Light rail in Sydney#Potential extensions

{{Short description|none}}

{{About|the modern light rail system in Sydney|the city's former tram system|Trams in Sydney}}

{{Use Australian English|date=January 2013}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2016}}

{{Infobox public transit

| name = Light rail in Sydney

| image = Transport Light Rail logo.svg

| alt = Light rail Hop logo

| imagesize = 190px

| caption =

| image2 = SLR 002, George Street, 2022 (02).jpg

| caption2 = An Alstom Citadis 305 on George Street

| imagesize2 = 250px

| owner = Transport for NSW

| area served =

| locale = Sydney, New South Wales

| transit_type = Light rail

| lines = 4

| line_number =

| start =

| end =

| stops = 58

| annual_ridership = 40.59 million (2023/24){{cite web | url=https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/data-and-research/data-and-insights/public-transport-trips-all-modes | title=Number of trips by Line for Light Rail mode | date=17 July 2024 }}

| chief_executive =

| website = {{url|https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/ways-to-get-around/light-rail|TfNSW Light Rail}}

| began_operation = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1997|8|31}}

| operator = Transdev Sydney

Great River City Light Rail

| vehicles = 60 Alstom Citadis 305
17 Urbos 100
12 CAF Urbos 3

| character =

| system_length = {{convert|48.8|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}{{cite web|url=https://transportnsw.info/sydney-cbd-south-east-light-rail|title=Sydney's new light rail opens 14 December from Circular Quay to Randwick|website=Transport Info NSW|access-date=5 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209090951/https://transportnsw.info/sydney-cbd-south-east-light-rail|archive-date=9 December 2019|url-status=live}}

| track_gauge = {{track gauge|sg|allk=on}}

| el = 750 V DC from overhead catenary
APS power supply between {{CBDSELR|Town Hall}} and {{CBDSELR|Circular Quay}}

CAF ACR at Westmead

| top_speed = {{convert|70|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}{{cite web |title=Sydney Inner West Light Rail Construction and Extension, Australia |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/sydney/ |access-date=December 6, 2019}}

| map =

| map_state =

| image3 = File:TfNSW L.svg

| caption3 = Roundel

| imagesize3 = 90

| stations =

}}

The Sydney light rail network (or Sydney Light Rail for the inner-city lines){{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-12-12 |title=Light rail |url=https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/node/18361 |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=Transport for NSW |language=en-AU}} is a light rail/tram system serving the city of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The network consists of four passenger routes, the L1 Dulwich Hill, L2 Randwick, L3 Kingsford and L4 Westmead & Carlingford lines. It comprises 58 stops and a system length of approximately {{convert|36.7|km|mi|abbr=on}}, making it the second largest light rail network in Australia behind the tram network in Melbourne, Victoria.

The network is managed by Transport for NSW, with day-to-day operations contracted to Transdev. In the 2023–24 financial year, 40.59 million passenger journeys were made on the network, equating to over 110,000 journeys per day.

History

{{Main|Trams in Sydney}}

File:(Looking north along George Street (with tram, T-model Ford and hansom cab) from Union Line Building (incorporating the Bjelke-Petersen School of Physical culture), corner Jamieson Street), n.d. by (5955844045).jpg

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Sydney developed an extensive tram network, which grew to be the second largest in the Southern Hemisphere and second largest in the Commonwealth after London. The increasing rate of private car ownership, the perception that trams contributed to traffic congestion and the general rundown conditions of the network due to the lack of funding after World War II led to the progressive replacement of tram services with buses, with the final section of the tram network closing on 25 February 1961.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the inner city areas of Darling Harbour and Pyrmont were the subject of an urban renewal program. In 1988 the Sydney Monorail opened, connecting Darling Harbour to the city centre. With poor integration between the monorail and other transport modes and the increasing redevelopment of the Pyrmont peninsula – including the establishment of Sydney's first legal casino – it was decided to convert a disused section of the Metropolitan Goods railway line into a light rail line. A section of track between Pyrmont and Haymarket was upgraded and a new on-street section was built to link the line to Central station. The line was set up as a public-private partnership. It opened in August 1997, running between Central Station and Wentworth Park, Pyrmont.

The private owner soon made proposals for a western extension continuing along the disused goods line, plus a new line through the city centre from Central to Circular Quay.{{cite web|title=Nominated Loan Council Allocations For 1998–99|url=http://ministers.treasury.gov.au/DisplayDocs.aspx?doc=pressreleases/1998/047.htm&pageID=003&min=phc&Year=1998&DocType=0|website=The Australian Treasury Website|access-date=12 December 2015|date=7 May 1998|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406195711/http://ministers.treasury.gov.au/DisplayDocs.aspx?doc=pressreleases%2F1998%2F047.htm&pageID=003&min=phc&Year=1998&DocType=0|archive-date=6 April 2016|url-status=dead}} The western extension opened in 2000, terminating at Lilyfield, but the company was unsuccessful in its attempts to develop a CBD line, which saw the development of light rail stagnate for the remainder of the decade.

By contrast, the 2010s saw major expansion and reform of light rail in Sydney including the announcement and delivery of multiple new infrastructure projects, integration of ticketing with the city's other transport modes, the introduction of new trams and the transfer of the network to full public ownership. This coincided with broader investment in urban railways across Sydney and Australia, with the state transport minister in 2020 labelling Sydney a "train city" in reference to the various rail modes in the city.{{Cite web |last=Wiggins |first=Jenny |date=2020-01-10 |title=How trains are helping Australia rethink cities |url=https://www.afr.com/companies/transport/how-trains-are-helping-australia-rethink-cities-20191203-p53gd0 |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Rabe |first=Tom |date=2020-11-07 |title=Four new trams promised for Sydney's crowded Inner West line |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/four-new-trams-promised-for-sydney-s-crowded-inner-west-line-20201107-p56cda.html |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}

=Ownership and operation=

==Public-private partnership==

{{Main|Metro Transport Sydney}}File:Fish Market light rail stop 1997 (4731800705).jpg]]

