The new L4 trams yesterday. Photo: NSW Government
Parramatta’s trams are now up and running with the inaugural service on the new L4 Westmead & Carlingford Line.
From 5am on Friday (December 20), passengers were able to board trams at the Westmead, Carlingford and Parramatta Square stops.
The L4 line will operate to a weekday timetable with initial services every nine minutes from 7am-7pm; every 12 minutes from 5am-7am and 7pm-11pm; and every 16 minutes from 11pm-1am.
The 13 new 45-metre-long trams can each move up to 400 people along its new 12-kilometre network with its 16 stops which include Westmead Health Precinct, CommBank Stadium, Riverside Theatres, Church Street, Parramatta Square, Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, and three Western Sydney University campuses.
The L4 Line is part of the Opal network with card readers at each stop and ticket machines at Westmead Hospital, Children’s Hospital and Ngara stops.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car says trams have returned to Parramatta streets after 80 years.
“The opening of this significant transport link is a big investment in the future of Parramatta and will soon become part of the daily routines of thousands of Parramatta residents for generations to come,” she predicts.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen says the project will bring economic and social benefits for years to come.
“By investing in projects like the Parramatta Light Rail, we’re helping our city grow around key public transport links,” she says.
“The L4 will connect some of our fastest growing communities and premier destinations in the area, making it easier for people to live, visit and work here.”
MP for Parramatta Donna Davis says the new service is just the first stage: the second stage will extend the network to Sydney Olympic Park.
“Delivering a major infrastructure project in the heart of our historic city has been challenging and I want to thank the local community for their patience,” she says.
“The big day has finally come Parramatta — enjoy!”
Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray urged pedestrians and cyclists to take care as they adjust to the new traffic flow.
“The trams are big and can’t swerve so it is important that people keep an eye out for them, and always stop, listen, and look around,” he says.
With the trams now operational, bus routes 535 (Carlingford to Parramatta alignment during construction and testing) and 900 Parramatta shuttle bus will be withdrawn, the government says.
