View source for Parramatta Light Rail

{{Infobox public transit
|box_width     = 
|name         = Parramatta Light Rail
|color        = 
|logo         = 
|logo_width   = 
|image        = Parramatta skyline from the west August 2017 1.jpg
|image_width  = 
|caption      = The routes serve Parramatta, the largest centre in Western Sydney
|mode         = Light rail
|system       = 
|status       = Proposed
|locale       = 
|start        = Westmead railway station
|end          = Carlingford (stage 1)<br />Sydney Olympic Park (stage 2)
|stations     = 16 (stage 1)
|routes       = 2
|ridership2   = 
|planopen     = 2023 (stage 1)
|close        = 
|authority    = [[Transport for NSW]]
|operator     = Transdev
|depot        = Camellia
|stock        = 
|linelength   = 12 kilometres (stage 1)<br />9 kilometres (stage 2)
|tracklength  = 
|gauge        = {{Track gauge|1435mm}}
|routenumber  = 
|linenumber   = 
|speed_km/h   = 
|speed        = 
|elevation    = 
|website      = [http://parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au/ www.parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au]
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The '''Parramatta Light Rail''' (often unofficially referred to as the '''Western Sydney Light Rail''') is a proposal for a twelve kilometre light rail line in [[Sydney]], New South Wales, Australia, running from [[Wikipedia:Westmead, New South Wales|Westmead]] to [[wikipedia:Carlingford, New South Wales|Carlingford]] via the Western Sydney centre of [[wikipedia:Parramatta|Parramatta]]. The initial announcement of the project also included an eastern branch from Camellia to Strathfield. Plans to construct this branch were deferred in February 2017, and in October the original plans were replaced with a redesigned and truncated route to [[wikipedia:Sydney Olympic Park|Sydney Olympic Park]]. The project will add to [[light rail in Sydney]] but the new line will be completely separated from the existing and under construction lines.  The project is managed by the New South Wales Government's transport authority, [[Transport for NSW]]. 

==History==
{{Sydney public transport services|light rail= }}
===Background and initial announcement===
In 2013, Parramatta City Council published a $1 million feasibility study into a proposed Western Sydney Light Rail Network, designed to improve transport links throughout Western Sydney and meet the challenges posed by the projected rise in population in the region in the coming decades. The study found that a light rail system was a viable solution to address the growing transport needs of Parramatta and Western Sydney. The report estimated $20 million in funding was required to undertake a detailed investigation and to prepare a business case.<ref name=ParramattaCouncil>{{cite web|title=Western Sydney Light Rail Network|url=http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/work/business_in_parramatta/strategy/solving_transport_problems/light_rail_for_western_sydney|publisher=Parramatta City Council|accessdate=3 July 2013}}</ref> It proposed that construction of the network would take place in several stages, the first of which comprised a route from Macquarie Shopping Centre to Castle Hill via Eastwood, Dundas, Parramatta and Baulkham Hills, with a branch from Parramatta to Westmead. Further extensions were proposed from Parramatta to Bankstown and Rhodes.<ref name=ParramattaCouncil/>