In March 1994, the Sydney Light Rail Company (SLRC) was formed. SLRC was awarded a 30-year concession to operate the light rail system until February 2028 when ownership would pass to the New South Wales Government.{{cite web|title=Sydney Light Rail Extension – Stage 1 Inner West Extension Product Definition Report|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/rail/SLRE-Stage-1-Final-Product-Definition-Report_Updated-19Jul10.pdf|work=Transport NSW|date=July 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407104941/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/rail/SLRE-Stage-1-Final-Product-Definition-Report_Updated-19Jul10.pdf|archive-date=7 April 2014|df=dmy-all}} The contract gave the company significant control over the commercial arrangements relating to future extensions or interconnecting lines.{{cite journal|url=http://epress.anu.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/4-4-A-4.pdf|title=Light Rail in Sydney: Some Privatisation Lessons|author=Mills, Gordon|journal=Agenda|year=1997|volume=4|issue=4|pages=435, 438}} Operation of the line was contracted to TNT Transit Systems, which also owned the Sydney Monorail.{{cite journal|last1=Mills|first1=Gordon|date=1997|title=Light Rail in Sydney: Some Privatisation Lessons|url=http://press-files.anu.edu.au/downloads/press/p106321/pdf/article04.pdf|access-date=2 October 2019|language=en|journal=Agenda|volume=4|issue=4|pages=433–444|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002075622/http://press-files.anu.edu.au/downloads/press/p106321/pdf/article04.pdf|archive-date=2 October 2019|url-status=live}}

The SLRC purchased TNT Transit Systems in August 1998 as part of a joint venture with CGEA Transport.{{cite web|url=http://data.iguana2.com/hastings/news-item?Number=139955&Code=AIX|title=Stock Exchange Announcement|publisher=Hastings|date=11 August 1998|access-date=6 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710045813/http://data.iguana2.com/hastings/news-item?Number=139955&Code=AIX|archive-date=10 July 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://group.tnt.com/annualreports/annualreport98/report/report_managem/specissue/noncore/middenframe.html|title=TNT Annual Report 1998 – Non-core business|publisher=TNT|access-date=27 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413123220/http://group.tnt.com/annualreports/annualreport98/report/report_managem/specissue/noncore/middenframe.html|archive-date=13 April 2014|url-status=dead}} This resulted in CGEA Transport taking over the light rail operating contract. CGEA Transport and its successors have operated the inner city light rail network ever since.{{cite web|url=http://www.transdev.com.au/business-activity/our-operations/light-rail-in-sydney/|title=Light rail in Sydney|work=Transdev|access-date=14 July 2016|archive-date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816213422/http://www.transdev.com.au/business-activity/our-operations/light-rail-in-sydney/|url-status=dead}}

In early 2001, Connex (renamed from CGEA Transport in 1999) sold its share of the monorail to the SLRC, bringing the monorail and light rail under unified ownership and leading to the formation of Metro Transport Sydney.{{cite web|url=http://www.metrolightrail.com.au:80/about/company.html|title=Overview of Connex Worldwide and in Australia|publisher=Metro Light Rail|access-date=1 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030425123814/http://www.metrolightrail.com.au/about/company.html|archive-date=25 April 2003|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.metrolightrail.com.au:80/Technical/MonorailTechSheet.pdf|title=Technical Details (Metro Monorail)|publisher=Metro Transport Sydney|date=2005|access-date=1 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050127121052/http://www.metrolightrail.com.au/Technical/MonorailTechSheet.pdf|archive-date=27 January 2005|url-status=dead}}

The New South Wales Government purchased Metro Transport Sydney in March 2012, and the company was placed under the control of Transport for NSW.{{cite web|url=http://www.claytonutz.com/publications/edition/5_july_2012/20120705/light_rail_strategy_for_sydney.page|title=Light rail strategy for Sydney|publisher=Clayton Utz|work=Clayton Utz Insights|date=5 July 2012|access-date=6 July 2012|author1=Cosgriff, Stuart |author2=Griffiths, Emily }} The purchase removed the contractual restrictions on expanding the light rail system and allowed the government to dismantle the monorail, assisting its plans to redevelop the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre.{{cite news|last=Campion|first=Vikki|title=Last stop for Sydney Monorail|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/monorail-to-be-torn-down/story-fnb5f12x-1226308015370|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=23 March 2012}}{{cite news|last=Tan|first=Gillian|title=Australian Infrastructure Fund sells Metro Transport stake|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/wall-street-journal/australian-infrastructure-fund-sells-metro-transport-stake/story-fnay3vxj-1226308293323|newspaper=The Australian (from The Wall Street Journal)|date=23 March 2012}}

==Government ownership==

{{multiple image

| align = right

| total_width = 220

| image1 = Lilyfield Tram Stop.JPG

| width1 =

| height1 =

| caption1 = Metro Transport Sydney signage

| image2 = Lilyfield light rail stop entrance March 2017.jpg

| width2 =

| height2 =

| caption2 = Transport for NSW signage

| footer = Entrance to the Lilyfield stop before and after the New South Wales Government takeover.

| direction = vertical

}}

From 1 July 2013, the Metro Light Rail brand was phased out as part of a broader rebranding and reorganisation of public transport services in New South Wales.{{cite news|last1=Saulwick|first1=Jacob|title=All together now: Sydney's public transport united under one 'brand'|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/all-together-now-sydneys-public-transport-united-under-one-brand-20130418-2i1zt.html|access-date=5 April 2015|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=18 April 2013}} The process of shutting down Metro Transport Sydney and transferring assets to Transport for NSW was completed in September 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/publications/annual_reports/tfnsw-annual-report-2013-14.pdf |title=Transport for NSW 2013/14 Annual Report |publisher=Transport for NSW |access-date=1 January 2015 |pages=329, 344 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205164711/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/publications/annual_reports/tfnsw-annual-report-2013-14.pdf |archive-date= 5 December 2014 }}

Following the announcement of the CBD and South East Light Rail, the government decided to group the contract covering the construction of the new line with the operation and maintenance of both lines of the inner city network. In December 2014, Transport for NSW awarded the contract to the ALTRAC Light Rail consortium. This saw Transdev Sydney, the operator under the previous contract, continue to operate and maintain the network as part of the consortium.[http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/delivering-integrated-light-rail-system-altrac-takes-over-operation-inner-west-light Delivering an integrated light rail system: ALTRAC takes over operation of inner west light rail] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706150356/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/delivering-integrated-light-rail-system-altrac-takes-over-operation-inner-west-light |date=6 July 2015 }} Transport for NSW 2 July 2015 The operating contract commenced on 1 July 2015 and runs until 2034.{{cite web|title=CBD and South East Light Rail contract awarded with earlier delivery date|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/cbd-and-south-east-light-rail-contract-awarded-earlier-delivery-date|publisher=Transport for NSW|date=18 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218104521/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/cbd-and-south-east-light-rail-contract-awarded-earlier-delivery-date|archive-date=18 December 2014|df=dmy-all}}{{cite press release|url=http://www.transdevsydney.com.au/index.php?mact=NewsManager,cntnt01,frontend_article_details,0&cntnt01article_id=43&cntnt01returnid=101 |title=Transdev consortium achieves financial close on Sydney Light Rail PPP |publisher=Transdev |date=25 February 2015 |access-date=5 April 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411051000/http://www.transdevsydney.com.au/index.php?mact=NewsManager%2Ccntnt01%2Cfrontend_article_details%2C0&cntnt01article_id=43&cntnt01returnid=101 |archive-date=11 April 2015 }}

