Parties get aboard light rail
A memorandum of understanding has been signed with Randwick City Council, Centennial Parklands and the University of NSW (UNSW) for the 12-kilometre, $1.6-billion project, which will extend through the CBD and into several south-east education, sporting and health precincts. This welcome news follows a similar agreement made between the state government and the City of Sydney Council, which has committed $220 million towards the project.
Due to its size and scope, the project is considered to be a significant commitment from all related parties. The development is expected to transform Sydney by providing high-capacity, reliable commuter services and may well act as catalyst for urban renewal along the proposed route.
The new service should greatly improve access to Moore Park for sports fans, park users and concert goers who visit the area every year. The light rail service should also allow easier travel and improved journeys for the staff and students at UNSW's Kensington campus by opening up access to the university for many students around Sydney.
The announcement of the signing of the memorandum of understanding was accompanied by the launch of a redesigned bus network in the area. The reworked schedule was premeditated with a view to reducing the amount of buses entering the CBD - particularly during morning peak hour - by more than 220.
This news would also be welcomed by the Urban Taskforce, which is keen to see more retail outlets across Sydney benefiting from a reduction in car and bus travel into significant centres such as the CBD.
Given the current subdued retail environment, owners of small businesses in and around the CBD and the south-east corridor should be pleased with the progress as it should enhance "people traffic flows" into their catchments as well as help to stimulate growth by making the area more liveable for residents.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
The project is a proposed 12‑kilometre light rail extension through Sydney’s CBD into several south‑east education, sporting and health precincts. It’s a major infrastructure plan with an estimated cost of $1.6 billion that aims to provide high‑capacity, reliable commuter services and act as a catalyst for urban renewal along the route.
The NSW government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Randwick City Council, Centennial Parklands and the University of NSW (UNSW) to support the 12‑km light rail. The City of Sydney Council has also committed $220 million to the project under an earlier agreement.
The light rail should open up easier access to UNSW’s Kensington campus, improving journeys for staff and students across Sydney by providing a reliable, high‑capacity public transport option that connects the university to the broader network.
The new light rail service is expected to greatly improve access to Moore Park for sports fans, park users and concert goers, making travel to events easier and reducing reliance on cars and buses for visiting the precinct.
Alongside the memorandum of understanding, authorities launched a redesigned bus network for the area that was planned to reduce the number of buses entering the CBD—particularly during morning peak—by more than 220 services.
The project is expected to boost ‘people traffic flows’ into retail catchments, which could help stimulate growth for small businesses in and around the CBD and south‑east corridor by making these areas more accessible and liveable.
Yes. Given its size and scope, the light rail is viewed as a significant commitment that could transform parts of Sydney by enabling urban renewal along the proposed route, supporting new retail and commercial activity and improving overall connectivity.
For everyday commuters the light rail promises high‑capacity, reliable services that should reduce travel times and congestion into the CBD, improve access to major precincts like universities and sports venues, and integrate with a redesigned bus network to better manage peak‑hour flows.
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