The line opened on 23 February 2009 as a shuttle service between Epping and Chatswood . The launch was moved from 22 February due to a National Day of Mourning for the victims of Victoria 's Black Saturday bushfires . The line operated free of charge until 8 June 2009 . Initially passengers could use a blue Complementary Pass , or buy a ticket to either Chatswood or Epping if coming from outside the new link . Later on , the automatic gates at the new stations were switched on and passengers were required to " buy " a ticket as usual . A portion of the fare was automatically deducted for passengers travelling to or from stations beyond the new link
Black Saturday bushfires
Black Saturday bushfires
Epping to Chatswood rail link