As part of its 2014/15 budget, the New South Wales Government announced Transport for NSW would investigate ten potential light rail routes in Western Sydney. The government allocated $400 million to ensure funds for detailed planning and construction of an initial project would be 'ready to go', should the investigations prove favourable.<ref>{{cite web|title=Parramatta light rail: $400 million reserved to transform travel to Sydney's second CBD|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/parramatta-light-rail-400-million-reserved-transform-travel-sydneys-second-cbd|publisher=Transport for NSW|accessdate=18 June 2014|date=17 June 2014}}</ref> Six of the ten routes being investigated were eliminated from contention in October 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Four Western Sydney corridors shortlisted for Parramatta Light Rail|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/four-western-sydney-corridors-shortlisted-parramatta-light-rail|publisher=Transport for NSW|date=27 October 2014}}</ref> The routes investigated were:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Route !! Status !! Notes
|-
| Parramatta to Bankstown || Not selected ||
|-
| Parramatta to Castle Hill via Old Northern Road || Not selected ||
|-
| Parramatta to Castle Hill via Windsor Road || Eliminated in October 2014 || Based on the route proposed by Parramatta City Council
|-
| Parramatta to Liverpool via the [[wikipedia:Liverpool–Parramatta T-way|Bus T-way]] || Eliminated in October 2014 || 
|-
| Parramatta to Macquarie Park via Carlingford || Parramatta - Carlingford section selected ||
|-
| Parramatta to Macquarie Park via Eastwood || Eliminated in October 2014 || Based on the route proposed by Parramatta City Council
|-
| Parramatta to Strathfield/Burwood via Sydney Olympic Park || Strathfield option selected || Route extended from Sydney Olympic Park to Strathfield/Burwood in October 2014
|-
| Parramatta to Sydney CBD via Parramatta Road || Eliminated in October 2014 ||
|-
| Parramatta to Rouse Hill || Eliminated in October 2014 ||
|-
| Parramatta to Ryde via Victoria Road || Eliminated in October 2014 ||
|}

Of the final four routes, the Macquarie Park via Carlingford and the Strathfield via Olympic Park options were perceived as the frontrunners to be selected.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lehmann|first1=John|title=Sydney Olympic Park light rail project promises long-overdue ‘linking up’ of infrastructure|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-olympic-park-light-rail-project-promises-long-overdue-linking-up-of-infrastructure/story-fni0cx4q-1227387417064|accessdate=7 December 2015|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=8 June 2015}}</ref> The Macquarie Park route was supported by Parramatta, Ryde and The Hills councils.<ref>{{cite web|title=MEDIA RELEASE: Parramatta City Council’s vision for Western Sydney Light Rail|url=http://www.cityofparramatta.com.au/uncategorized/media-release-parramatta-city-councils-vision-for-western-sydney-light-rail/|publisher=Parramatta City Council|accessdate=7 December 2015|date=11 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Parramatta to Macquarie Park Light Rail|url=http://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Council/Media-Centre/News-and-Public-Notices/Parramatta-to-Macquarie-Park-Light-Rail|publisher=City of Ryde|accessdate=7 December 2015|date=8 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hills Mayor calls on James Shaw to change track on Light Rail route|url=http://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/News-Publications/Hills-Mayor-calls-on-James-Shaw-to-change-track-on-BorgerFoley-Light-Rail-route|publisher=The Hills Shire Council|accessdate=7 December 2015|date=13 March 2015}}</ref> The Strathfield route was supported by The WestLine Partnership, a lobby group consisting of businesses and organisations with a presence in the area.<ref>{{cite web|title=About The WestLine Partnership|url=http://sopba.com.au/sites/sopba.com.au/files/uploads/news/About%20WestLine%20Partnership.pdf|website=Sydney Olympic Park Business Association|publisher=The WestLine Partnership|accessdate=7 December 2015}}</ref> Auburn and Canada Bay councils were later joined by Strathfield Council as members of the group.<ref>{{cite web|title=Strathfield Council commits $20,000 to support the WestLine Partnership|url=https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media/media-releases-2015/march-27-strathfield-council-commits-20-000-to-support-the-westline-partnership|publisher=Strathfield Council|date=27 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="westline welcome decision">{{cite web|author1=The WestLine Partnership|title=Full Steam Ahead for Light Rail Along Olympic Corridor|url=http://www.sopba.com.au/full-steam-ahead-light-rail-along-olympic-corridor|publisher=Sydney Olympic Park Business Association|accessdate=28 December 2015}}</ref>

