The Parramatta Light Rail has reached a major new milestone with the arrival of the first vehicle in the new fleet and construction on the light rail stops nearly complete.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Government was continuing to deliver world-class transport to support the growing communities of Western Sydney.
“Western Sydney is one of the fastest growing regions in our country, with the population of Greater Parramatta alone set to climb by 50 per cent by 2041. That is why we are investing billions of dollars in transport and infrastructure now, to support this projected growth and ensure the region and its residents continue to thrive,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Once complete, the new Parramatta Light Rail will provide frequent, reliable transport services between Westmead and Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD, supporting residents, local businesses and the nearly 14,000 students who attend the nearby university.”
The new light rail vehicles will be fully accessible with low floors; air-conditioned; dual electric and battery-powered with roof-mounted rechargeable batteries to operate in two ‘wire free’ zones; bicycle racks; and real-time passenger count information.
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the majority of the main infrastructure work was now complete, with 100 per cent of track installed and construction of the light rail stops nearly complete.
“The Perrottet Government continues to deliver major transport infrastructure to our Western Sydney commuters with a transformation taking place in Greater Parramatta as the Light Rail rapidly takes shape,” Mr Elliott said.
“The new 45-metre-long vehicle will be able to hold up to 400 passengers – the equivalent of six standard buses – taking cars off local roads and reducing traffic, giving people more time back in their day for the things they enjoy.
“It’s great to see overhead canopies for weather protection installed at 14 of the stops, with canopies to be in place at all 16 stops by the end of the year.
“Importantly, this project is providing a major boost to the local economy, supporting 5,000 local jobs and using around 4,000 tonnes of Australian steel. Silverwater-based manufacturing company Icon Metal has also been engaged to manufacture and install the prefabricated light rail stop components.”
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said delivery of the light rail project will connect places and help locals and visitors move around and explore what Greater Parramatta has to offer.
“We’re launching a new Summer in Parramatta activation with a range of family-friendly events, including interactive street art, activities for kids of all ages and entertainment, providing a much needed economic and visitor boost for businesses,” Mr Lee said.
“This is a great opportunity for families to head outdoors and enjoy the vibrant activations revitalising the Parramatta CBD this Summer.”
The Parramatta Light Rail will provide high-frequency ‘turn-up-and-go’ light rail services seven days a week, every 7.5 minutes during peak periods (7am to 7pm) on weekdays.
On-track testing of the vehicles is expected to commence in mid-2023, with passenger services expected to commence in 2024.
