Parramatta Light Rail is now undergoing daytime testing, which will see the 45m trams travelling in the heart of Parramatta during off-peak times between 10am and 3pm.
The first daytime test run will see the tram journey from the stabling facility in Camellia, complete a run up to Carlingford and back, before rolling into the Parramatta CBD.
With an experienced driver at the controls, the tram will cross a number of key traffic intersections and pass local schools on Macquarie Street, giving locals an exciting glimpse of their future public transport network.
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 testing continues to gather pace, with more daytime testing ahead across the entire alignment to ensure the safety and reliability of the system before passenger services can commence.
Current activities include testing the full load capacities of vehicles and infrastructure, as well as testing network communications and vehicle operations.
Safety is paramount and the New South Wales Government continues to engage closely with schools, businesses, stakeholders and the wider community to support safe behaviours around the light rail.
Project information and engagement sessions are also being held at various Western Sydney locations, providing an opportunity to share safety information and updates about the project.
New South Wales Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen, said that light rail is seeing the light of day in Western Sydney, meaning people can expect more trams to be travelling around as this next phase of testing gathers pace.
“While we know how excited the community is to start using the light rail, we need to get this right. Passengers cannot get on board until thorough testing is complete,” Ms 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.”
Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis, thanked everyone for their patience as this project is delivered and reminded the community to stay safe around testing trams.
“Local businesses have had a tough few years, but the light rail will bring a huge boost, connecting an estimated 28,000 passengers each day,” Ms Davis said.
“I encourage everyone to visit Parramatta, drop into a local spot on the light rail route and watch the trams as they move around during the day and night – offering an exciting glimpse of what’s to come.”
Transport Coordinator General, Howard Collins, encouraged people to come to Parramatta to see the tram testing in action, meet the street team wearing red shirts, grab an information flyer, and get ready for further tram movement activities as the light rail testing program ramps up.
“If you’re driving in and around Parramatta for the first time in a while, be aware conditions have changed – this includes the new white ‘T’ illuminated on intersection traffic light signals for light rail,” Mr Collins said.
“Watch out for trams moving about in the area, be sure to stop, listen and look around before crossing the light rail tracks, and always cross at a pedestrian crossing.”
Image: Taras Vyshnya/shutterstock.com
