Daytime testing for Parramatta light rail network begins

Parramatta workers and businesses witnessed the daytime testing for the light rail when the red trams snaked their way from an industrial area to the bustling CBD. Watch the journey.

After months of trams hitting test runs from sunset on Parramatta streets, businesses, workers and residents witnessed part of the 12km light rail being tested when the daytime journey debuted from Camellia to the CBD.

Testing of the 45m trams was carried out during off-peak times between 10am and 3pm on Monday when the journey departed from the stabling facility in Camellia to a run up to Carlingford and back, before rolling into the Parramatta CBD.

The trams were expected to cross several key traffic intersections and pass Parramatta Public and Arthur Phillip high schools on Macquarie St on the first of several daytime testing sessions.

“While we know how excited the community is to start using the light rail, we need to get this right,’’ Transport Minister Jo Haylen said.

“This will be a major change for our west that will take some time for people to get used to. We’re going from no trams in Parramatta for 80 years, to one running every seven minutes in the peak.”

The light rail glides along Macquarie St.

Hundreds witnessed the testing through the heart of Parramatta.

Business Western Sydney’s executive director David Borger welcomed the testing.

“This project has been a long time in the making and to see it near completion is incredibly momentous for everyone involved,” he said.

“The light rail began testing at night back in February and we got to see to a glimpse of what it will look like on our local roads.

“The next step is to secure funding to fast-track and deliver stage 2 to optimise commuter travel and connect stage 1 and the Parramatta CBD to the Sydney Olympic Park via Camellia, Ermington, Melrose Park and Wentworth Point.’’

Parramatta state Labor MP Donna Davis said after local businesses had endured “a tough few years” the light rail would be a huge boost with 28,000 passengers a day.

Originally published as Daytime testing for Parramatta light rail network begins