Peak hour in Western Sydney is making a monumental shift, as Parramatta Light Rail testing leaps forward into full day testing on weekdays.
From today, Monday, 27 May, the community will see up to four light rail vehicles travelling between 6am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, along the entire 12-kilometre Stage 1 network between Westmead and Carlingford, including in the Parramatta CBD. This means testing activities will increase from off-peak only to both off-peak and peak period testing, five days a week.
Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins said the message is clear: look up, watch out, trams about.
Anyone walking, riding or driving near the Light Rail must always stop, listen and look around.
"We know this is an exciting step forward for the people of Western Sydney, and enthusiasts like me will be keen to get a photo of the trams being tested,” Mr Collins said.
“Please do this safely from the side, away from the tracks, and never touch a moving light rail vehicle.”
The light rail vehicles will cross through 23 traffic intersections and for the first time, will interact with school drop-offs and pick-ups, people walking, driving or riding to and from work, business goods deliveries, and other daily activities.
As peak hour testing begins, the Transport Management Centre will also ramp up monitoring by standing up the Joint Operations Centre to ensure we’re keeping a close eye on traffic and transport movement within the precinct.
“Our team in the Joint Operations Centre at the TMC will keep a close watch to ensure everyone safely gets to where they need to go,” Mr Collins said.
Mr Collins said the City of Parramatta looks different to 80 years ago when the last tram moved on its streets.
“These trams are new, modern and quiet – and you may not hear them coming. While the vehicles are packed with safety features and have trained drivers – safety is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.
“Do not drive or ride along the Light Rail corridor. Cyclists should always cross light rail tracks in a straight line to prevent their wheels getting stuck in the track.
“And if you’re walking in the area – be sure to cross the tracks at a pedestrian crossing.”
Executive Director Community and Place, Steven Issa, said teams wearing red ‘Ask me about Parramatta Light Rail’ shirts and caps will be roving Parramatta and Westmead streets and train stations near the Light Rail network from 6.30am to 10.30am, and from 3pm to 7pm.
“These teams will share vital safety information as the Light Rail ramps up its testing activities ahead of passenger services in the coming months,” Mr Issa said.
“We continue working with schools, businesses and the community to make sure everyone knows how to stay safe around the Light Rail.”
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 connects Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and is expected to commence passenger services mid this year, subject to this vital testing to ensure the safety and reliability of the network.
Testing activities will increase, with more vehicles running both day and night in both directions and on weekends, before passenger services can start.
Find out more about Parramatta Light Rail
