Driverless trains have passed a major test as a new form of public transport for North West Sydney commuters. 

The autonomous metro train passed over a new cable-stayed bridge at Rouse Hill, at 60km per hour. The trains will be tested at 100km/h later in the year, in longer 15km rail tunnels between Bella Vista and Epping. 

“This is akin to the first car being on the Harbour Bridge,” Transport Minister Andrew Constance said. 
“As part of the testing, we have to make sure the train is safe for passengers when it comes into operations in the first half of next year,” he added. 

After rigorous testing, the 22 driverless trains will be in action from early next year, on the North West Metro line from Rouse Hill to Chatswood via Macquarie Park. 

The trains will be single-deck trains, with three double doors in each carriage for easy loading. 

The trains will begin their implementation process in the 36-km North West Metro line, and continue to be part of the Chatswood to the CBD, Sydenham and Bankstown lines in the coming years. 

However, the implementation of these trains will cause major disruptions in the Epping to Chatswood rail line from 30 September, as it will be closed for seven months.