Construction of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will begin under the Minns Labor Government, with a $2 billion investment to build better, connected communities in Sydney's growing west.
The 2024-25 Budget paves the way for the NSW Labor Government to meet its election commitment; to start construction on this essential project in this term of government.
The investment follows recent NSW Planning Approval for the project, as well as Federal Environmental Approval.
The game-changing transport project will unlock development potential and deliver frequent and reliable public transport options for residents that moved into fast-growing suburbs like Wentworth Point.
The 12km alignment will link the Parramatta CBD to Sydney Olympic Park via Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park and Wentworth Point with 14 new stops, three new river crossings and 8.5km of new walking and cycling paths.
Passengers will be able to travel from Sydney Olympic Park to Camellia in around 30 minutes, and on to the Parramatta CBD in another 7 minutes.
Construction will be phased, with initial work to begin later this year on a new 320-metre public and active transport bridge over Parramatta River, between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point.
Stage 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail project is currently in testing and is on track to service tens of thousands of commuters in the coming months.
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 was promised by the previous government, but never received the funding required to begin construction on this essential transport link.
The people of NSW need a coordinated and sustainable roadmap. A plan that understands how people want to live, and works to provide better services like healthcare, policing, education and good public transport.
The Minns Labor Government's plan has infrastructure built alongside housing to build better, stronger, well-serviced communities in NSW.
Find out more about the Parramatta Light Rail project
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
"We're getting on with the job and building this essential project that people who live in the fast growing suburbs of Western Sydney were promised.
"People moved into the area with the promise of infrastructure that never arrived. The NSW Labor Government is now delivering.
"Stage 2 will directly link Parramatta to the Sydney Olympic Park precinct residents in Parramatta to the Sydney Olympic Park precinct.
"The light rail's forecast to carry 28,000 passengers every day by 2026. That's a game-changer for communities around Parramatta - connecting venues, schools, shops and people for decades to come."
Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:
"With testing powering ahead, Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 is on track to open in the coming months."
"But we know there are more communities that need access to this vital infrastructure investment.
"This investment will get shovels in the ground and construction started before the end of this parliamentary term. Just as we promised.
"In 2041, 280,000 people are expected to live along the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 alignment.
They need frequent and reliable public transport services, and we'll deliver it."
Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:
"Our community has been promised this vital transport link for years, and now Labor is delivering.
"As Lord Mayor, and now Member for Parramatta, I've advocated tirelessly for many years about this project and I'm so pleased the Premier and Minister have listened."
