Please find below my recent conversation with the City of Parramatta on extending the Parramatta Light Rail by 4 kms from Carlingford to Epping Metro Station. 

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On Tue, 18 Feb 2025, 4:58 pm Nelton D'Souza, <nelton.dsouza@gmail.com> wrote:

Dear Mr. Newland,

Thank you for your detailed response. I appreciate the insights from TfNSW and the clarification regarding the Stage 1 scope and associated engineering challenges.

I would like to respectfully offer a few additional points for your consideration:

Enhanced Connectivity and Ridership Growth:

While Stage 1 effectively links Westmead, Parramatta, Rose Hill, and Carlingford, extending the line to Epping Metro Station would connect the light rail with a major travel node. This integration could boost ridership significantly—especially given recent reports indicating that the current daily footfall (around 6,000) is only about one-third of projections (Daily Telegraph). A higher ridership would, in turn, enhance the overall efficiency and appeal of the network.

Superior Comfort and Reliability:

Fixed rail systems provide a much smoother and reliable journey compared to buses. In light of the recent industrial action affecting Sydney Trains—which has led to widespread disruptions and uncertainty (The Guardian)—an extension to Epping would offer commuters a dependable alternative during times of service disruptions.

Economic and Real Estate Advantages:

Evidence from numerous studies suggests that fixed rail infrastructure can significantly increase property values and stimulate local economic growth. An extension to Epping could create a transit-oriented corridor that not only boosts the local construction industry but also helps address housing affordability issues by attracting new investments and developments. This added value could offset the higher upfront costs associated with engineering challenges.

Long-Term Strategic Investment:

Although extending the light rail beyond Carlingford involves complex engineering and higher per-kilometre costs, the long-term benefits—increased connectivity, economic stimulus, and enhanced network resilience—are considerable. With the NSW Government’s 'Future Transport 2056' Strategy already identifying a rapid bus and rail connection between Parramatta and Epping, this extension could serve as a proactive step that delivers transformational benefits well before 2056.

I believe that by re-evaluating these broader socio-economic and long-term advantages, the potential of extending the light rail becomes even more compelling despite the immediate challenges. I would be grateful if the Council could reconsider these factors and continue the discussion on future projects that might better integrate Epping into our regional transport network.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your thoughts on this matter.

Kind regards,

Nelton D'Souza

On Mon, Feb 10, 2025 at 2:24 PM Anthony Newland <ANewland@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au> wrote:

Dear Mr D’Souza,

Thank you for your email to the Lord Mayor, below, on 30 January 2025.

Council acknowledges the connectivity between Carlingford and Epping afforded by the proposal. We have had a number of comments and suggestions along the lines you have proposed.

As you would be aware, Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1, due to the scale of the project, was managed and funded by the NSW Government through Transport for NSW (TfNSW). Council sought comment from TfNSW who have advised that:

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 is now operational, connecting passengers from Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD. Extending the alignment from Carlingford to Epping was not part of the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 scope of works. 

Identified in the project’s 2017 Environmental Impact Statement, a strategic assessment was undertaken to explore the feasibility of extending the project from Carlingford to Epping. The assessment explored a range of potential alignment options including both tunnel and at grade alignments. Investigations showed a number of engineering challenges and comparatively higher costs per kilometre in constructing light rail beyond Carlingford, due to significant grade changes between the heavy rail line and Epping, and the need to minimise impacts to a number of major road intersections, commercial precincts and structures. 

A future rapid bus and rail connection between Parramatta and Epping is identified in 'Future Transport 2056' Strategy, the NSW Government's overarching vision for the Sydney transport network, with details of the links still to be determined. 

TfNSW can be contacted via the following methods:

Phone 1800 139 389 (24-hour community line)

and Email : parramattalightrail@transport.nsw.gov.au

Address: Level 7, 4 Parramatta Square ,12 Darcy Street, Parramatta NSW 2150

Kind regards

Anthony Newland

Group Manager Infrastructure Planning and Design | Infrastructure Planning and Design

02 9806 8487 | 0428 668 211

City of Parramatta

9 Wentworth Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 Australia

PO Box 32, Parramatta, NSW 2124

cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au