City of Parramatta has ramped up calls for the Federal Government to come to the table with funding to extend the Metro West line to Western Sydney International Airport.
Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber said Western Sydney Airport promised to connect Western Sydney with the world.
“But the airport itself is not a destination,” Cr Esber said.
“Millions of travellers will only book flights into Western Sydney Airport if they know there’s fast, frequent public transport links to the major central business districts in Parramatta and Sydney.
“Extending Metro West beyond Westmead and turning it into a backbone of Sydney’s transport network that will service communities for generations just makes sense.
“However, it will only happen with the backing of the Federal Government.
“There is no point investing billions to make it easier to fly into Western Sydney if you don’t also make it easier to connect with the reasons people are flying in.
“No international traveller wants to get off a flight after more than 18 hours in an unfamiliar city and then have to make multiple bus and rail transfers to get to their destination.
“Parramatta is fast establishing itself as a magnet for people and businesses from around the world to gather, create and accelerate ideas. That puts it in the prime position to be the gateway CBD to an international airport with the potential to see 82 million passengers a year within 50 years.”
With Western Sydney Airport due to be operational from 2026, Cr Esber said establishing rapid bus services to Parramatta was needed as soon as possible.
“Bus services are only a stop gap. What Parramatta needs to unlock the potential of this airport are fast, frequent services that can keep up with the demand.”
Federal Member for Parramatta Dr Andrew Charlton said increasing transport connectivity with Western Sydney and a new international airport was critical to Parramatta’s evolution.
“Parramatta’s location at the geographic heart of Greater Sydney is one of our biggest strengths. Better transport connectivity will help activate this strength and unlock our city’s potential as an economic powerhouse,” Dr Charlton said.
