Sydney University wants a metro station
Image: The Medicine building at the University of Sydney. Photo: Unsplash.
By WILLIAM MCLENNAN
Sydney University management has begun lobbying the state government for a campus metro station once again, despite previous failed attempts.
In a response to a state government led review into the Sydney rail system, Sydney University’s Vice-Chancellor Mark Scott stated, “we have always strongly advocated for a station at the University which would serve our students, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and health precinct as well as the local community.
“The need for this is greater than ever and if there are new conversations about the Sydney Metro West line then we are absolutely interested in having them.”
The proposed plan outlined by Scott involves an extension of the Metro West project between Hunter Street and Zetland. According to Scott’s vision, the train line would stop around Oval No. 2 within the university’s grounds or near the corner of Missiden Road and Parramatta Road close to the university’s main campus.
The news comes after several transport opportunities for the university to have an on-campus station in recent years were rejected including a prior Sydney South Metro Station and a light rail station along Parramatta road.
University of Sydney students have welcome the idea of a Metro West station. They currently lack viable public transport options; especially those who travel from Western Sydney. The favoured option for students at present sees Redfern station used heavily. A shuttle bus offered by the university currently helps students travelling from Redfern Station arrive at Fisher Library on campus.
Sydney University’s Student Representative Council President Lia Perkins has supported the university’s claim for a metro station.
“Currently, the transport infrastructure servicing USyd students is inadequate, with long distances between Redfern Station and classes on campus.”
Along with the cost-of living crisis, Lia points out that many international students and part time domestic students have to live in Western Sydney due to the rising costs associated with living in Sydney’s inner west.
Currently, international students and part-time domestic students aren’t available to receive an opal concession card in accordance with government policy, doubling the travel costs for those students – a policy Perkins describes as “discriminatory”.
SRC President Lia Perkins suggested a note of caution, however, noting that the proposal by university management does not account for issues such as racial discrimination on public transport and student safety. Noting the cost-of-living crisis and “low rates of Youth Allowance”, Perkins noted that urgent intervention is needed to reduce everyday living costs such as public transport.
The lobbying proposal would further connect health workers and students from Western Sydney to major institutions and workplaces such as the University of Sydney. This would function as a time-saving measure for workers and students from the city’s outer suburbs. Enrollment rates at Sydney University are predicted to climb by 14 percent before 2032.
