Testing begins for Parramatta’s new Light Rail

A tram has travelled through Western Sydney for the first time in 80 years, with on-track testing for Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 officially kicking off on 18 December as the project powers forward, reaching a number of major milestones.

The project is on track to service tens of thousands of commuters by mid-2024, providing a vital additional transport link between key precincts in Western Sydney.

The community will notice a light rail vehicle moving slowly along the track from Dundas towards Carlingford this week, before testing ramps up in the new year through Parramatta CBD.

Major construction is now complete on all 16 light rail stops along the 12-kilometre alignment from Westmead to Carlingford, while the seven substations that will power the network have been installed and energised.

The new state-of-the-art Stabling and Maintenance Facility in Camellia is almost complete, housing the vehicles for upkeep and cleaning, and creating more than 150 jobs in Western Sydney.

All thirteen new light rail vehicles are currently on site in the stabling yard and ready for testing, after the final two were delivered earlier this month.

A recruitment campaign is currently underway for more than 80 operational staff including drivers, network controllers and customer service personnel.

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia.

For more information, visit the Parramatta Light Rail website: www.parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au.