The Strathfield route passes through industrial areas of Sydney and the potential for these areas to generate funding and patronage was a key point of contention during the lobbying period. The WestLine Partnership suggested the Strathfield route could be partially financed via value capture. Property developers building urban renewal projects along the line would provide a financial contribution to the government.<ref name="DT 7Dec">{{cite news|last1=Clennell|first1=Andrew|title=Western Sydney light rail project worth more than $2b to be announced|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/western-sydney-light-rail-project-worth-more-than-2b-to-be-announced/story-fni0cx4q-1227636832486?nk=df48500a9c79d53ca98c0e2084ca53e6-1449470349|accessdate=7 December 2015|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=7 December 2015}}</ref> The group also suggested building a branch from Newington to Rhodes and indicated its funding model could allow a route to Carlingford to be built as well.<ref>{{cite news|last1=FitzGerald|first1=Deborah|title=Corporate push to connect light rail from Parramatta to Olympic Park with $1.1 billion in private funding|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/parramatta/corporate-push-to-connect-light-rail-from-parramatta-to-olympic-park-with-11-billion-in-private-funding/story-fngr8huy-1227236964226?nk=72e2e94d0aebcb9d05039d802249f3f5-1451327305|work=Parramatta Advertiser|date=24 February 2015}}</ref> Supporters of the Macquarie Park route argued the needs of that corridor were more pressing and the Strathfield route would be poorly utilised in its early years.<ref>{{cite web|title=The time is NOW for Light Rail to Carlingford|url=http://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/News-Publications/The-time-is-NOW-for-Light-Rail-to-Carlingford|publisher=The Hills Shire Council|accessdate=7 December 2015|date=8 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Kembrey|first1=Melanie|last2=Saulwick|first2=Jacob|title=Premier Mike Baird to announce light rail from Parramatta to Sydney Olympic Park|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/premier-mike-baird-to-announce-light-rail-from-parramatta-to-sydney-olympic-park-20151207-glh36y.html|accessdate=7 December 2015|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=7 December 2015}}</ref>

The Parramatta Light Rail scheme was officially unveiled on 8 December 2015, when the government announced it had selected the Strathfield route plus a truncated version of the Macquarie Park route that ends at Carlingford.<ref name="announcement press release">{{cite web|title=Making it happen in Western Sydney: Parramatta light rail network unveiled |url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/making-it-happen-western-sydney-parramatta-light-rail-network-unveiled |publisher=Transport for NSW |date=8 December 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208175129/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/making-it-happen-western-sydney-parramatta-light-rail-network-unveiled |archivedate=8 December 2015 |deadurl=yes}}</ref> The two routes were proposed to converge at Camellia and proceed through Parramatta to Westmead.

The government's announcement included a $1 billion contribution towards the project. The government will also adopt the value capture approach advocated by The WestLine Partnership, by instigating a "Special Infrastructure Contribution" on new residential developments along the route. The revenue raised by the levy will be used to help fund the light rail and other infrastructure for the area.<ref name="announcement press release"/> The government's investigations into the value capture process held up the announcement of the preferred route but would reportedly have allowed the two lines to be built together.<ref name="DT 7Dec"/> The state government will also explore funding contributions from the federal and local tiers of government.<ref name="announcement press release"/> The convenor of The WestLine Partnership stated that the light rail project's funding model would be used as a test case for funding future infrastructure projects.<ref name="westline welcome decision" />

Construction of the lines was expected to commence in late 2018 but there was no announcement of an expected completion date or a total budget for the project.<ref>{{cite web|title=Parramatta Light Rail|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/parramatta-light-rail|publisher=Transport for NSW|accessdate=8 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="smh 8 dec">{{cite news|last1=O'Sullivan|first1=Matt|title=Parramatta light rail line via Sydney Olympic Park gets green light|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/parramatta-light-rail-line-via-sydney-olympic-park-gets-green-light-20151207-glhxhg.html|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=8 December 2015}}</ref> An early estimate from January 2016 put the total cost at $3.51 billion.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Saulwick|first1=Jacob|title=Parramatta light rail costs blow out to more than $3.5 billion|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/parramatta-light-rail-costs-blow-out-to-more-than-35-billion-20161014-gs300q.html|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=16 October 2016}}</ref>

