The story:

More than three months after its opening, the Sydney Metro has brought undeniable benefits to commuters and local residents, improving the accessibility of the entire city and bringing the public transport system to world-class status. But in Crows Nest, where a new platform represents a rare non-bus commute for those on the north shore, feedback has been mixed.

Among the concerns is the quiet introduction of digital advertising screens on some platforms in early November, as well as accessibility issues with the tap-on-tap-off gates.

The local view:

Local bookseller Marianne Ramsay expressed disappointment with their rollout on the Crows Nest platform.

“It was so nice to briefly have a psychological respite from all the advertising we’re bombarded with on a daily basis,” she told the North Shore Lorikeet. 

The screens are part of an agreement awarded to oOh! Media in 2023, granting the advertising company responsibility to install, operate, and maintain a network of digital displays across the Metro stations. By early December, the rolling screen on the Crows Nest platform featured advertisements for Mercedes-Benz, Spotify, Booktopia, Flora butter, 1Cover Travel Insurance, Schweppes, and Glencore Zinc.

Accessibility issues with the tap-on-tap-off gates have also drawn criticism on the new platforms. Some users have found the gates close too quickly - particularly challenging for less abled people - to get through without being clipped. Many have taken to community groups on Facebook to report their bags and other items getting stuck in the gates, with one commenter calling them “vicious.” Tim James, the MP for Willoughby, encouraged those affected to share their experience via email.

In October, planned trackwork meant the station was closed on the same weekend as Crows Nest Fest, when thousands flocked to the main streets of the suburbs. Festival organisers told 9News they were “shocked” by the decision, having worked with Transport for NSW in the lead up to the event.

Still, the overall reception of Sydney Metro in Crows Nest remains largely positive, with many cheered by its efficiency and the ease it has brought to daily commutes (dubbed, in short, “metromania”).

As Transport NSW addresses feedback, it seems the community remains optimistic things will continue to improve.

The facts:

Launching in late August, the Crows Nest Metro station allows rapid access to the city, with travel time estimates of 5 minutes to Martin Place, or 9 minutes to Central Station.

The Metro project cost $21.6 billion — more than $10 billion over estimates.

Attention is now focused on the $25 billion Metro West line, due to be completed in 2032 and the $11 billion line to Western Sydney Airport, set to be completed by late 2026.