As schools return for Term 3 and the upcoming Parramatta Eels home game at CommBank Stadium this week, locals and visitors are reminded to be alert around the new Parramatta Light Rail network.
Parramatta Light Rail is in its final testing phase, with more trams running along the 12-kilometre alignment between Westmead and Carlingford through the day and night, ahead of services starting in the coming months.
Recent unsafe behaviours and near-miss incidents during light rail testing highlight the critical need for drivers, bike riders and pedestrians to pay extra attention when near the tracks. This includes not driving on or queuing across the tracks, and pedestrians only crossing at dedicated crossings.
Friday’s Eels vs Storm NRL match is set to attract up to 15,000 fans at CommBank Stadium, with crowds expected to head to the nearby Church Street dining and entertainment precinct before or after the game.
Trams will be running on Friday from 5am to 1am, as testing during major events is critical to ensure the light rail is safely integrated, before services kick-off to give people more reliable public transport options to get to and from the stadium.
The community is reminded to stop, listen and look around when driving, walking or riding near the tracks and play their part to stay safe around light rail. The 63-tonne trams are quiet, move faster than walking speed and do not stop quickly or easily.
Parramatta Light Rail’s Dine and Win giveaway is still underway, with locals and visitors encouraged to visit one of the many eateries on Church Street for their chance to win one of eight dining vouchers up for grabs each week for eight weeks.
Testing and commissioning is a vital step to ensure the safety and reliability of the light rail vehicles and system before services can commence. By 2026, Parramatta Light Rail is expected to service around 28,000 people each day.
For more information about the Parramatta Light Rail Dine and Win giveaway, visit Activate Parramatta | NSW Government.
Visit transport.info to plan your trip to Parramatta this Friday.
A/Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Craig Moran said:
“The light rail is new for many people living and visiting Parramatta, and we need everyone to stay vigilant and mindful of their surroundings.
“As students head back to school and footy fans pour into Parramatta for the game this week, let’s all stay sharp, follow the signs and do the right thing.
“We have already witnessed some risky behaviours from drivers, bike riders and pedestrians, including cars ignoring traffic signals and pedestrians straying onto the tracks.
“With trams now testing more frequently, it’s more important than ever to use the designated crossings, obey traffic signals across the light rail corridor, and avoid blocking intersections.
“The message is clear: stop, listen and look around.”