After taking control of the Inner West Light Rail and announcing the CBD and South East Light Rail, the government also moved to establish a separate network centred around the Western Sydney suburb of Parramatta. Transdev was contracted to operate the Parramatta network as part of the Great River City Light Rail consortium. This contract runs for eight years from construction completion, with a possible extension of up to an additional ten years.{{cite web |title=Transdev Australasia consortium secures Parramatta Light Rail contract |url=https://www.transdev.com.au/media/14057/181220_press-release-transdev-australasia-consortium-secures-parramatta-light-rail-contract_fa.pdf |publisher=Transdev Australasia |date=20 December 2018 |access-date=21 December 2018 |archive-date=6 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306071250/https://www.transdev.com.au/media/14057/181220_press-release-transdev-australasia-consortium-secures-parramatta-light-rail-contract_fa.pdf |url-status=dead }}

Operations

=Lines=

Sydney's light rail network consists of:

class="wikitable sortable"

! colspan="2" |Line

!Termini

! class="unsortable" |via

!Full length

{{TFNSW lines|L1|size=1.25}}

| data-sort-value="1" |Dulwich Hill Line

|Central & Dulwich Hill

|Haymarket - Pyrmont - Glebe - Lilyfield - Leichhardt - Haberfield - Lewisham

|{{Convert|12.8|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

{{TFNSW lines|L2|size=1.25}}

| data-sort-value="3" |Randwick Line

|Circular Quay & Randwick

|City - Haymarket - Surry Hills - Moore Park - Randwick

|{{Convert|12|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

{{TFNSW lines|L3|size=1.25}}

| data-sort-value="5" |Kingsford Line

|Circular Quay & Kingsford

|City - Haymarket - Surry Hills - Moore Park - Kensington

|{{Convert|12|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

{{TFNSW lines|L4|size=1.25}}

| data-sort-value="6" |Westmead and Carlingford Line

|Westmead & Carlingford

|North Parramatta - Parramatta - Rydalmere - Dundas - Telopea

|{{Convert|12|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

[

{

"type": "ExternalData",

"service": "page",

"title": "Inner West Light Rail.map"

},

{

"type": "ExternalData",

"service": "page",

"title": "Parramatta Light Rail.map"

},

{

"type": "ExternalData",

"service": "page",

"title": "CBD and South East Light Rail.map"

}

]

{{clear|left}}

==L1 Dulwich Hill Line==

{{main|Inner West Light Rail}}

[

{

"type": "ExternalData",

"service": "page",

"title": "Inner West Light Rail.map"

},

{

"type": "ExternalData",

"service": "page",

"title": "Inner West Light Rail stops.map"

}

]

The L1 Dulwich Hill Line is the network's original passenger route, which first commenced in August 1997. It operates along the {{convert|12.8|km|mi|0|adj=on}} Inner West Light Rail between Central Station and Dulwich Hill, stopping at 23 stops along the route. It connects Sydney's Inner West with the Pyrmont peninsula, Darling Harbour and the southern end of the city centre.

The majority of the Inner West Light Rail line is along the alignment of a former freight railway line, with a short on-street section at the city end. The line opened between Central railway station in the city and Wentworth Park, Pyrmont on 11 August 1997,{{cite news|title=Sydney's new light rail system|newspaper=Railway Digest|date=September 1997|pages=14}} then extended west to Lilyfield in August 2000, and then southwest to Dulwich Hill in March 2014.{{cite news|title=Sydney's Tram Extension Opens|newspaper=Railway Digest|date=September 2000|page=4}}{{cite web |url=http://www.transportnsw.info/en/transport-status/news/2014/light-rail-extension.page?%0A%09%09%09%09%09%09%09%09%09%09 |title=Inner West Light rail extension now complete |publisher=Transport for NSW |date=27 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327044022/http://www.transportnsw.info/en/transport-status/news/2014/light-rail-extension.page |archive-date=27 March 2014 |df=dmy-all }}

From late October 2021 to February 2022, services were replaced by buses after major cracks were found in all 12 Urbos 3 trams serving the line.{{Cite news|date=2021-11-05|title=Sydney's inner-west light rail shut down for up to 18 months due to cracks|language=en-AU|work=ABC News|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-05/sydney-inner-west-light-rail-decommissioned-for-up-to-18-months/100598762|access-date=2021-11-05}} Limited service was then restored with borrowed Citadis trams from the CBD and South East Light Rail.

==L2 Randwick & L3 Kingsford Lines==

{{main|CBD and South East Light Rail}}

[{"type":"ExternalData",

"service":"page",

"title":"CBD and South East Light Rail.map"},

{"type":"ExternalData",

"service":"page",

"title":"CBD and South East Light Rail stops.map"}]

The L2 Randwick Line and L3 Kingsford Line are Sydney's newest passenger routes on the Sydney light rail network. L2 Randwick Line services commenced on 14 December 2019, while L3 Kingsford Line services commenced operations on 3 April 2020.[https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/final-stage-of-sydney-s-cbd-light-rail-opens-20200402-p54gmb.html Final stage of Sydney's CBD light rail opens] Sydney Morning Herald 3 April 2020[https://transportnsw.info/news/2020/sydneys-new-light-rail-now-open-from-circular-quay-to-kingsford#homepage Sydney’s new light rail is now open from Circular Quay to Kingsford] Transport for NSW 3 April 2020 They operate on the CBD and South East Light Rail, between Circular Quay at the northern end of the city centre to Central Station at the southern end, then continuing to the south-eastern suburbs.

CBD and South East Light Rail were built to reduce bus congestion in the CBD and provide higher capacity public transport to the Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney Cricket Ground, Randwick Racecourse and the University of New South Wales, which were previously served only by buses. In contrast to the Inner West Light Rail, the line is mostly on-street and follows a similar path to routes used by the former tramway network. Major construction began in October 2015.{{cite web|title=Final countdown to construction: Sydney Light Rail major works start October 23|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/final-countdown-construction-sydney-light-rail-major-works-start-october-23|publisher=Transport for NSW|date=28 May 2015}}

==L4 Westmead and Carlingford line==

{{main|Parramatta Light Rail}}

[

{

"type": "ExternalData",

"service": "page",

"title": "Parramatta Light Rail stage 2.map"

},

{

"type": "ExternalData",

"service": "page",

"title": "Parramatta Light Rail.map"

},

{

"type": "ExternalData",

"service": "page",

"title": "Parramatta Light Rail stops.map"

}

]

Parramatta Light Rail is the name given to two lines that converge on the Western Sydney centre of Parramatta. These lines will have no connection to the Inner West or CBD and South East lines.

