Sydney Metro Light Rail Extension, Australia

The aim of the Sydney Metro Light Rail project is the 3.1km extension of the Sydney Metro Light Rail into Lilyfield, which will increase the length of the line to 6.7km. The light rail system was opened in July 1997, and it was always intended that the extension to Lilyfield would take place. The Metro Light Rail started services with seven Variatram trams, and at present have no intention of increasing the numbers. The trams are low floor vehicles produced in Australia by Adtranz. The light rail system has a total of four new railway stations along the length of its rails.

SYDNEY METRO LIGHT RAIL EXTENSION RATIONALE

Metro Light Rail, the company responsible for the operation of the existing light rail services between Central Station and Wentworth Park in Sydney, were given permission to extend the light rail network to the inner west of the city. The 3.1km extension linking Wentworth Park to Lilyfield has increased the number of stops on the light rail system from ten to fourteen, with new stops being built at Glebe, Jubilee Park, Rozelle Bay and Lilyfield. The extension of the light rail system will improve access to reliable public transport for well-established areas of Sydney.

The $20 million extension was the first phase of the Metro light Rail plans for the system. A second phase is being planned to extend a further 2.5km into the inner west creating a link to a number of different amenities in the area and providing residents within the inner west a quick link to the central business district. Ultimately, it is proposed that the route could extend a further 2.2km from Central Station through the central business district to Circular Quay within the next four years.

SYDNEY METRO LIGHT RAIL NEGOTIATIONS OVER LAND

Rail Estate and the Department of Transport were involved in negotiations over the corridor of land to be used for the extension of the light rail system from Wentworth Park to Lilyfield. The State Rail owned the majority of land needed for the extension. The options discussed included the transfer of land to the Department of Transport, arrangements to lease the land to the Department or an operating arrangement for the system between State Rail, the Department and the light rail company.

SYDNEY METRO LIGHT RAIL: FURTHER EXTENSION

Metro Light Rail is working with the New South Wales government to determine the feasibility of extending the light rail route beyond its current terminus further west to Ashfield Station. An Environmental Impact Survey has been completed into the extension of the light railway route from Central Station, through the Central Business District and down to the Circular Quay. This plan, which will allow light rail to play its part in an integrated Sydney transport network, is on hold pending investigation into the feasibility of a cross-city transport tunnel designed to further reduce traffic congestion.

NEW TRAMS ORDER POSSIBLE

The network currently has several German-designed Variatram vehicles, which are 100% low-floor and have been adapted to suit local conditions. They were manufactured in Australia by Adtranz, running under 750 volts overhead catenary. The trams with a maximum speed of 80km/h, are air-conditioned and capable of carrying up 200 passengers. However, if the proposed extension further West to Ashfield Station is built, it could result in 14 or more new trams being built.

SYDNEY METRO LIGHT RAIL OWNERSHIP

Metro Light Rail is owned by a group of Australian investment funds and is managed under contract by CGEA Transport. CGEA Transport was awarded a 30 year Build, Own, Operate, Transfer contract for the Metro Light Rail system, and at the end of the contract the New South Wales government will gain control of the system.

Click here for printable version