On-track testing for Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 has officially begun, marking the first time in 80 years a tram has travelled through western Sydney.
The NSW Government said the major milestone confirms the project is “on track” to service tens of thousands of commuters by mid-2024.
The community will notice a light rail vehicle moving slowly along the track from Dundas towards Carlingford this week, before testing ramps up in the new year through Parramatta CBD.
“Parramatta Light Rail is progressing, with major milestones giving locals and visitors an exciting glimpse of what is to come: more safe, reliable and connected public transport in western Sydney,” Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said.
“Stage 1 will mean key health precincts like Westmead and Cumberland are more accessible, students at western Sydney Uni and local schools have more travel options, and businesses along Church Street will enjoy increased foot traffic of around 16,000 people daily.”
Major construction is now complete on all 16 light rail stops along the 12-kilometre alignment from Westmead to Carlingford, while the seven substations that will power the network have been installed and energised.
The new state-of-the-art Stabling and Maintenance Facility in Camellia is almost complete, housing the vehicles for upkeep and cleaning, and creating more than 150 jobs in western Sydney.
“200 people have been working day and night to build the Stabling and Maintenance Facility, fit out and test the light rail stops, install overhead wiring, and deliver this city-shaping light rail network for our west,” Haylen added.
All thirteen new light rail vehicles are currently on site in the stabling yard and ready for testing, after the final two were delivered earlier this month.
A recruitment campaign is currently underway for more than 80 operational staff including drivers, network controllers and customer service personnel.
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia.
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis called it a momentous day for Parramatta.
“Our government is delivering a vital public transport link that is essential to the support Parramatta’s growth, and work is underway to extend Parramatta light rail even further,” she said.
“Trams are testing along the old Carlingford rail line corridor first, before testing in Parramatta’s CBD in the first half of next year.
“I urge pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to be alert as light rail vehicles commence testing along the line.”
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.