Parramatta Light Rail L4 line opens after long delays

After five years of construction, testing and delays, the new Parramatta light rail service has finally opened.

After five years of construction, testing and delays, the first Parramatta light rail service has run on Friday morning.

The new L4 Westmead and Carlingford Line officially opened on Friday, connecting Greater Parramatta via a 12-kilometer light rail network.

The line has 16 stops with services running every nine to 16 minutes through Westmead’s health precinct, CommBank Stadium and Parramatta Square.

Each tram can carry up to 400 passengers.

Locals woke up early to be the first to ride on the brand new Carlingford to Westmead light rail line.

The new Parramatta light rail line opened on Friday moring. Picture: Supplied

With wide smiles and slightly sleepy eyes, many locals eagerly jumped on the new light rail at Carlingford, picking up more at each stop.

One local man, Mark Mueller, 54, said he was “excited to be a part of history”.

“It’s been a long time coming and all of the community is really excited about it,” he said.

Getting up before 5am wasn’t an issue for 23-year-old Jessica Loch who enjoys these types of events.

“I really enjoy going to these things, so I get up early all the time,” she said.

“I think it’s (the light rail) a really nice connection between Carlingford and Parramatta cause it wasn’t around for a few years after the train got shut down.”

Parramatta Light Rail route map. Picture: Supplied

Marcus Wong, 28, almost missed the light rail and was relieved to have squeezed in at the last second.

“Nearly didn’t make it this morning. It took a little bit longer than I was expecting, but we made it by four minutes so it was worth waking up,” they said.

And while the light rail doesn’t connect to where they live, Wong said they were still “very excited” it was finally here.

The first tram departed at 5am on Friday morning. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said it had been “a long wait for the people of western Sydney”.

“This is a great day because we need more public transport services for these fast growing communities,” Ms Haylen said.

“More than a 130,000 people live within walking distance of 16 new stops along 12km of line. We know this is going to be a game changer for people to get to work, to connect to each other, for kids to get to school. It’s great news for businesses as well.

“For the first time in 80 years we’re gonna have a tram running with passengers down the centre of Parramatta.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said the service “will bring life” to Western Sydney. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

The minister also confirmed the next stage is “building the bridge” between Wentworth Point and Melrose Park.

“We’ll see construction on that bridge, a 320 metre long public transport and active transport connection next year,” Ms Haylen said.

Ms Haylen reassured the light rail, buses and the metro will remain unaffected by the ongoing rail union strike.

“Our bus, metro and light rail services are not affected but we will see disruption on our train today,” she said.

“Industrial action is taking place and look, it is very inconvenient for passengers. We remind people to check their travel apps to allow extra time.

“The government is taking every legal step available to make sure that we protect New Years Eve. We want certainty for passengers, and no level of industrial action when it comes to New Years Eve is acceptable.

“That’s why we’re taking legal steps.”

The Light rail has taken off in Parramatta. Picture: Supplied

In a press conference outside the new light rail’s Westmead stop, Ms Haylen outlined areas such as the South Coast and the Metropolitan have been closed due to the disruption to the network by the strike.

The rail line opening also includes “green track” technology that reduces noise and urban heat while incorporating active transport paths and bike facilities.

Stage 2 of the light rail project is already underway, set to extend services to Sydney Olympic Park and accommodate the rapidly growing population of Western Sydney.

The first service was filled with excited commuters. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Deputy Premier Prue Car said the Labor Government is committed to investing in transport for Western Sydney.

“We are focusing on delivering the essential services that Western Sydney needs most, and that includes reliable public transport to reduce travel times and congestion for local residents.”

Transport Minister Jo Haylen thanked all of the workers who made the opening possible.

“I want to thank and congratulate everyone who has been part of bringing this megaproject to life in Sydney’s second CBD, Parramatta,” she said.

“This is the public transport network Western Sydney has been waiting for and will provide economic and social benefits for years to come.

“By investing in projects like the Parramatta Light Rail, we’re helping our city grow around key public transport links.

“The L4 will connect some of our fastest growing communities and premier destinations in the area, making it easier for people to live, visit and work here.

“I want to thank the more than 15,500 workers who have played a part in delivering this important piece of transport history.”

Residents and visitors can now enjoy connectivity in Sydney’s second CBD, with an estimated 22,000 daily users expected by 2026.

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