===Deferral and redesign of the eastern branch===
<!--[[File:Parramatta River aerial Rosehill (cropped).jpg|thumb|The Parramatta River passing through Rydalmere and Camellia, as seen in 2010. A mixture of low density housing and light industry can be seen on the Rydalmere side of the river. Heavy industry dominates on the Camellia side. Sydney Olympic Park can be seen in the middle distance.]]-->
In August 2016 Transport for NSW noted the project could be delivered in stages.<ref>{{cite web|title=Parramatta Light Rail Project Overview|url=http://data.parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au/s3fs-public/PLR002_Parra%20promo_1%20Factsheet%20Project%20Overview_FA.pdf|publisher=Transport for NSW|page=2|date=August 2016}}</ref> A [[Sydney Metro West|new metro line]] between the Sydney central business district and Parramatta was announced in November 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/sydney-metro-west-new-railway-more-trains-western-sydney |title= Sydney Metro West: a new railway, more trains for Western Sydney |date= 14 November 2016  |publisher=Transport for NSW}}</ref> The metro would adopt a similar route to the Strathfield branch of the light rail; media reports indicated the metro project would most likely cause the deferral of construction of this branch.<ref>{{cite news|last1=O'Sullivan|first1=Matt|title=Change of course looms for multibillion-dollar Parramatta light rail|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/change-of-course-looms-for-multibilliondollar-parramatta-light-rail-20160929-grrg7s.html|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=2 October 2016}}</ref> This was confirmed in February 2017, when it was announced that the Westmead - Camellia section and the Carlingford branch would be built as stage 1 of the light rail project.

Despite the deferral of construction, planning work for the Strathfield via Sydney Olympic Park branch continued.<ref name="faq feb 2017"/> Media reports indicated the route could shift from running to the south of the Parramatta River to the north of the river and that the section from Sydney Olympic Park to Strathfield could be dropped.<ref>{{cite web|title=New route being considered for the Parramatta Light Rail.|url=https://twitter.com/7NewsSydney/status/902084316129247232|website=Twitter|publisher=Seven News Sydney|accessdate=29 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Change of route leaves Sydney suburb out of light rail plans|url=http://www.9news.com.au/national/2017/07/14/19/17/change-of-route-leaves-sydney-suburb-out-of-light-rail-plans|website=9news.com.au|publisher=Nine Digital|accessdate=16 July 2017|date=14 July 2017}}</ref>

The preferred stage 2 route was announced on 18 October 2017. The changes reported on by the media were confirmed. The redesigned route runs from either Rydalmere or Camellia to Sydney Olympic Park via Ermington, Melrose Park and Wentworth Point. No details about the project's cost or construction dates were announced. A final business case for stage 2 is scheduled to be completed in 2018.<ref name="October 2017 announcement">{{cite web|title=Parramatta Light Rail to Sydney Olympic Park|url=https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/newsroom-and-events/media-releases/parramatta-light-rail-to-sydney-olympic-park|publisher=Transport for NSW|accessdate=18 October 2017}}</ref>

==Design==
The routes will begin at Westmead before proceeding east to Camellia or Rydalmere via North Parramatta and the Parramatta CBD. At Camellia/Rydalmere the two routes split. The stage 1 route goes north to Carlingford, while the stage 2 route continues east to Sydney Olympic Park.

