Greater Parramatta is better connected than ever before with the new L4 Westmead & Carlingford Line opening today through the Parramatta CBD in a significant moment in NSW transport history.
From 5am this morning, passengers started boarding modern and comfortable air-conditioned light rail vehicles on the new 12-kilometre network, with frequent and reliable services across 16 accessible stops.
The opening passenger service saw three light rail vehicles commence concurrently from the Westmead and Carlingford light rail stops at 5.00am, and Parramatta Square at 5.02am.
The L4 line will launch to a weekday timetable, with initial services every nine minutes between 7am to 7pm; every 12 minutes between 5am and 7am and 7pm and 11pm; and every 16 minutes between 11pm to 1am.
The 13 new 45-metre-long light rail vehicles can each move up to 400 people, making it easier for residents and visitors to connect to and move through Sydney’s second CBD.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen was among the first passengers.
“I want to thank and congratulate everyone who has been part of bringing this megaproject to life in Sydney’s second CBD, Parramatta,” she said.
“This is the public transport network western Sydney has been waiting for and will provide economic and social benefits for years to come.
“By investing in projects like the Parramatta Light Rail, we’re helping our city grow around key public transport links.
“The L4 will connect some of our fastest growing communities and premier destinations in the area, making it easier for people to live, visit and work here.”
“I want to thank the more than 15,500 workers who have played a part in delivering this important piece of transport history.”
The new light rail line provides connections to key destinations, including the Westmead Health Precinct, CommBank Stadium, Riverside Theatres, over 60 cafes and restaurants on and around Church Street, Parramatta Square, Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, and three Western Sydney University campuses.
The L4 Line is part of the Transport Opal network – passengers can tap on and off at Opal readers located at each light rail stop, with ticket machines at Westmead Hospital, Childrens Hospital and Ngara stops.
Over the coming weeks, additional staff will be placed at each stop to support passengers as they become familiar with the new service.
Audio help points are also located at each stop which connect directly to staff at Parramatta Light Rail’s Operations Control Centre.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in transport in Western Sydney, and now the people of Parramatta have light rail travelling on their streets again for the first time in 80 years,” Deputy Premier Prue Car said.
“We are focusing on delivering the essential services that Western Sydney needs most, and that includes reliable public transport to reduce travel times and congestion for local residents.
“The opening of this significant transport link is a big investment in the future of Parramatta, and will soon become part of the daily routines of thousands of Parramatta residents for generations to come.”
Parramatta Light Rail is the first light rail project in the State to deliver ‘green track’, incorporating it with wire-free technology, in park lands and heritage-sensitive environments along 1.3kms of the alignment. The award-winning ‘green track’ design used 81 per cent less concrete in its construction, reduces noise and urban heat, and delivers environmental and health benefits.
Additionally, a new 5.7km walking and bike riding path between Carlingford and Parramatta opened to the public in May 2023 as part of the project, providing residents and visitors with more active transport options. Cyclists will benefit from 160 new bike hoops located near the majority of the light rail stops across the alignment, with the trams equipped with four bike spots.
Parramatta Light Rail has converted the former single-track T6 Carlingford Line between Camellia and Carlingford, which ran two train services per hour and stopped 70,000 drivers each day at the historic level crossing on Parramatta Road, Granville to dual-track light rail. This will provide residents with more frequent services and better connections to town centres, including Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.
With the Parramatta Light Rail now operational, bus routes 535 which ran along the Carlingford to Parramatta alignment during construction and testing, and the 900 Parramatta shuttle bus will be withdrawn from service.
By 2026, around 22,000 people are expected to use Parramatta Light Rail every day, with an estimated 130,000 people living within walking distance of the 16 light rail stops.
“Welcome Parramatta Light Rail! The new L4 Westmead & Carlingford Line is the first stage of the Parramatta Light Rail. Stage 2 will extend this network to Sydney Olympic Park,” State Parramatta MP Donna Davis said.
“It is an exciting time for Parramatta, we now have access to a modern and reliable light rail service and new active transport links.
“Delivering a major infrastructure project in the heart of our historic city has been challenging and I want to thank the local community for their patience.
“The big day has finally come Parramatta, enjoy!”
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.