Light rail to deliver vital jobs for Western Sydney

Parramatta City Council revealed final details on the first stage of a proposed Regional Light Rail Network to service the growing population of Western Sydney.

Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid said Part Two of Council's $1 million Feasibility Study into a Western Sydney Light Rail Network had revised the estimated cost of delivering the project to $1.5 billion, for 30 kilometres of network and 21 light rail vehicles.

"The study shows that a Regional Light Rail Network will be fast and frequent, with services coming every 10 minutes and every five minutes for stops within the Parramatta CBD," Cr Chedid said.

"Helping to address the two main challenges facing Western Sydney: the lack of jobs and exponential population growth, we expect that by 2031, the Network will support 180,000 jobs and 50,000 homes," Cr Chedid said.

Part Two of the Feasibility Study also identified potential stops and routes along the Network, which consists of two lines – the Macquarie Park Line and the Castle Hill Line.

The Macquarie Park Line will connect Westmead, Cumberland Hospital, through Parramatta CBD, the University of Western Sydney, Dundas, Eastwood and Macquarie Park.

From Parramatta, the Castle Hill Line follows Windsor Road, to Baulkham Hills and through the Castle Hill Trading Zone to Castle Hill and interchange to the North West Rail Link.

Both lines travel between Rydalmere and North Parramatta, across Parramatta CBD. This will strengthen the connections between employment and education, and support Parramatta's growth.

"Our study recommends that the Macquarie Line be constructed first as it is expected to have strong patronage throughout the day and evening, from students and health workers at Westmead and the University of Western Sydney," Cr Chedid said.

"We're now calling on the State and Federal Governments to invest in this project to take it to the next stage. This could involve public consultation and preparing a business case, which would require approximately $10 million to $20 million of investment," Cr Chedid said.

To access Unlocking Western Sydney's Potential with Light Rail – Part 2 Feasibility Report, visit www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/light_rail_for_western_sydney