The government of New South Wales has invited expressions of interest to find a shadow operator for Australasia's first metro line in Sydney. The primary purpose of the shadow operator is to ensure that a central focus on delivering a safe, attractive and efficient end-product for passengers is maintained, particularly prior to the appointment of the actual operator. The shadow operator will have the capability and expertise to assist throughout the project in providing executive advice up to the commencement of construction in 2010 and providing technical support required by management and other working groups. Visit www.sydlink.com.au/site/page.cfmThe proposed 38 km northwest metro line will run underground from the city beneath Victoria Road towards Top Ryde, Epping, Castle Hill, and Rouse Hill in the city's northwest. Thirty-two kilometres of the line would be underground. The AUD12 billion line will have 17 stations with the city centre terminus expected to utilise disused CityRail platforms at St James station. No detailed technical specifications for the metro have yet been released, although the line will use automatic operation with trains running at five-minute headways.The state government says it will fund the metro but has left the door open for a public-private partnership (PPP), or government funding with private operation. Construction will start simultaneously from both the city and the Hills Centre by 2010 with the first section opening between Epping and Rouse Hill by 2015. This section will operate as an isolated shuttle until the remainder of the metro is completed by 2017. 24/08.