The first line runs from Carlingford to Westmead via the Parramatta CBD. It includes the conversion of most of the former heavy rail Carlingford line to light rail standards. Construction began in 2018 and was opened to the public on 20 December 2024.{{Cite news |date=2024-12-19 |title='Moment in history': Commuters board first Parramatta light rail service |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-20/parramatta-light-rail-open-day-route-map-westmead-carlingford/104747540 |access-date=2024-12-20 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}

The preferred route for the second line was announced in October 2017. This line branches from the first line at Rydalmere and travels through Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and on to the Sydney Olympic Park events precinct.{{cite web|title=Parramatta light rail extension to Olympic Park on the Way |url=https://architectureau.com/articles/parramatta-light-rail-extension-to-olympic-park-on-the-way/|publisher=Transport for NSW|access-date=19 October 2017}}

== Under construction ==

In February 2024, Stage 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail linking Parramatta to Sydney Olympic Park via Rydalmere, Melrose Park and Wentworth Point received planning approval after the New South Wales Government invested $200 million to expedite planning processes for the project in its 2023{{ndash}}24 state budget.{{cite news |url=https://www.parranews.com.au/2024/02/parramatta-light-rail-stage-2-gets-greenlight/ |first=Ellie |last=Busby |date=23 February 2024 |access-date=5 March 2024 |archive-date=5 March 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240305054808/https://www.parranews.com.au/2024/02/parramatta-light-rail-stage-2-gets-greenlight/ |url-status=live |website=parranews.com.au |title=Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 gets greenlight}}

Rolling stock

File:Lilyfield Maintenance Centre.jpg.]]

All services on the Inner West Light Rail were previously operated by a single class of tram. A second class was introduced to operate services on the CBD and South East Light Rail. All vehicles to have operated on the system have been articulated, low floor and bi-directional. The system uses standard gauge track and 750 volt direct current electrification.

Both lines use different specifications on a range of measures including gaps between platforms and carriages, height and width of the actual track, clearances between the track corridor and its surrounds, and distance between the back wheels of the trams. As a result, Urbos 3 trams used on the Inner West Light Rail (L1 Dulwich Hill) line are unable to serve on the CBD and South East Light Rail (L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford) lines{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/why-sydneys-new-light-rail-trams-wont-carry-passengers-on-inner-west-line-20170725-gxida4.html |title=Why Sydney's new light rail trams won't carry passengers on inner west line |work=Sydney Morning Herald | first=Matt | last=O'Sullivan |date=2017-07-25 | accessdate=2021-11-06}} However, Citadis 305 trams used on the CBD and South East Light Rail are able to run on the Inner West Light Rail as the vehicles are narrower. This was to allow the fleet to access the Lilyfield maintenance centre via the Inner West Light Rail.{{cite web|url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/sydney-light-rail-shutdown-cbd-trams-tested-on-sydneys-inner-west-light-rail-to-solve-shutdown/2eb18f82-e65b-4799-a749-51afb6ee08a5|title=CBD trams tested on Sydney's Inner West light rail to solve shutdown|publisher=9News|date=9 December 2021}} This also allowed for Citadis trams to be used for L1 Dulwich Hill services on the Inner West Light Rail.{{multiple image

| image1 = 2119 passing Market City (27807206220).jpg

| width1 = 200

| caption1 = Urbos 3

| image2 = Urbos 3 2122 interior.jpg

| width2 = 200

| caption2 = Interior

| width3 = 200

| total_width = 450

}}

=Urbos 3 & Urbos 100=

== Inner West Light Rail ==

Following the {{Cvt|5.6|km}} extension of the Inner West Light Rail to Dulwich Hill, more rolling stock was needed to support services and run alongside the Variotrams that had been providing services on the line since the first section opened in 1997.{{Cite web|url=https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/portal/event/lrv%E2%80%99s-sydney-light-rail-inner-west-extension|title=LRV's of the Sydney Light Rail Inner West Extension {{!}} www.engineersaustralia.org.au|website=www.engineersaustralia.org.au|language=en|access-date=2018-02-09|archive-date=28 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028202253/https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/portal/event/lrv%E2%80%99s-sydney-light-rail-inner-west-extension|url-status=dead}} A tender for six Urbos 3s was awarded to Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) in August 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/contract-awarded-delivery-new-light-rail-vehicles|title=Contract awarded for delivery of new light rail vehicles|publisher=Transport for NSW|access-date=16 August 2012}} The first unit arrived in Sydney on 19 December 2013 and entered service on 24 July 2014.{{cite news|last=O'Rourke|first=Jim|title=Sneak peek at Sydney's new trams|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/sneak-peek-at-sydneys-new-trams/story-fnii5s3x-1226786986306|access-date=20 December 2013|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=20 December 2013|archive-date=19 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519150712/http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/sneak-peek-at-sydneys-new-trams/story-fnii5s3x-1226786986306|url-status=dead}}[http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/first-new-light-rail-vehicle-tracks-customer-trips-pass-15-million First new light rail vehicle on the tracks as customer trips pass 1.5 million] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808165951/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/first-new-light-rail-vehicle-tracks-customer-trips-pass-15-million |date=8 August 2014 }}, Transport for NSW, Retrieved 23 July 2014 All were in service by August, allowing the leased Urbos 2s to be returned to Spain.

On 11 October 2013, the Government announced an order for six additional Urbos 3s to replace the Variotrams.{{cite web|title=Six more new light rail vehicles for Sydney|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/six-more-new-light-rail-vehicles-sydney|publisher=Transport for NSW|access-date=11 October 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222948/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/six-more-new-light-rail-vehicles-sydney|archive-date=2 December 2013|df=dmy-all}} All Urbos 3s from the additional order had entered service by the end of June 2015.{{cite press release | url=http://www.gladys.com.au/content/inner-west-light-rail-extension-celebrates-first-year-new-light-rail-vehicles-go-operation | title=Inner West Light Rail extension celebrates first year as new light rail vehicles go into operation | publisher=Gladys Berejiklian | date=27 March 2015 | access-date=5 April 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406133529/https://www.gladys.com.au/content/inner-west-light-rail-extension-celebrates-first-year-new-light-rail-vehicles-go-operation | archive-date=6 April 2015 | url-status=dead }}

