Extra cars, more frequent services needed to support Crows Nest Metro station

Willoughby MP Tim James says the Sydney Metro has capacity for more capable and frequent services, and it’s time we start putting that to use. 

In a press release on Thursday, James specifically called on the NSW Government to do something about  congestion in Metro stations, specifically calling out Crows Nest Metro, where, according to him, commuters are “regularly forced to wait for multiple trains before being able to board.” 

Speaking to the Lorikeet, James expanded on the problems facing the Metro in the North Shore. 

“Currently, between 8 and 9am on a typical weekday, the loading was 80 to 90 percent”, he said.

“Now’s the time to tackle that challenge before it gets worse, before we hit 100 percent.”

Figures reported by the Sydney Morning Herald in April this year indicated that the Crows Nest Metro station was the busiest on the M1 line, operating at an average capacity of 82 percent. 

While James stated that he had not heard back from NSW transport minister John Graham since he wrote to him about the issue on May 27, he did seem to believe that Sydney Metro Chief Executive Peter Regan was aware of and ready to address the issue.

“I think he's probably just waiting for the government to make the commitment”, James said.

When approached for comment, a spokesperson for Sydney Metro said “there are no planned changes to the current Sydney Metro timetable.” 

“Services departing Crows Nest station travelling to Sydenham during the 8-9am morning peak have an average loading of 80-90% on a typical weekday. This is measured at the busiest point on the M1 Line during the morning peak.”

“Services align with customer demand and usage of the services is continuously monitored to understand travel trends and what works best for commuters.”

Image credit: Sydney Metro