Mona Vale to Hurstville line.

[@msyoungau]

How about a line from Mona Vale to Hornsby then west onto Windsor. And a line from Windsor/Richmond down to Penrith onto Macarthur/Campbelltown

[@nmuzza1]

Awesome video!👍👍

[@sal78sal]

Amazing plan! well done

[@jirskyrjenkins1959]

Lots of great ideas, particularly my pet peeve of the lack of North-South lines. Unfortunately it would cost half a trillion dollars to build it all.