Overview
- Opening-day services ran on a limited summer timetable, with trains about every 20 minutes and stations open for public preview rides.
- Weekend travel across the network is free through February 1, when turn‑up‑and‑go peak services are set to commence in the tunnel.
- The 9‑kilometre link is designed to add capacity across the network, with the government forecasting about 1,000 extra weekly services once fully operational.
- Large crowds turned out for first rides, and operations saw minor issues including some platform screen door and escalator faults and a false fire alarm.
- The project’s cost has climbed above $15 billion overall, and a firefighters’ union safety critique was rejected by the premier and the national rail safety regulator.