18/05/04
RETURNING TRAMS TO CENTRAL SYDNEY

Metro Transport submits Light Rail CBD extension plan.

Today Metro Transport Sydney submitted its proposal to extend the current light rail network from Central Station to Circular Quay to the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR).

Following extensive feasibility studies and consultation with stakeholders, Metro Transport Sydney has determined the two most suitable options for the light rail network extension as George Street and Castlereagh Street, with Metro Transport Sydney preferring the George Street route.

Giving commuters a clean, green and efficient way to traverse the city, trams provide a solution to the current problems of traffic congestion and pollution.

Featuring 13 state-of-the-art trams capable of carrying 200 passengers each, running from 6.00am until midnight every day and every 2.5 minutes in peak hours, the proposal would see a new high quality interchange between buses and trams at Central Station as well as joint ticketing with buses and trains for a seamless interchange.

Costing approximately $180 million, financed with a combination of private and public investment involving 18 months of staged construction, it is considered that the best time to build the extension would be in the immediate period after the opening of the Cross City Tunnel, as the respite from traffic across the city would mean minimal inconvenience.  

According to Metro Transport CEO Kevin Warrell “demand for travel into the CBD has reached a point where car traffic is chaotic and existing bus and rail modes cannot cope, with gridlock, overcrowding and service breakdowns causing disruption.”

“Experience from Europe and North America suggests that introducing a CBD light rail system will not only increase land values but would also increase retail business and revitalise the city,” he said.  

The Metro Light Rail would provide a fast, reliable and clean mode of transport for commuters, residents and visitors, and if the proposal is accepted, some bus routes into the city would be modified, reducing congestion in the CBD.

“We expect that catching a tram through the CBD to Circular Quay and back will be a very popular way to travel.  It is an easy and pleasant way to get through the city and customer approval rates for the current Light Rail system are substantial higher than other modes.  We estimate about 40,000 people will use the tram every day,” said Mr Warrell.

Metro Transport Sydney’s proposal would also mean significant cost savings for the State Government on rail and bus networks, as well as providing the infrastructure to further extend the service to the east, west and south, ultimately creating a superb inner city transport network.

“We see the extension of the current light rail service from Central to the Circular Quay as the beginning of a comprehensive inner city light rail system which could ultimately service Bondi, Uni of NSW and Green Square as well as Parramatta Road,” said Mr Warrell.

The Metro Light Rail currently carries four million passengers a year along the existing seven kilometre route from Central Station to Lilyfield. Metro Transport has successfully operated the system since 31 August 1997 managing the construction of the Lilyfield extension in the year 2000.