===Stage 1 (main route through Parramatta and branch to Carlingford)===
The stage&nbsp;1 route was announced on 17 February 2017. The stage 1 route runs between Westmead and Carlingford via North Parramatta, the Parramatta CBD, Camellia, Rydalmere, Dundas and Telopea. It includes sixteen stops along a twelve kilometre route. The stops are:<ref>{{cite web|title=Parramatta light rail to connect communities|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/parramatta-light-rail-connect-communities|publisher=Transport for NSW|accessdate=17 February 2017|date=17 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Parramatta Light Rail &#124; Stage 1 – Westmead to Carlingford via Camellia: Environmental Impact Statement|url=https://majorprojects.accelo.com/public/e321246b890ccdedc23308fbc50f77ab/01.%20PLR_EIS_Volume%201A.pdf|publisher=Transport for NSW|accessdate=24 August 2017|pages=5-31–5-52, 5-84–5-85}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Suburb !! Platform<br/>arrangement !! Notes
|-
| [[Westmead railway station|Westmead Station]] || [[Wikipedia:Westmead, New South Wales|Westmead]] || 1 [[wikipedia:Island platform|Island]], 1 [[wikipedia:Side platform|side]] || Includes 3 platforms. Terminus of Western Sydney Stadium special event services.
|-
| [[wikipedia:Westmead Hospital|Westmead Hospital]] || Westmead || Side
|
|-
| [[wikipedia:Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children|Children’s Hospital]] || Westmead || Island
|
|-
| [[wikipedia:Cumberland Hospital|Cumberland Hospital]] || [[wikipedia:North Parramatta|North Parramatta]] || Side
|
|-
| Factory Street || North Parramatta || Side
|
|-
| Fennell Street || [[wikipedia:Parramatta|Parramatta]] || Side
|
|-
| [[wiikipedia:Prince Alfred Square|Prince Alfred Square]] || Parramatta || Side || Serves [[wikipedia:Western Sydney Stadium|Western Sydney Stadium]].
|-
| Eat Street || Parramatta || Side
|
|-
| Parramatta Square || Parramatta || Side || Serves [[Parramatta railway station]]. Terminus of Western Sydney Stadium and Rosehill Racecourse special event services.
|-
| Harris Street || Parramatta || Side
|
|-
| Tramway Avenue || Parramatta || Side || Design changed from an island platform to side platforms in February 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Parramatta Light Rail (Stage 1)  – Westmead to Carlingford via Parramatta CBD and Camellia Submissions Report (incorporating Preferred Infrastructure Report)|url=https://majorprojects.accelo.com/public/20aadb8a266e8fae3bbf1afbb66554c0/Parramatta%20Light%20Rail%20Stage%201_Submissions%20and%20Preferred%20Infrastructure%20Report.pdf|publisher=Transport for NSW|accessdate=25 February 2018|pages=6-49 - 6-50|date=February 2018}}</ref>
|-
| [[Camellia railway station|Camellia]] || [[wikipedia:Camellia, New South Wales|Camellia]] || Side || Serves [[wikipedia:Rosehill Racecourse|Rosehill Racecourse]] and is the terminus of special event services to the racecourse.
|-
| [[Rydalmere railway station|Rydalmere]] || [[wikipedia:Rydalmere, New South Wales|Rydalmere]] || Side
|
|-
| [[Dundas railway station, Sydney|Dundas]] || [[wikipedia:Dundas, New South Wales|Dundas]] || Side 
|
|-
| [[Telopea railway station|Telopea]] || [[wikipedia:Telopea, New South Wales|Telopea]] || Side
|
|-
| [[Carlingford railway station|Carlingford]] || [[wikipedia:Carlingford, New South Wales|Carlingford]] || Side
|
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Stage 1 includes two wire-free sections - one between Westmead and Cumberland Hospital and another between Prince Alfred Square and Tramway Avenue.<ref name="tfnsw contract awarded" /> The maintenance and stabling facility will be located east of Rosehill Racecourse. Trams will access the facility via a short branch line that uses the alignment of the [[Sandown railway line]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Transport for NSW 2015-16 Annual Report Volume 1|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/publications/tfnsw-annual-report-2015-16-volume-1.pdf|publisher=Transport for NSW|accessdate=18 November 2016|page=30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Preferred route - stage 1|url=http://data.parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au/s3fs-public/PLR_alignment_map.pdf|publisher=Transport for NSW|accessdate=17 February 2017}}</ref>

