Light rail expansion moves ahead

The proposed light rail extensions to pedestrianise George St is set to move ahead after significant backing by both the tourist and business industries this week.

The NSW Government has announced its commitment to investing $103 million annually to the expansion of the light rail service of central Sydney, and the Inner West line.

It is proposed that the light rail service will link with other forms of transport across the city, dramatically reducing road congestion.

Executive Director of The Sydney Business Chamber, Patricia Forsythe, is optimistic about the plans to make Sydney a more “friendly” city and said that while there may be some challenges ahead in the construction, the long-term outlook will transform the city into one which people want to venture into.

“We are now seeing some real significant number of businesses coming into the retail hub of George St and people are seeing a very positive future for Sydney. George St is an exciting street. Light rail will become very important with the connection of the CBD,” she said.

A spokesperson for Transport NSW said the department is working collaboratively with the City of Sydney and currently assessing the feasibility of extending the light rail through the CBD.

“The plan is being developed in consultation with key stakeholders including local councils, universities and other education providers, hospitals, major sporting facilities, transport users and major employers.”

The first of the light rail extension projects in Sydney will be that of the Inner West line, which is a 5.6km expansion of the current light rail system to Lilyfield, and will include nine new stations from Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill.

Construction is expected to begin this year with plnas for light rail operation in 2013.

Greens MP for Balmain, Jamie Parker welcomed the expansion to the Inner West and said he remained committed to ensuring it provides limited distraction to the area’s residents.

“The Inner West light rail extension will greatly benefit businesses along the route, providing efficient transport options to better connect the Inner West with the rest of the city,” he said.

According to the proposed plans, Sydney will become a city that runs efficiently, cost effectively and with less traffic on the roads, which the government said costs businesses $35 million per year.

It is hoped the city will have an integrated ticketing system one day.

“At the moment, the Inner West light rail doesn’t link anywhere and it’s not part of an integrated process.

Integrated ticketing and cross-city connections are Sydney’s future,” Ms Forsythe said.

By S.J. Malagre