Parramatta Light Rail: Stage two vital, says business community

The second stage of the Parramatta Light Rail suffered another blow this week when the State Government discussed using trackless trams instead of commiting to extend the project.

A concept design for Parramatta Light Rail at Lennox Bridge.

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The business community is imploring the State Government to use $215 million allocated for the Parramatta light rail and stop shelving the project’s second stage.

During budget estimates on Monday, Transport Minister Andrew Constance discussed trackless trams but would not promise the line’s completion — a move that is at odds with the business community.

Western Sydney Business Chamber executive director David Borger and Olympic Park Business Association chief executive officer Allison Taylor said failing to complete the line from Parramatta CBD to Olympic Park would undermine the $2.4 billion investment in stage one.

The business community wants the Parramatta Light Rail extended from Parramatta to Sydney Olympic Park.

The light rail is needed for booming suburbs such as Melrose Park. Picture: Troy Snook

In the letter to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, they warned the growing suburbs of Wentworth Point and Melrose Park would be disappointed for abandoning the project.

Western Sydney Business Chamber executive director David Borger. Picture: Joel Carrett

Transport Minister Andrew Constance. Picture: Dean Lewins

He also called for the government to implement its Special Infrastructure Contribution to fund both stages of the light rail and stop “forfeiting $215 million that could have otherwise contributed to the project”.

“It is disappointing that the opportunity to seek some funding from value capture along the route has been lost,’’ Mr Borger said.

The letter also expressed concerns with using trackless trams and said it could be an incompatible mode with stage one and more expensive than a standard corridor.

The chamber said the government was likely to make a decision about stage two early next year.

A Transport for NSW spokeswoman would not comment on stage two of the project.

“It would be inappropriate to comment while the final business case for stage two of the Parramatta light rail is under consideration by the NSW Government, with an investment decision to follow,’’ she said.

“At this stage, emerging technologies such as trackless trams remain under development.”

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