An Environmental Impact Statement for stage&nbsp;1 was released in August 2017.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gilbert|first1=Ewan|title=Parramatta Light Rail: Consultation for stage one nears end as Government confirms acquisitions|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-23/parramatta-light-rail-consultation-nears-end/8835444?WT.ac=statenews_nsw|work=ABC News|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=23 August 2017}}</ref> Planning approval was granted in May 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parramatta Light Rail approved |url=https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/parramatta-light-rail-approved |website=www.transport.nsw.gov.au |publisher=Transport for NSW |accessdate=30 May 2018 |language=en-AU |date=30 May 2018}}</ref>

In November 2017, a [[wikipedia:CIMIC Group#CPB Contractors|CPB Contractors]]/[[wikipedia:Downer Group|Downer Group]] joint venture and [[wikipedia:John Holland Group|John Holland]] were shortlisted to build stage&nbsp;1. At the same time, three consortia were shortlisted to supply the rolling stock, maintain the infrastructure and operate the services:<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171125023308/https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/worlds-best-to-build-and-operate-parramatta-light-rail World's best to build and operate Parramatta Light Rail] Transport for NSW 22 November 2017</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171125024713/http://www.metro-report.com/news/news-by-region/asia-pacific-ex-china/single-view/view/parramatta-light-rail-shortlists-announced.html Parramatta light rail shortlists announced] ''Metro Report International'' 23 November 2017</ref>
*Connecting Parramatta: John Holland, [[wikipedia:Alstom|Alstom]] and [[wikipedia:Deutsche Bahn|Deutsche Bahn]]
*Greater Parramatta: [[wikipedia:Downer Rail|Downer Rail]], [[wikipedia:Keolis Downer|Keolis Downer]], Downer Group, [[wikipedia:Hitachi Rail Italy|Ansaldo]] and [[wikipedia:CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles]]
*Great River City Light Rail: [[wikipedia:Transdev Australasia|Transdev Australasia]], [[wikipedia:Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles|CAF]] and [[wikipedia:Laing O’Rourke|Laing O’Rourke]]

The winning bidders were announced in December 2018. The CPB/Downer joint venture will build the majority of the infrastructure, while Great River City Light Rail will build the depot, light rail stops and power systems, supply the vehicles and operate the network. The total budget for stage&nbsp;1 is $2.4 billion.<ref name="tfnsw contract awarded">{{cite web |title=Parramatta Light Rail contracts signed |url=https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/parramatta-light-rail-contracts-signed |website=www.transport.nsw.gov.au |publisher=Transport for NSW |date=20 December 2018}}</ref>

In February 2017, construction was expected to begin in 2018, with the line expected to open in 2023.<ref name="faq feb 2017">{{cite web|title=Parramatta Light Rail – Stage 1: frequently asked questions|url=http://data.parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au/s3fs-public/PLR%20FS_FAQs_accessible2.pdf|publisher=Transport for NSW|accessdate=17 February 2017}}</ref> Work in Parramatta's 'Eat Street' (a section of Church Street) will not start until at least 2020.<ref>{{cite web|title=Parramatta Light Rail – Stage 1: Connecting great places|url=http://data.parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au/s3fs-public/AnnouncementBrochureA4.pdf|publisher=Transport for NSW|accessdate=7 June 2017|pages=1, 4|date=March 2017}}</ref><ref>[https://www.railexpress.com.au/nsw-guarantees-later-start-of-parramatta-light-rail/ NSW ‘guarantees’ later start of Parramatta Light Rail] Rail Express</ref><ref>[https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/construction-certainty-for-parramatta-eat-street Construction certainty for Parramatta 'Eat Street'] Transport for NSW</ref> A document produced by Transport for NSW in February 2017 stated services would operate every 7.5&nbsp;minutes throughout the day.<ref name="faq feb 2017" /> However, a press release from December 2018 said services would operate every 7.5&nbsp;minutes during peak periods, with frequencies at other times left unspecified.<ref name="tfnsw contract awarded" />

===Stage 2 (branch to Sydney Olympic Park)===
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The second branch of the light rail continues east to Sydney Olympic Park.

