NSW Premier Chris Minns has apologised after critical safety checks were not properly factored into the timeline to launch the long-awaited Sydney Metro City rail service.
Just days before the proposed August 4 launch, it was made clear that widely touted opening date would not be met.
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But 7NEWS understands authorities were repeatedly warned about the time needed for safety checks by the regulator.
A list has been compiled of more than 70 issues to address before the service can officially open, including the clarification of key safety instructions and agreements on safety strategies for certain events.
7NEWS understands key safety checks were delayed by unions, but also that the safety regulator had advised authorities that, even after safety checks are complete, a 15-day review period would be required.
“It’s a lesson for us about not jumping the gun here and making sure that when we name a date, we’re sure it can go ahead,” Minns said.
“I’m really sorry about it.”
On Monday, five bus services are set to be axed and 11 routes changed because of the Metro, and 7NEWS understands those changes will go ahead despite the Metro delay.
Passengers will instead be ferried to existing Sydney Trains services, with staff on hand to assist.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen on Tuesday afternoon confirmed passengers would have to wait “a little longer” for the Metro service to be delivered.
Haylen said the railway was “99 per cent ready” but would not confirm a new timeline for opening.
“I don’t want to repeat the same mistake twice,” Minns said.
Once the service is open, passengers will be able to travel from Victoria Cross in North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes, four minutes between Martin Place and Central, and from Sydenham to Chatswood in 22 minutes.
During peak periods, driverless trains will run every four minutes in both directions, and initially every seven minutes in the inter-peak.
This will eventually increase to every five minutes during inter-peak times on weekdays and every 10 minutes during off-peak and weekends.
The new underground stations will be opened at Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Gadigal and Waterloo, with new Metro platforms also built at Central and Sydenham.