Greater Parramatta is better connected than ever before with the new L4 Westmead & Carlingford Line opening through the Parramatta CBD in a significant moment in New South Wales transport history.
In late December, passengers started boarding modern and comfortable air-conditioned light rail vehicles on the new 12-kilometre network, with frequent and reliable services across 16 accessible stops.
The opening passenger service saw three light rail vehicles commence concurrently from the Westmead and Carlingford light rail stops at 5:00am, and Parramatta Square at 5:02am.
The L4 line will launch to a weekday timetable, with initial services every nine minutes between 7am to 7pm; every 12 minutes between 5am and 7am and 7pm and 11pm; and every 16 minutes between 11pm to 1am.
The 13 new 45-metre-long light rail vehicles can each move up to 400 people, making it easier for residents and visitors to connect to and move through Sydney’s second CBD.
Minister for Transport Jo Haylen thanked and congratulate everyone who has been part of bringing the megaproject to life in Sydney’s second CBD, Parramatta.
“This is the public transport network Western Sydney has been waiting for and will provide economic and social benefits for years to come,” she said.
“By investing in projects like the Parramatta Light Rail, we’re helping our city grow around key public transport links.
“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. I want to thank the more than 15,500 workers who have played a part in delivering this important piece of transport history.”
The new light rail line provides connections to key destinations, including the Westmead Health Precinct, CommBank Stadium, Riverside Theatres, over 60 cafes and restaurants on and around Church Street, Parramatta Square, Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, and three Western Sydney University campuses.
The L4 Line is part of the Transport Opal network – passengers can tap on and off at Opal readers located at each light rail stop, with ticket machines at Westmead Hospital, Childrens Hospital and Ngara stops.
Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said that while people become familiar with sharing the road with light rail, Transport for NSW urges everyone to be careful and mindful when driving, riding a bike, or walking nearby.
“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 said.
“There will be Customer Service Officers, along with street teams in red shirts, on the ground, ready to answer questions about the new service.
“We’re asking people to plan ahead at transportnsw.info or via the Opal Travel app.”
Over the coming weeks, additional staff will be placed at each stop to support passengers as they become familiar with the new service.
Audio help points are also located at each stop which connect directly to staff at Parramatta Light Rail’s Operations Control Centre.
By 2026, around 22,000 people are expected to use Parramatta Light Rail every day, with an estimated 130,000 people living within walking distance of the 16 light rail stops.
Parramatta Light Rail was delivered by Ford Civil, Ventia, Diona Ward Joint Venture, Parramatta Connect (CPB Contractors and Downer Joint Venture), Great River City Light Rail consortium (Transdev and CAF Rail Australia), and their subcontractors.
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis MP said it is an exciting time for Parramatta, it now has access to a modern and reliable light rail service and new active transport links.
“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 said.
“The big day has finally come Parramatta, enjoy!”
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