Mayors call for mass transit link for Parramatta, Hills commuters

THE HILLS Shire and Parramatta councils have joined forces to rally for light rail from the Hills to Parramatta to ease congestion on arterial links — wanting to remove 15,000 vehicles off roads every day.

Hills Mayor Michelle Byrne and Parramatta Mayor Andrew Wilson are campaigning for a mass transit route to be constructed between Norwest and Parramatta. Picture: AAP Image/Monique Harmer

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THE HILLS Shire and Parramatta councils have joined forces to rally for a mass transit link from the Hills to Parramatta.

In an effort to ease congestion on arterial links including Windsor and Pennant Hills roads, The Hills Mayor Michelle Byrne and Parramatta Lord Mayor Andrew Wilson are rallying the State Government to fast track a public transport link they say could get some 15,000 cars off our roads every day.

“There are currently almost 10,000 Hills residents working in the Parramatta area and approximately 5000 Parramatta residents working in the Hills,” Cr Byrne said.

It is estimated 15,000 residents commute back and forth from the Hills and Parramatta every day. Picture: AAP Image/Justin Sanson

“Getting them off our major thoroughfares and rat runs and onto a mass transit link is something we need to start the detailed planning for now.”

Both mayors said the Greater Sydney Commission’s plan for the public transport link could be achieved through a light rail project.

“Given that our population will double over the next 20 years, you could expect that the number of commuters between our two regions will also double,” Cr Byrne said.

Cr Wilson said the push for Parramatta to be established as a 30-minute city meant transport links were essential.

Denise Daynes commutes by car to Parramatta everyday and would benefit from the mass transit route earmarked for the Hills. Picture: AAP Image/Monique Harmer

He said Parramatta Council made “watertight” submissions for links from Parramatta to the Sydney Metro Northwest and argued the case for the transport route was even stronger now.

A Transport for NSW spokeswoman said the department supported mass transit solutions that helped achieve 30-minute access across Sydney.

“Mass transit links to the Greater Parramatta Central River City to boost 30-minute access, including to Epping and Norwest, will be investigated for potential investment as part of the Future Transport 2025, the NSW Government’s strategic vision for transport over the next 40 years,” she said.

Traffic approaches the roundabout on Norwest Boulevarde and Lexington Drive at Bella Vista. Congestion happens everyday on Norwest Boulevarde. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Glenhaven resident Denise Daynes said driving to Parramatta was painful and encouraged the push for a new public transport option.

“I try and leave at 7am everyday, because then it only takes me 45 minutes to get to work,” she said.

“If I leave any later than 7am it can take me over an hour to get into the Parramatta CBD.”

Mrs Daynes said a reliable public transport option that offered parking in regional centres would encourage her to ditch the car.

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“I wouldn’t spend so much time sitting in traffic everyday and I would be able to spend more time at home rather than on congested roads,” she said.

“As it is, I don’t get to see my family because I am commuting for two hours each day before and after work — this would allow me to spend more time with my family.”