The Urbos 3s are approximately {{Convert|33|m}} long and feature two double and two single doors on each side. The seats on the first batch are generally in the transverse configuration – at 90 degrees to the sides of the vehicle.{{cite web|url=http://www.caf.es/en/productos-servicios/proyectos/proyecto-detalle.php?p=248|title=Sydney Tram|publisher=CAF|access-date=1 March 2013}} The second batch replace some of the transverse seats with longitudinal seating, providing more standing room. Digital voice announcements and internal dot-matrix displays provide information about the next stop. They have a standard capacity of 206 passengers and a crush capacity of 272.{{cite web|title=Inner West Light Rail Capacity|url=http://www.smh.com.au/cqstatic/gy49ao/InnerWestLightRailGIPA.pdf|website=Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Transport for NSW|access-date=29 August 2017|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122104631/https://www.smh.com.au/cqstatic/gy49ao/InnerWestLightRailGIPA.pdf|url-status=dead}} The vehicles are numbered 2112, 2114–2124. 2113 was skipped due to superstition, particularly among the Chinese who travel to the Star casino by light rail, about numbers ending in 13.{{cite journal|title=Sydney's light rail extension opens|journal=Trolley Wire|volume=55|issue=2|publisher=South Pacific Electric Railway|issn=0155-1264|date=May 2014|url=https://www.sydneytramwaymuseum.com.au/tramway/wp-content/uploads/bsk-pdf-manager/337_-_Trolley_Wire_-_May_2014_219.pdf|accessdate=2021-12-12|pages=22}}

In June 2021, a contract with CAF for four Urbos 100 (a variant on the Urbos 3) five-module unit was secured.{{cite news |title=The CAF Group has secured tram supply extension contracts in Belgium and Australia, worth a combined value of nearly 100m euros (119.05m USD), in addition to a new signalling installation contract in Turkey. |url=https://railway-news.com/caf-announces-contracts-in-belgium-australia-and-turkey/ |access-date=26 July 2021 |date=30 June 2021}}

On 28 October 2021, service was suspended on the Inner West Light Rail after cracking in welds was discovered in some of the Urbos 3 vehicles during routine inspections.{{cite news|date=28 October 2021|title=Inner West light rail services suspended after cracks discovered in trams|publisher=SMH|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/inner-west-light-rail-services-suspended-after-cracks-discovered-in-trams-20211028-p5944d.html|access-date=5 November 2021}}

== Parramatta Light Rail ==

Thirteen Urbos 100 carriages were procured for the first stage of the Parramatta Light Rail. Each tram is {{Convert|45|m}} long and consist of seven modules. These vehicles will support wire-free operation using batteries, which will be utilised on the on-street sections of the line around Parramatta and Westmead.{{cite web |title=Parramatta Light Rail contracts signed |url=https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/parramatta-light-rail-contracts-signed |website=www.transport.nsw.gov.au |publisher=Transport for NSW |language=en-AU |date=20 December 2018}}{{cite web |title=CAF consortium secures Parramatta Light Rail contract in New South Wales (Australia) |url=https://www.caf.net/en/sala-prensa/nota-prensa-detalle.php?e=264 |publisher=Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles |access-date=27 December 2018 |date=20 December 2018}}

=Citadis 305=

{{multiple image

| image1 = SLR 057, George Street, 2022 (01).jpg

| width1 = 200

| caption1 = Citadis 305

| image2 = Sydney Alstom 305 Interior.jpg

| width2 = 200

| caption2 = Interior

| align =

| direction =

| total_width = 450

| alt1 =

}}

As part of the winning consortium to build and operate the CBD and South East Light Rail, Alstom supplied sixty Citadis 305 trams.{{cite press release | url=http://www.alstom.com/press-centre/2015/2/alstom-to-deliver-to-sydney-citadis-x05-the-latest-evolution-of-its-tram-range-/ | title=Alstom to deliver to Sydney Citadis X05, the latest evolution of its tram range | publisher=Alstom | date=February 2015 | access-date=25 February 2015}} Each vehicle consists of five sections, and they are coupled together to operate in pairs.{{cite web|title=Sydney is first Citadis X05 tram customer|url=http://www.metro-report.com/news/metro/single-view/view/sydney-is-first-citadis-x05-tram-customer.html|publisher=Metro Report International|access-date=12 June 2017|date=25 February 2015}} Original plans for the line intended for the trams to be approximately {{Convert|45|m}} long and operate as single units. Wire-free operation in a section of George Street between Bathurst Street and Circular Quay was to be achieved via battery storage.{{cite web | url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/projects/CSELR_State_Infrastructure_Application_June_2013.pdf | title=CBD and South East Light Rail – State Significant Infrastructure Application Supporting Document | publisher=Transport for NSW | date=21 June 2013 | access-date=12 July 2013 | author=Dean, Emma; Moore, Adam; Bunting, Kathleen (Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia) | pages=4, 23 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927100041/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/projects/CSELR_State_Infrastructure_Application_June_2013.pdf | archive-date=27 September 2013 | df=dmy-all }}{{cite web|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/projects/CSELR_Industry_Briefing_9_April_2013.pdf|title=CBD and South East Light Rail – Industry Briefing Session|publisher=Transport for NSW|date=9 April 2013|access-date=10 April 2013|page=11}} In December 2014, it was announced that Alstom's proprietary APS technology would be used in place of batteries. The length of the trams would also be reduced, but they would now operate in pairs, giving each pair a total length of approximately {{Convert|67|m||0}}.{{cite web|title=CBD and South East Light Rail – Modification Report|url=https://majorprojects.affinitylive.com/public/bd9fa8e85aeb4396512d5e710e3d8da5/20141202_01_CBD_and_South_East_light_rail_modifications_report.pdf|publisher=Transport for NSW|access-date=3 December 2014|pages=25, 66}}

The first unit was completed in May 2017.[http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/australia-nz/alstom-completes-first-citadis-x05-lrvs-for-sydney.html?channel=526 Alstom completes first Citadis X05 LRVs for Sydney] International Railway Journal 24 May 2017[http://www.metro-report.com/news/single-view/view/first-citadis-x05-tram-rolled-out.html First Citadis X05 tram rolled out] Metro Report International 24 May 2017 The first six were manufactured in La Rochelle, France, the remaining 54 in Barcelona, Spain."Here & There" Trolley Wire issue 331 November 2017 page 12 They are numbered 001–060.

After the entire Urbos 3 fleet of the Inner West Light Rail was withdrawn for repairs in November 2021, Citadis trams were borrowed from the CBD and South East Light Rail and tested on the Inner West Light Rail from December 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/government-testing-cbd-trams-on-inner-west-light-rail-20211209-p59g8z.html|title=NSW government tests new CBD trams on inner west line|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald|date=9 December 2021}} The Citadis vehicles began services on the Inner West Light Rail on 12 February 2022 on a temporary basis until the Urbos 3 fleet could be repaired and brought back into service.{{Cite web|title=Sydney's Inner West light rail returns from tomorrow|url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/light-rail-news-inner-west-light-rail-service-resuming-from-6am-on-saturday-after-four-months-of-being-decommissioned/01428aa2-bd77-444c-bb20-25ed62a1a998|access-date=2022-02-13|website=www.9news.com.au}}{{cite web|url=https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/light-rail-services-return-to-inner-west|title=Light rail services return to Inner West|publisher=Transport for NSW|date=11 February 2022}} They continue to operate following the reintroduction of the Urbos 3s.