There are two options being considered for the connection to the stage 1 route. The first option would utilise the [[Carlingford railway line]] (and stage 1) corridor over the Parramatta River to Rydalmere, where it would then branch. The second option would leave the main stage 1 route at Camellia and utilise the branch line built to provide access to the tram depot. It would continue via the Sandown railway line corridor and Grand Avenue, then cross the Parramatta River just east of [[Rydalmere ferry wharf]]. Both versions of the route then continue via Ermington and Melrose Park, cross back to the south of the Parramatta River, pass through Wentworth Point and terminate at Sydney Olympic Park. The stage 2 route is around nine kilometres long and will include ten to twelve stops.<ref name="October 2017 announcement"/><ref>{{cite web|last1=Constance|first1=Andrew|url=https://twitter.com/AndrewConstance/status/920478958671372288|title=We're planning light rail extension to Sydney Olympic Park to improve public transport for 1000's[sic] of event goers|website=Twitter|accessdate=19 October 2017}}</ref>

The original plans for this branch followed a route similar to that taken by Grand Avenue through Camellia before crossing the Duck River, passing through Newington, crossing Haslams Creek, serving Sydney Olympic Park and terminating at the major transport hub of Strathfield.<ref name="preferred network" />

===Railway line closures===
<!--[[File:Camellia Railway Station platform.JPG|thumb|left|[[Camellia railway station|Camellia station]] on the Carlingford line. Most of the line will become part of the Parramatta Light Rail.]]
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The northern branch to Carlingford will reuse most of the Carlingford railway line, which will be closed. The closure includes [[Rosehill railway station]], located between Clyde and Camellia, which will not be served by the light rail project.<ref name="preferred network">{{Cite web |url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/parramatta-light-rail/how-preferred-network-was-chosen |title=Parramatta Light Rail - How the preferred network was chosen |publisher=Transport for NSW |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210184912/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/parramatta-light-rail/how-preferred-network-was-chosen |archive-date=10 December 2015 |dead-url=yes |accessdate=8 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="EIS closure">{{cite web|url=https://majorprojects.accelo.com/public/e321246b890ccdedc23308fbc50f77ab/01.%20PLR_EIS_Volume%201A.pdf|title=Parramatta Light Rail &#124; Stage 1 – Westmead to Carlingford via Camellia: Environmental Impact Statement|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=Transport for NSW|pages=5-65, 5-66, 8-27|accessdate=24 August 2017}}</ref>

The Carlingford line is single track for most of its length, has shorter platforms than other lines in Sydney and has long been seen as under-utilised. Patronage declined from 446,000 journeys in 2001 to 260,000 journeys in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Journeys by line and year|url=http://www.bts.nsw.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/223/NSW-SydneyTrains_Usage_summary_journeys_Mar2015.zip.aspx|publisher=Bureau of Transport Statistics|page=Journeys by line}}</ref> 2016-17 patronage figures based on Opal tap on and off data recorded 511,000 journeys on the line during the year. This still places the line last among all train lines in the Opal network.<ref>{{cite web|title=Train Patronage - Monthly Figures|url=https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/performance-and-analytics/passenger-travel/train-patronage/train-patronage-monthly-figures|publisher=Transport for NSW|accessdate=13 July 2017}}</ref> Various modification schemes to revitalise the line had been proposed. ''Action for Transport 2010'', a New South Wales Government plan released in 1998, included the [[Parramatta Rail Link]]; a heavy rail line from Parramatta to Chatswood that would have utilised the Carlingford line between Camellia and Carlingford. As part of the [[Rail Clearways Program]] announced in 2004, a passing loop was to have been built at Rydalmere, enabling a more frequent service.<ref>"Big mini-budget for Sydney's rail network" ''Railway Digest'' May 2004 page 8</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=State Environmental Planning Policy No 63—Major Transport Projects (Amendment No 3) under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979|url=http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/EPIs/2005-543.pdf|publisher=NSW Parliamentary Counsel's Office|accessdate=22 April 2017|page=7|date=September 2005}}</ref> Neither scheme came to fruition.

