Overview
Stage 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail connects Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia with a 12km two-way track and 16 light rail stops.
It connects the Parramatta CBD to:
- Westmead Health Precinct
- CommBank Stadium
- Powerhouse Parramatta, the largest museum in NSW
- Parramatta Square and PHIVE
- Rosehill Gardens Racecourse
- three Western Sydney University campuses at Westmead, Parramatta and Rydalmere.
It also traverses the:
- Cumberland Precinct
- Camellia Town Centre
- private and social housing redevelopment at Telopea.
By 2026, around 28,000 people are expected to use the Parramatta Light Rail every day, with an estimated 130,000 people living within walking distance of the 16 light rail stops.
Current status
Major construction on the Parramatta Light Rail is complete, with 100 per cent of track installed. The team continues to work on delivering the remaining operational assets. These works include:
- fit out and testing of light rail stops
- construction of the Stabling and Maintenance Facility at Camellia, which will house the light rail vehicle fleet
- overhead wiring work
- testing and commissioning of light rail vehicle and systems.
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Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1
What's new
- High-frequency ‘turn-up-and-go’ light rail services seven days a week, departing approximately every 7.5 minutes in peak periods.
- Modern and comfortable air-conditioned vehicles that are driver-operated and Opal card network integrated.
- The Parramatta Light Rail will replace the train line between Camellia and Carlingford. This will provide more frequent services and better connections to town centres, including Parramatta and Sydney CBD.
- A new Active Transport Link (shared walking and bike riding path) between Carlingford and Parramatta.
- The first green track delivered for a light rail project in NSW, totalling 1.3kms. Green track reduces urban heat among other benefits.
Stage 1 route
Text description
A static map that displays Stage 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail route. The route starts on the left-hand side of the map at the Westmead light rail stop, just above Westmead railway station. It heads north-east up Hawkesbury Road where it stops at Westmead Hospital and then Children's Hospital. From there it proceeds further east to the Ngara stop on Factory Street, then goes south down Church Street to the Benaud Oval, Fennell Street, Prince Alfred Square and Church Street stops. The route then heads east down Macquarie Street to the Parramatta Square and Robin Thomas stops. Then it continues down George Street, then to the Tramway Avenue stop, and then turns north-east stopping at Rosehill Gardens, Yallamundi, Dundas, and Telopea, with the last stop at Carlingford.
Frequently asked questions
1
What are the key features of this project?
There will be:
- 16 highly accessible stops
- regular services from early morning to late at night, including services every 7.5 minutes from 7am to 7pm on weekdays
- integrated NSW Opal card ticketing
- modern and comfortable air-conditioned vehicles that can carry up to 400 passengers.
2
What attractions are nearby?
The Parramatta Light Rail will connect customers to major attractions, including the vibrant Parramatta Square, cafes and restaurants on Church Street, CommBank Stadium, Riverside Theatres, Powerhouse Parramatta and Rosehill Gardens Racecourse.
3
When will the light rail open?
Passenger services are expected to start in 2024. Prior to operations, there will be an extensive testing and commissioning program to ensure the vehicles operate safely on the newly built system.
Approval will then be gained from relevant authorities to commence passenger services.
4
How much will the project cost?
The Parramatta Light Rail is part of a $2.875 billion program. This budget includes:
- two major contracts to build and operate the light rail
- remediation works of the future light rail depot site
- road and traffic works and upgrades
- new bridges
- walking and bike riding paths
- urban design
- changes to the bus network
- project costs since 2015.
5
What type of vehicles will be used on the Parramatta Light Rail?
The Parramatta Light Rail will use 13 Urbos 100 vehicles developed by CAF, which have been upgraded to incorporate an evolved design based on the fleet performance around the world.
These vehicles will provide a modern, fully accessible and comfortable customer experience, with real-time travel information.
6
Is the shared path open between Parramatta and Carlingford?
Yes. The 5.7km shared pedestrian and bicycle riding path was opened to the public in May 2023.
Works continue on the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 alignment, including:
- fit-out
- installation of power substations
- overhead wiring
- underground cabling
- on-site testing and commissioning of light rail vehicles and systems.
These works may impact where you can enter, exit or travel on the shared path. This is to ensure the safety of the public while carrying out these works.
Be sure to plan ahead and check for any changed access or travel conditions before using the shared path. See the Shared path updates page for more.
We will keep the community and stakeholders notified of any upcoming construction work and associated travel impacts.
7
How is Transport for NSW supporting businesses?
Transport for NSW recognises the importance of supporting and managing impacts on business during construction.
Dedicated Place Managers continue to engage directly with local businesses along the route to provide information and assistance, and to answer questions about the impacts of construction, such as wayfinding, noise and vibration, and access for deliveries and customers.
This includes responding to preferred work hours and altering construction schedules, where possible, to provide a break in construction during busy meal periods for eateries.
See the Supporting businesses page for more information.
8
Will the project impact parking or trees?
Delivering a major infrastructure project such as the Parramatta Light Rail in an existing environment has resulted in some impacts on parking and trees.
Transport for NSW has a Tree Offset Strategy in place, and continues to minimise any loss of parking and trees where possible.
Visit Trees to find out more.
9
Will the project impact the heritage of the Parramatta region?
The Parramatta Light Rail has been designed to minimise impacts on heritage landmarks and items across the Parramatta region, such as using existing road and rail corridors to limit impacts.
While there have been some impacts on Aboriginal archaeological sites and non-Aboriginal heritage items, the project is committed to preserving archaeological, environmental, and Aboriginal heritage across the light rail route.
The project continues to work closely ensure heritage is preserved and maintained with:
- NSW Government departments and agencies, including Heritage NSW and City of Parramatta Council
- Local community organisations, including the Local Aboriginal Land Council and Registered Aboriginal Parties
Visit Protecting heritage to find out more.
10
Are there plans to extend the light rail to Epping?
The connection from Carlingford to Epping is not part of the current Parramatta Light Rail program.
11
What is Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2?
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will connect Stage 1 and the Parramatta CBD to Camellia, Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and Sydney Olympic Park.
It will provide links to existing transport infrastructure, including heavy rail, bus and ferry services, as well as the future Sydney Metro West.
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will have 14 fully accessible stops over 10 kilometres of new light rail track. Visit the Stage 2 page for more information.
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