Parramatta Light Rail

The Parramatta Light Rail is a city-shaping infrastructure project to connect communities in Greater Parramatta and bring the vision of a ‘30-minute city’ closer to reality. Stage 1 linking Westmead with Carlingford opened in 2024 and the Stage 2 line from Parramatta to Sydney Olympic Park is now underway.

An Active Transport Link (ATL) is being delivered along sections of the light rail corridor. The ATL is a shared path for people riding, walking, jogging and dog walking.

Stage 1

The trams finally started running on the 12km route between Carlingford and Westmead in December 2024. The construction of Stage 1 was not plain sailing and Bicycle NSW worked hard over many years to ensure the best possible outcomes for bike riders. We highlighted how the cycling plan was riddled with safety issues and broken connections. We explored solutions to the hazards created by the gaps in the light rail tracks and advocated for better alternatives to dismounts and banning bikes from light rail corridors. 

Despite ongoing issues with access for bikes in the Parramatta CBD, the new Active Transport Link between Carlingford and Tramway Avenue, Parramatta is a huge asset for the regional cycling network.

Bicycle NSW advocacy team celebrated the opening on 31st May 2023, and found the shared path to be wide and generous. The urban design and landscaping is of a high standard, and the views are fantastic, particularly when coasting downhill on the way back to Parramatta!

Unfortunately, bollards installed on the ATL bridge over the Parramatta River have caused problems for bike riders ever since the path opened, triggering Bicycle NSW and Bike North's campaign to bust bollards.

Stage 2

Stage 2 will deliver another 10km of light rail, extending the network to the fast-growing communities at Wentworth Point and Melrose Park. 8.5km of new shared paths are promised as part of the project.

Bicycle NSW wrote a detailed submission during the public exhibition of the Environmental Impact Statement in late 2022. We are generally supportive of the plans.  However, we strongly advocate that lessons learned during Stage One, as well as the Sydney East and Newcastle light rail projects, are not forgotten for Stage 2.

Stage 2 will be constructed in phases, with an Enabling Works package starting in 2025. The first - and very exciting - major project is a public and active transport bridge over the Parramatta River between Wentworth Point and Melrose Park. The bridge will be open to people walking and riding long before the light rail starts operating.

Head to the official Transport for NSW Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 project page for detailed information and construction updates.