The Sandown railway line will also close.<ref name="EIS closure" /> This short freight line branches from the Carlingford line at Camellia and runs close to the southern bank of the Parramatta River. It became disused when trains from the Clyde Refinery ceased in June 2010.<ref>"Sandown: End of the Line" ''Railway Digest'' September 2010 page 24</ref> The line remains in place.

===Potential extensions===
As at February 2017, an extension from Carlingford to Epping was being investigated.<ref name="faq feb 2017"/>

==Construction==
In July 2018, work commenced on site remediation at the Camelia depot site.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180517062517/https://www.railexpress.com.au/future-parramatta-light-rail-stabling-site-to-be-decontaminated/ Future Parramatta light rail stabling site to be decontaminated] ''Rail Express'' 15 May 2018</ref>

==Operation==
Transdev will operate the network for eight years, with a possible extension of up to an additional ten years.<ref name="transdev contract awarded">{{cite web |title=Transdev Australasia consortium secures Parramatta Light Rail contract |url=https://www.transdev.com.au/media/14057/181220_press-release-transdev-australasia-consortium-secures-parramatta-light-rail-contract_fa.pdf |publisher=Transdev Australasia |format=PDF |date=20 December 2018}}</ref>

===Fleet===
<!--[[File:2119 passing Market City (27807206220).jpg|thumb|An Urbos 3 operating on Sydney's [[Inner West Light Rail]]]]-->
Stage 1 will be operated by a fleet of thirteen [[wikipedia:Urbos 3|Urbos 3]] vehicles built by Spanish company [[wikipedia:Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles|Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles]] (CAF).<ref name="transdev contract awarded" />

==Parramatta - Duck River tramway==
A tramway that followed a similar route to parts of the Parramatta Light Rail existed between 1883 and 1943. Operated by [[wikipedia:Sydney Ferries Limited|Sydney Ferries Limited]], it travelled from the Parramatta Park end of George Street to the mouth of the Duck River, where it originally connected with the company's Parramatta River ferry services to Sydney.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Parramatta Tram|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/13555261|publisher=The Sydney Morning Herald|accessdate=14 July 2016|date=2 October 1883}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Dunn|first=John|title=Comeng: A History of Commonwealth Engineering Volume 1, 1921-1955|year=2006|publisher=Rosenberg Publishing|location=Kenthurst|isbn=1877058424|page=95}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Oakes|first=John|title=Sydney's Forgotten Industrial Railways|year=2009|publisher=Australian Railway Historical Society|location=Redfern|isbn=9780980510645|page=29}}</ref>
The connecting ferries ceased in 1928; the line then primarily carried freight until it closed in March 1943.<ref>{{cite web|title=Parramatta Ferry to Terminate at Bridge: Company's Decision|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/224219189|publisher=The Sun|accessdate=7 June 2017|date=7 February 1928}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Hoskins|first1=Ian|title=River Cycles - A History of the Parramatta River|url=http://dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/river_cycles_-_a_history_of_the_parramatta_river|website=Dictionary of Sydney|accessdate=7 June 2017|date=2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=McCarthy|first1=Ken|title=The Era of the Steam Tramway|journal=Trolley Wire|date=April 1973|volume=14 No. 2|issue=145|page=3|url=http://www.sydneytramwaymuseum.com.au/members.old/Trolley_Wire/145%20-%20Trolley%20Wire%20-%20Apr%201973.pdf}}</ref> The Parramatta Light Rail will run via Tramway Avenue, Parramatta - named after the original line.
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==See also==
* [[Transport in Sydney in the 2010s]]
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==References==
{{reflist}}
{{attribution:en.wp|name=Parramatta Light Rail|link=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Parramatta_Light_Rail&oldid=874918388}}

==External links==
* [http://parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au/ Parramatta Light Rail project website]

[[Category:Light rail in Sydney]]