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Thousands expected for Farewell to Carlingford Rail Line event

Thousands of people have registered to ride the rails on one of Sydney’s most historic train lines - the Carlingford line - before it is closed to make way for the Parramatta Light Rail project.

Parramatta Councillor Donna Davis will farewell the Carlingford Line - which will close in January for the Parramatta Light Rail. Picture: AAP Image / Julian Andrews
Parramatta Councillor Donna Davis will farewell the Carlingford Line - which will close in January for the Parramatta Light Rail. Picture: AAP Image / Julian Andrews

It has helped ferry millions of commuters across Sydney for more than 120 years — and residents will give the Carlingford Line one last hurrah before it is closed forever.

Last month the NSW Government announced the permanent closure of the T6 Carlingford Life for the construction of the Parramatta Light Rail, angering residents who say the route remains a vital piece of transport history, and daily life, since it was opened in 1896.

Parramatta councillor Donna Davis has rallied more than 1700 people to say “farewell” to the historic train line in an event to coincide with Parramatta Council installing new displays at the Heritage and Visitor Centre on the history of rail in Parramatta.

Portraits of Parramatta Councillor Donna Davis with residents at Carlingford Station. The group is joining forces to farewell the Carlingford Line - which will close in January for the Parramatta Light Rail. Picture: AAP/Julian Andrews
Portraits of Parramatta Councillor Donna Davis with residents at Carlingford Station. The group is joining forces to farewell the Carlingford Line - which will close in January for the Parramatta Light Rail. Picture: AAP/Julian Andrews

“I have been overwhelmed by the interest in this event,” Cr Davis told the Times.

“It just goes to show how many people feel a connection to the Carlingford Railway Line either because they frequent the service, have travelled on the line in the past or because of its significance as one of the first train lines in New South Wales.”

More than 1700 people have registered for the farewell event on Saturday, January 4 from 11am, with Cr Davis describing the event as “history in the making”.

The last passenger service will depart from Clyde station at 1.15am on Sunday, January 5, and arrive in Carlingford at 1.30am.

Parramatta Councillor Donna Davis at Carlingford Station. (AAP Image / Julian Andrews).
Parramatta Councillor Donna Davis at Carlingford Station. (AAP Image / Julian Andrews).

The final train from Carlingford will not be taking passengers and will depart Carlingford at 1.35am.

To register for the farewell event, search Farewell to the Carlingford Line on Facebook.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/hills-shire-times/thousands-expected-for-farewell-to-carlingford-rail-line-event/news-story/2caac00c0eaac130a556698658d7eda6