Light Rail Services Increase In Preparation for Fish Market Opening
Image: Artist's rendition of the new Sydney Fish Markets. Photo: Sydney Fish Markets.
Commuters of the L1 Dulwich Hill Line on the light rail will see more frequent services, with the state government adding 150 extra trips in time for the new Sydney Fish Market’s opening at the beginning of 2026.
“The Inner West loves its light rail, and more services means shorter wait times, more flexibility and more reasons to choose public transport more often,” said a member for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen.
L1 timetable additions
The updated transport schedule takes effect on 21 November and includes additional services for weekends, public holidays, and evenings. It follows a period when more than 500 extra weekly services were introduced between June 2023 and March of this year to meet passengers’ needs.
More than 10.3 million trips were taken on the L1 in the last financial year, with an 11 per cent increase, and weekend and evening travel from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm grew by nearly 3 per cent.
With the new line, trams will run every six minutes on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Moreover, evening lines between 7:00 pm and 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays will have increased availability.
“Adding 150 new weekly trips will improve services to the Sydney Fish Market over summer and make sure we’re ready to support the opening of the new markets next January,” said the NSW Minister for Transport, John Graham. “We’re not just preparing for the opening of a world-class destination – we’re investing in better transport for the whole community.”
Additionally, there’s a $40 million accessibility improvement for the nearby Wentworth Park light rail stop. Commuters can expect to see new lifts, ramps, lighting, and security measures, but the final design will depend on community feedback.
New ferry wharf coming to Blackwattle Bay
A new ferry wharf at Blackwattle Bay has also been proposed, with funding saved in the state’s 2025 to 2026 budget. This addition will provide visitors with another transportation option to reach the market.
Transport for NSW has previously announced that the new ferry route is likely to link the Fish Market to Circular Quay, in preparation for the market to be one of Sydney’s busiest tourist attractions.
“The new Sydney Fish Market will also host a range of new dining offerings, attracting visitors for breakfast, lunch and dinner, making these extra services all the more important,” said the NSW Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper.
“From when it opens, the… building will attract more than 6 million visitors each year and provide an enormous boost to our economy.”
Action for Public Transport spokesman Graeme Taylor told SMH less than 1 in 5 visitors to the new fish markets would need to choose the ferry as their mode of transport, adding a whopping million ferry trips per year to the transport service’s numbers.
Sydney Fish Market’s day 1 issues
The new Sydney Fish Market project has been in development for some time. The process has experienced multiple delays, with the opening initially expected to take place in 2024, but it was ultimately pushed back to 2025, before being finalised for 2026.
The project budget had increased to $836 million, due to additional costs associated with construction complications, upgrades, and contract renegotiations.
In 2023, a crane collapsed on Bridge Road, causing injuries. More setbacks occurred due to disagreements with tenants over fit-out costs, electrical capacity, and inadequate spaces. In addition to the tenant issues, a subcontractor, Sharvain Facades, working on the building’s roof, renegotiated its contract due to cost pressures, further extending the timeline.
The 35,000-square-metre new Sydney Fish Market is set to open on 19 January 2026.
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