=Withdrawn=

== Variotram ==

File:Metro Light Rail John Street Square Tram Stop.jpg

The network's original rolling stock was the Variotram which was introduced with the opening of the first section of the Inner West Light Rail in 1997. Seven German-designed vehicles were manufactured by Adtranz in Dandenong.{{Cite web|url=http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/sydney/|title=Sydney Light Rail Construction and Extension|publisher=Railway Technology}} The Variotram design is modular and was extended for the Sydney system. The capacity of the vehicles was 217 passengers, of which 74 were seated.{{cite web|title=Technical Details and All That Stuff...|url=http://www.metrotransport.com.au/Technical/LightRailTechSheet.pdf|work=Metro Transport Sydney|access-date=2 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215233324/http://www.metrotransport.com.au/Technical/LightRailTechSheet.pdf|archive-date=15 February 2012}} The first was damaged in an accident near {{maplink|type=point|id=Q2500821|zoom=6|icon=no|text=Tarcutta}} while on its delivery run and had to be returned to Melbourne for repairs.Accident to New Sydney Tram Trolley Wire issue 269 May 1997 page 23 On tests up to three trams were coupled together allowing a maximum capacity of 600 passengers if required. They were numbered 2101–2107, continuing the Sydney trams sequence that finished at number 2087 with the last Sydney R1-Class Tram.

The vehicles had a floor-to-rail height of {{Convert|30|cm}} and the bogies had no axles between the wheels and were powered by hub motors. The design weight was reduced to compensate for the addition of climate-control air-conditioning equipment. Each was fitted with three double doors on each side which had enhanced safety systems with obstacle detection interlocked with the traction system. Seats were generally in the transverse configuration – at 90 degrees to the sides of the vehicle. In 2014, the original external destination rolls were replaced with dot-matrix displays and digital voice announcements were installed. There were no internal displays. The last Variotram was withdrawn from service after operating overnight between Central and The Star on 27/28 May 2015.{{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKRBzcp3Xo4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/DKRBzcp3Xo4 |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live| title=Sydney Light Rail Vlog 25: Vario Trams: The End Of An Era | date=28 May 2015}}{{cbignore}}

After sustaining damage in a derailment at Glebe on 7 October 2013, Variotram number 2106 was scrapped.[https://www.sydneytramwaymuseum.com.au/tramway/wp-content/uploads/bsk-pdf-manager/337_-_Trolley_Wire_-_May_2014_219.pdf Sydney's light rail extension opens] Trolley Wire issue 337 May 2014 page 22 The remaining six Variotrams were placed into storage in Penrith during the first half of 2015. Having been retained by Transport Heritage NSW, in October 2018, 2107 was placed in the custody of the Sydney Tramway Museum, Loftus.[http://www.sydneytramwaymuseum.com.au/tramfans/sydney-variotram-2107-arrives-at-loftus/ Sydney Variotram 2107 arrives at Loftus] Sydney Tramway Museum The remaining five (2101–2105) were scrapped in early 2018.Preservation & Tourist Railway Digest November 2018 page 52

== Urbos 2 ==

File:CAF Urbos 2 tram, operated by Transdev, at Central Station (1).jpg]]

Four leased CAF Urbos 2 trams were introduced on the Inner West Light Rail in 2014. They entered service to coincide with the extension of the line to Dulwich Hill, supplementing the Variotrams and ensuring service frequencies on the line could be maintained. The four trams had previously operated in Spain. Three units (2108–2110) were from Vélez-Málaga, where they operated between 2006 and 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/light-rail/sydney-to-lease-velez-malaga-lrvs.html|title= Sydney to lease Velez-Malaga LRVs |date= 13 May 2013 |publisher=International Railway Journal|access-date=17 May 2013}} The other tram (2111) was from Seville. The first Urbos 2 arrived in Sydney on 4 September 2013.{{cite news|last=Walker|first=Ian|title=Early morning tram delivery brings George St to a halt|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/early-morning-tram-delivery-brings-george-st-to-a-halt/story-fni0cx12-1226710228465|access-date=4 September 2013|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=4 September 2013}} Delivery was completed in November. The trams entered service on 22 March 2014, five days before the opening of the extension to Dulwich Hill.[http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/inner-west-light-rail-extension-opens-next-week Inner West Light Rail Extension opens next week] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321055943/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/inner-west-light-rail-extension-opens-next-week |date=21 March 2014 }} Transport for NSW 21 March 2014 Following the introduction of the Urbos 3 trams in July 2014, the Urbos 2s were withdrawn and returned to Spain. The Urbos 2s were unpopular with passengers and attracted complaints.{{cite web|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/publications/annual_reports/tfnsw-annual-report-2013-14.pdf |title=Transport for NSW 2013/14 Annual Report |publisher=Transport for NSW |date=4 April 2014 |page=45 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205164711/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/publications/annual_reports/tfnsw-annual-report-2013-14.pdf |archive-date= 5 December 2014 }}

The trams featured four double and two single doors on each side. The seats were unpadded and were generally built in the longitudinal seating configuration – running parallel to the sides of the vehicle's body. Digital voice announcements and internal dot-matrix displays provided information about the next stop.

Patronage

File:Sydney Light Rail 04.jpg]]

File:JuniorsKingsfordLightRail.jpg]]

The following table lists patronage figures for the network during the corresponding financial year. Australia's financial years start on 1 July and end on 30 June. Major events that affected the number of journeys made or how patronage is measured are included as notes.

class="wikitable" style="text-align:right; white-space:nowrap;"

|+Sydney light rail patronage by financial year

! Year

| 2010–11

2011–122012–132013–142014–152015–162016–172017–182018–192019–20

|2020-21

|2021-22

|2022-23

style="vertical-align: top;"

! Patronage
(millions)

| 2.7
{{efn|name=2010–11}}

| 4.0

| 4.2

| 3.9
{{efn|name=2013–14 1}}{{efn|name=2013–14 2}}

| 6.1
{{efn|name=2014–15}}

| 9.7

| 10.0
{{efn|name=2016–17}}

| 10.3

| 11.1

| 14.4
{{efn|name=2019-20}}

|17.0

|14.9

|32.5

style="font-size:85%"

