Daytime testing for Parramatta Light Rail is kicking off today, marking another milestone as the system gears up for passenger services later this year.
For the first time, Parramatta workers and residents will begin to see the 45-metre trams travelling in the heart of Parramatta during off-peak times between 10am and 3pm.
The first daytime test run will see the tram journey from the stabling facility in Camellia, complete a run up to Carlingford and back, before rolling into the Parramatta CBD.
NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said this will be a major change for the west and it will take some time to get used to.
“Light rail is seeing the light of day in western Sydney, meaning people can expect more trams to be travelling around as this next phase of testing gathers pace,” she said.
“While we know how excited the community is to start using the light rail, we need to get this right. Passengers cannot get on board until thorough testing is complete.
“We’re going from no trams in Parramatta for 80 years, to one running every seven minutes in the peak.”
With an experienced driver at the controls, the tram will cross a number of key traffic intersections and pass local schools on Macquarie Street, giving locals an exciting glimpse of their future public transport network.
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 testing continues to gather pace, with more daytime testing ahead across the entire alignment to ensure the safety and reliability of the system before passenger services can commence.
Current activities include testing the full load capacities of vehicles and infrastructure, as well as testing network communications and vehicle operations.
Transport Coordinator General Howard Collins is urging drivers and pedestrians to be on the look-out for the trams.
“If you’re driving in and around Parramatta for the first time in a while, be aware conditions have changed – this includes the new white ‘T’ illuminated on intersection traffic light signals for light rail,” he added.
“Watch out for trams moving about in the area, be sure to stop, listen and look around before crossing the light rail tracks, and always cross at a pedestrian crossing.”
Project information and engagement sessions are also being held at various western Sydney locations, providing an opportunity to share safety information and updates about the project.
For more information about the project and its upcoming community engagement sessions, visit the Parramatta Light Rail website at http://www.nsw.gov.au/parramatta-light-rail
For safety information, visit: http://www.nsw.gov.au/parramatta-light-rail/safety
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.