Many locals are now using the Sydney Metro trains and bus, traffic and parking is now settling down. Here are some tips on using the Metro:
DRIVING
Parking at Cherrybrook and Castle Hill Showground car parks are normally full by 7-715am. Signs often say 22 parking spaces free, but these signs are often incorrect and also include disabled parking bays. Parking in surrounding streets is limited and parking restrictions are in place. We understand Bella Vista has more parking available after 7am. Due to people on shift work there are often spots that’s become available after 2pm at most stations.
BUSES (FROM 28TH JULY)
637 Buses leave from Glenorie Shops at 6.49, 7.15am and 7.49am and its a 33 minute trip to Castle Hill Station. After 7.49 buses are every hour to Castle Hill station up to 7.30pm then the last bus is 9.30pm. There is one exception between 12 and 3pm when there is only one bus at 1pm. All buses go via Galston with the exception of the peak hours (6.30am- 7.15am and 16.23-17.34pm) where additional services are covered by the 638 which runs from Berowra Waters to Pennant Hills Station via Castle Hill station.
On the return – buses from Castle Hill Station to Glenorie pretty much hourly from 7.05am to 21.55pm
Saturday bus services are now every 2 hours throughout the day from 7.05am to 19.05pm from Glenorie to Castle Hill Station and 8.30am to 20.30pm from Castle Hill Station to Glenorie. Not that late if you are coming home from an event, which is disappointing. Uber/Taxi might be the only option if you don’t want to drive. All buses go via Galston.
Sunday services are still limited with only 4 buses running the whole day. The last from Castle Hill station at 5.30pm.
CYCLING
All station have ample cycle racks which are not being used to their fullest capacity. Its a great option if you are fit.
SHOPPING
One thing to remember if you like shopping is the metro has connected all the shopping centres. For example, if you park at Castle Towers and can’t find what you are looking for, its only a 12 minute train ride to Rouse Hill Shopping Centre, or in the other direction 12 minutes to Macquarie or 20 minutes to Chatswood.
Great option also for expanding your restaurant choices if you want to try other places.
Even if you don’t have anywhere particular to go, just go for a ride. Its fun and interesting and the driverless trains actually go quite fast!