! References

| colspan="4"|{{cite web|title=Transport for NSW Annual Report 2013–14|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/publications/annual_reports/tfnsw-annual-report-2013-2014.pdf|publisher=Transport for NSW|access-date=1 August 2016|page=395|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529174646/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/publications/annual_reports/tfnsw-annual-report-2013-2014.pdf|archive-date=29 May 2015|df=dmy-all}}

| {{cite web|title=Transport for NSW Annual Report 2014–15|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/publications/annual_reports/tfnsw-annual-report-2014-15-volume-1.pdf|publisher=Transport for NSW|access-date=1 August 2016|page=131}}

| {{cite web|title=Light Rail Patronage|url=https://public.tableau.com/profile/bureau.of.transport.statistics#!/vizhome/PTVisualisations-LightRail2_7_2Nov16/Welcome|page=Top Level Charts|publisher=Transport Performance and Analytics – Transport for NSW|access-date=27 December 2016|date=December 2016}}

|{{cite web|title=Annual Report 2016–17|url=https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/system/files/media/documents/2017/tfnsw-annual-report-2016-17.pdf|page=16|publisher=Transport for NSW|access-date=24 November 2017}}

|{{cite web|title=Transport for NSW Annual Report 2017–18|url=https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/system/files/media/documents/2018/TfNSW-Annual-Report-2017%E2%80%9318-Volume-1.pdf|page=17|publisher=Transport for NSW|access-date=2 December 2018}}

|colspan="2"|{{cite web |date=8 July 2023 |title=Number of trips by Line for Light Rail mode |url=https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/data-and-research/data-and-insights/public-transport-trips-all-modes |access-date=8 July 2023 |publisher=Transport for NSW}}

|

|

|

{{notelist|refs=

{{efn|name=2010–11|Partial integration with main Sydney ticketing system in June 2011}}

{{efn|name=2013–14 1|Services suspended for much of October 2013 after double derailment}}

{{efn|name=2013–14 2|Dulwich Hill extension opened in March 2014}}

{{efn|name=2014–15|Opal introduced in December 2014}}

{{efn|name=2016–17|Non-Opal tickets discontinued in August 2016}}

{{efn|name=2019-20|L2 Randwick Line opened in December 2019 and L3 Kingsford Line opened in April 2020. Patronage was lower than anticipated due to people staying at home and not taking public transport to school or work during the COVID-19 pandemic}}

}}

{{Sydney light rail patronage by line|float=y}}

{{clear}}

{{Reflist|group=n.b.}}

{{Transport for NSW patronage in Sydney by mode}}

{{Clear}}

=Ticketing and fares=

File:Sydney Light Rail L1 Opal Card.jpg

The smartcard-based Opal card ticketing system, which was introduced to the network on 1 December 2014, is valid on metro, train, bus, ferry and light rail services.{{cite web|title=Opal to go live on light rail months ahead of schedule|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/opal-go-live-light-rail-months-ahead-schedule|publisher=Transport for NSW|date=24 November 2014|access-date=24 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141201221153/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/opal-go-live-light-rail-months-ahead-schedule|archive-date=1 December 2014|url-status=dead}} Different fares apply for these modes, except that the same fares apply to light rail and buses. However, they are treated as separate modes for fare calculation purposes.http://www.transportnsw.info/sites/en/transport-status/news/2014/opal-rollout.page Opal rollout extends to light rail {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006071610/http://www.transportnsw.info/sites/en/transport-status/news/2014/opal-rollout.page |date= 6 October 2014 }} Transport Info NSW 25 November 2014 Light rail stops feature Opal top up machines that also sell Opal single trip tickets. The single trip tickets are more expensive than the standard Opal fare. They are only valid for travel on light rail and must be used on the day of purchase.{{cite web|title=Opal single trip tickets |url=https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/opal/fares-payments/opal-single-tickets |publisher=Transport for NSW |access-date=4 August 2019 }} The following table lists Opal fares for reusable smartcards and single trip tickets.{{cite web|title=Opal fares|url=https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/opal/fares-payments|website=transportnsw.info|publisher=Transport for NSW|access-date=22 June 2019}}

{{Opal bus/light rail fares}}

{{Clear}}

^ = $2.50 for Senior/Pensioner cardholders

Fares are calculated using a straight line distance between the origin and destination stops. No two stops on the existing line are located more than {{Convert|8|km}} from each other using this method, so the >{{Cvt|8|km}} band does not apply to light rail services.

When it first opened, the Inner West Light Rail used its paper-based ticketing system. Paper tickets were originally sold from ticket machines on stop platforms but were later issued by conductors on board. During the 2010s, this system gradually merged with the broader Sydney ticketing system, culminating in the introduction of Opal and the withdrawal of all other tickets. This process was completed on 1 August 2016.{{cite web|title=The last paper tickets to be wrapped up on August 1|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/last-paper-tickets-be-wrapped-august-1|publisher=Transport for NSW|date=4 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706072443/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/last-paper-tickets-be-wrapped-august-1|archive-date=6 July 2016|df=dmy-all}}

Potential extensions

Several transport corridors have significant potential to allow for the growth of the network beyond its current route structure.

=Anzac Parade=

File:CBD & South East Light Rail - Update, 1 August 2016.jpg

The New South Wales Government's 2012 policy document entitled Sydney's Light Rail Future proposed investigating an extension of the CBD and South East Light Rail along the southern Anzac Parade corridor.{{cite web|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/publications/sydneys-light-rail-future.pdf|title=Sydney's Light Rail Future|publisher=Transport for NSW|date=13 December 2012|access-date=17 March 2017|pages=20}}

By 2014, an initial investigation had commenced. Three potential options were examined; a {{Convert|1.9|km|adj=on}} extension to Maroubra Junction, a {{Convert|5.1|km|adj=on}} extension to Malabar and an {{Convert|8.2|km|adj=on}} extension to La Perouse.{{Cite web |url=http://www.insw.com/media/42945/inf_j14_871_sis_report_ch02_web.pdf |title=2014 State Infrastructure Strategy Update |publisher=Infrastructure NSW |page=40 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129153506/http://www.insw.com/media/42945/inf_j14_871_sis_report_ch02_web.pdf |archive-date=29 November 2014 |url-status=dead}}

The government's 2018 Greater Sydney Services and Infrastructure Plan included a proposal for an extension to Maroubra Junction. The extension would however not be developed for at least 10 years.{{cite web|title=Greater Sydney Services and Infrastructure Plan|url=http://future.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/media/documents/2018/Greater_Sydney_Services_and_Infrastructure_Plan_0.pdf|publisher=Transport for NSW|access-date=19 March 2018|pages=196, 203|date=March 2018}}

=The Bays Precinct=

The Bays Precinct is a large waterfront area to the west of the Sydney CBD being proposed for urban renewal by the New South Wales Government. The southern part of the precinct is served by the existing Inner West Light Rail. A planning document released by the government in October 2015 suggested light rail could be extended to the northern part of the precinct, possibly using the Glebe Island Bridge.{{cite news|last1=Saulwick|first1=Jacob|title=Return of trams to Glebe Island Bridge floated in inner harbour overhaul|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/return-of-trams-to-glebe-island-bridge-floated-in-inner-harbour-overhaul-20151022-gkfq5l.html|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=22 October 2015}}

The government's 2018 Greater Sydney Services and Infrastructure Plan included a proposal for a new line from Leichhardt North to Pyrmont via The Bays Precinct and the Glebe Island Bridge. It would connect with the existing Inner West Light Rail at both ends. The line would not be developed for at least 10 years.

