Parramatta Light Rail is set to ramp up its full day testing activities from weekdays to seven days a week, with the first light rail vehicles to conduct test runs during a major local sporting event.
Starting Saturday 15 June, locals and visitors coming into Parramatta will see up to six light rail vehicles being tested in both directions across the 12-kilometre Stage 1 network both day and night.
This is the first time that recreational or dining visitors to Parramatta will see the red-and-white light rail vehicles moving on the tracks on weekends.
Those heading to this weekend’s NRL, exercising, shopping, dining or seeing a show, need to be aware that these quiet electric vehicles are out and about on the tracks, move faster than walking speed, and do not stop quickly or easily.
Saturday’s Eels v Roosters NRL match is set to attract up to 30,000 fans at CommBank Stadium, with crowds heading to the nearby Church Street precinct to grab a meal or snack before or after the game.
With more people expected in and around Parramatta this weekend, the message is clear: look up, watch out, trams about.
The 63-tonne light rail vehicles weigh about the same as 10 large elephants – so do not get in their way. Parents are urged to supervise their children near the Light Rail at all times.
If you’re walking, riding or driving near the Light Rail, always stop, listen and look around.
Our team will be outside CommBank Stadium on Saturday 15 June from 4pm-8pm to hand out safety and project information to footy fans.
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 connects Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and is expected to commence passenger services in the coming months.
Testing and commissioning is on track, with the Light Rail to service around 28,000 people each day by 2026. Testing and commissioning is a vital step to ensure the safety and reliability of the light rail vehicles and system before services can commence.
For more information, visit the project’s website: www.nsw.gov.au/parramatta-light-rail
Visit transport.info to plan your trip to Parramatta this weekend.
Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins said:
“We’ve reached another exciting milestone in Parramatta Light Rail testing, and now the countdown to the start of passenger services can begin.
“We’ve still got much to do and test, and the project is fast-tracking activities by scheduling weekend work to support the delivery of a safe and reliable network for Western Sydney this year.
“We’re starting to test trams during major events to build our capacity to service the tens of thousands of people who will use the Light Rail to connect to major local community and sporting events all year around.
“If you’re heading to Saturday’s game, remember to visit Transport.info to plan your trip before you go and leave your car at home.”
