Parramatta Lord Mayor, Cr John Chedid, said the study recommends a first stage, linking Parramatta to Macquarie Park via Eastwood and another line connecting Parramatta to Castle Hill.
“This route would better connect Sydney’s major development centres and improve access to jobs in Westmead, Parramatta city centre and Macquarie Park. It will also provide links to the University of Western Sydney and Macquarie University,” Cr Chedid said.
“From this first stage, the light rail network will grow and evolve to meet the future economic and social needs of Western Sydney.
“It’s estimated that a regional light rail network would carry over 5,000 people per hour per corridor and cost approximately $1.8 billion to build the initial phase.”
Cr Chedid added that the benefits of the regional light rail network supports the State Government’s objectives of connecting Parramatta to the surrounding region, and the Federal Government’s objectives for Australia’s national cities of increasing economic productivity, liveability and sustainability.
“We now need support and funding from State and Federal Governments to undertake a more detailed study of the first stage of the network. This would include preparing a business case and wider consultation,” Cr Chedid said.
The Feasibility Study identified fifteen strategic corridors within a 15km radius of Parramatta. The preferred first stage scheme is: Parramatta - Macquarie Park via Eastwood and Parramatta - Castle Hill. The future network adds two further routes: Parramatta – Bankstown and Parramatta - Rhodes via Sydney Olympic Park.
The cost to undertake further studies, including the business case and consultation, is estimated at $20 million. The initial $1 million Feasibility Study was funded by Council and is due for public release early next month.