=Parramatta Light Rail extensions=

The New South Wales Government's 2012 policy document entitled Sydney's Light Rail Future proposed investigating a Western Sydney light rail network. This led to several corridors being investigated in the early planning stages of the Parramatta Light Rail project. The final corridors selected for development were announced in 2015.

In early 2017, Transport for NSW had begun an investigation into an extension of the Parramatta Light Rail from Carlingford to Epping.{{cite web|title=Parramatta Light Rail – Stage 1: frequently asked questions|url=http://data.parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au/s3fs-public/PLR%20FS_FAQs_accessible2.pdf|publisher=Transport for NSW|access-date=17 February 2017|archive-date=17 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217144506/http://data.parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au/s3fs-public/PLR%20FS_FAQs_accessible2.pdf|url-status=dead}}

The government's 2018 Greater Sydney Services and Infrastructure Plan proposed investigating unspecified extensions to the network. The extensions would not be developed for at least 10 years.

In 2024, the NSW Legislative Council Inquiry into Current and future public transport needs in Western Sydney recommended "that the Government urgently investigate extending Stage 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail project so that the line no longer terminates at the Carter Street precinct but continues from there to terminate at Lidcombe railway station". This recommendation has been endorsed by Cumberland Council{{Cite web |last=Busby |first=Ellie |date=2024-06-13 |title=Lake's Lidcombe call: Mayor wants Light Rail extended |url=https://www.parranews.com.au/2024/06/lakes-lidcombe-call-mayor-wants-light-rail-extended/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=Parra News |language=en-US}} and public transport advocacy groups such as EcoTransit Sydney.{{Cite web |title=Extend Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 to Lidcombe and Strathfield |url=https://actionnetwork.org/letters/extend-parramatta-light-rail-stage-2-to-lidcombe-and-strathfield |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=actionnetwork.org |language=en-US}}

In September 2024, the Minns Labor Government committed $2.1 billion to stage two of Parramatta Light Rail to be routed through Melrose Park and Wentworth Point with stops in Sydney Olympic Park, Rydalmere, Ermington and Camellia.{{cite press release |author1=Minister for Transport |author2=Jo Haylen |url=https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/projects/parramatta-light-rail/news/construction-on-parramatta-light-rail-stage-2-to-begin-2025-as-major-contract-signed |access-date=14 February 2025 |date=19 September 2024 |website=nsw.gov.au |publisher=Transport for NSW |archive-date=14 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250214101043/https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/projects/parramatta-light-rail/news/construction-on-parramatta-light-rail-stage-2-to-begin-2025-as-major-contract-signed |url-status=live |title=Construction on Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 to begin in 2025 as major contract signed}}

=Green Square and Parramatta Road=

In 2012, the City of Sydney Council recommended that a Light Rail link be built from the city to Green Square, to service the commercial and residential developments being built in the area, which is expected to become Australia's most densely populated precinct. The council has spent more than $30 million buying land for a light rail corridor.{{cite web|title=Light Rail|url=http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/AboutSydney/ParkingAndTransport/LightRail.asp|work=City of Sydney|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006011015/http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/AboutSydney/ParkingAndTransport/LightRail.asp|archive-date=6 October 2012}}{{cite news |last1=O'Sullivan |first1=Matt |title='Transport mess': Passengers at one Sydney station nearly double in three years |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/transport-mess-passengers-at-one-sydney-station-nearly-double-in-three-years-20181119-p50gwf.html |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=21 November 2018 |language=en}} In July 2015, New South Wales Transport Minister Andrew Constance stated that the area was likely to be served by a light rail link in the future.{{cite news|last1=Saulwick|first1=Jacob|title=Green Square needs light rail, Transport Minister says in break from past|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/green-square-needs-light-rail-transport-minister-says-in-break-from-past-20150728-gim2x8.html#ixzz3hAIs39T3|access-date=28 July 2015|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=28 July 2015}} This led to a decision in October by the City of Sydney to allocate $445,000 to develop plans for a light rail line from the city to Green Square. The council estimated a link would cost $350–500 million to build.{{cite web|title=Green Square light rail moves another step closer|url=http://www.sydneymedia.com.au/green-square-light-rail-moves-another-step-closer/|website=sydneymedia.com.au|publisher=City of Sydney|date=30 October 2015}} In 2023, the City of Sydney restated this intention in its draft 'Access Strategy', along with plans to extend the system further down George Street and Broadway, towards the University of Sydney. No formal announcements or works have begun.

In June 2024, ALTRAC proposed a plan for a new light rail corridor between Green Square and Leichhardt via Central.{{Cite web |last=O'Sullivan |first=Matt |date=26 June 2024 |title=Revealed: Plans for new 11km light-rail run on one of Sydney's busiest roads |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/revealed-plans-for-new-11km-light-rail-run-on-one-of-sydney-s-busiest-roads-20240625-p5jon8.html |access-date=28 June 2024 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |url-access=subscription |language=en}}

= Bondi =

In 2011, Waverley Council advocated for the extension of the light rail network to link the current infrastructure to Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach.{{cite web|url=http://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/?a=30149|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222135216/http://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/?a=30149|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-02-22|title=Waverley Transport Plan|publisher=Waverley Council|date=December 2011|access-date=3 April 2020}}{{cite web|last=Paperny|first=Daniel|url=http://cityhubsydney.com.au/2012/10/light-rail-on-track-for-waverley/63288/|title=Light rail on track for Bondi|publisher=CityHub Sydney|date=11 October 2012|access-date=3 April 2020}} The council commissioned AECOM to undertake a feasibility assessment of the reintroduction of light rail on the corridor between Bondi Beach and Bondi Junction (Stage 1) and onto the CBD (Stage 2) to achieve mass transit of passengers and requested Transport for NSW consider the CBD to Bondi Beach corridor as a priority route in the Sydney Light Rail Plan.{{cite web|url=http://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/51512/Council_Agenda_-_21_May_2013_-_URGENT_BUSINESS_AGENDA.pdf|title=URGENT BUSINESS FOR CONSIDERATION|publisher=Waverley Council|date=21 May 2013|access-date=3 April 2020}}

{{clear}}

See also

References

{{Reflist}}