My below correspondence is in addition to the correspondence with the incumbent Labour MP from Parramatta Andrew Charlton.
Let us vote for a candidate that is best for our constituency and works towards better, reliable and affordable public transport!
On Mon, Mar 31, 2025 at 9:29 PM Nelton D'Souza wrote:
Dear Ms. Mullens,
Congratulations on your nomination as the Liberal federal candidate for Parramatta! I’m reaching out with a pressing issue that directly aligns with our shared commitment to sustainable, equitable, and efficient public transport for all Sydneysiders.
Despite our vast Sydney Train network, a critical gap remains: there is no direct rail connection bridging the North and the West. Extending the Parramatta Light Rail by just 4 kms—from Carlingford to Epping Metro Station—could be transformative, connecting a major travel node with our existing network and delivering substantial benefits to our community.
Why This Extension Matters:
Enhanced Connectivity & Ridership Growth:
While Stage 1 effectively links Westmead, Parramatta, Rose Hill, and Carlingford, it stops short of harnessing the network’s full potential. Currently, the light rail clocks a daily ridership of only about 6,000 passengers—far below the expected 24,000. Observations reveal that only two stretches are frequently used: between Fennel Street/North Parramatta and Parramatta Square, and between Parramatta Square and Carlingford. With no major travel node like Epping Metro Station in place, much of the line from Westmead to Carlingford is underutilised. Connecting to Epping would ensure the entire line is effectively used, greatly boosting network efficiency and capacity (Daily Telegraph).
Superior Comfort & Reliability:
Fixed rail systems offer a much smoother and more dependable journey compared to buses. In light of recent industrial disruptions affecting Sydney Trains (The Guardian), an extension to Epping would provide a reliable alternative, ensuring commuters face fewer service interruptions and enjoy a more comfortable daily ride.
Economic & Real Estate Advantages:
Fixed rail infrastructure is proven to elevate property values and stimulate local economic growth. An extension to Epping could catalyse the development of a vibrant transit-oriented corridor, attracting new investments, stimulating the construction industry, and addressing housing affordability by creating high-demand commercial and residential zones.
Long-Term Strategic Investment:
Although extending beyond Carlingford entails complex engineering challenges and higher per-kilometre costs, the long-term benefits—increased connectivity, economic stimulus, and enhanced network resilience—are substantial. While future projects like the 'Future Transport 2056' strategy propose rapid bus and rail connections between Parramatta and Epping, these solutions are many years away. Neither Phase 2 of the Light Rail nor the anticipated Talopea and Benaud Oval rezoning (whose fruits would be realized only in the distant future) can address the urgent need now. Without proactive investment, the Parramatta Light Rail risks becoming a white elephant.
As a candidate for the Liberal Party, known for championing smart infrastructure and sound economic policy, I urge you to consider advocating for this essential extension. It represents a fiscally responsible investment that will deliver long-term benefits—improving daily commutes, stimulating economic growth, and reinforcing the trust of our community in our ability to deliver efficient, future-ready public transport.
I kindly request that you raise this issue within your campaign discussions and collaborate with local councils and TfNSW to help bring this transformative project to life.
Thank you for your commitment to progressive change and for considering this urgent proposal.
Warm regards,
Nelton
On Mon, Mar 31, 2025 at 9:17 PM Nelton D'Souza wrote:
Dear Ms. Tilly,
Congratulations on your nomination as the Greens federal candidate for Parramatta! I’m reaching out with a pressing issue that directly aligns with our shared commitment to sustainable, equitable, and efficient public transport for all Sydneysiders.
Despite our vast Sydney Train network, a critical gap remains: there is no direct rail connection bridging the North and the West. Extending the Parramatta Light Rail by just 4 kms—from Carlingford to Epping Metro Station—could be transformative, connecting a major travel node with our existing network and delivering substantial benefits to our community.
Why This Extension Matters:
Enhanced Connectivity & Ridership Growth:
While Stage 1 effectively links Westmead, Parramatta, Rose Hill, and Carlingford, it stops short of harnessing the network’s full potential. Currently, the light rail clocks a daily ridership of only about 6,000 passengers—far below the expected 24,000. Observations reveal that only two stretches are frequently used: between Fennel Street/North Parramatta and Parramatta Square, and between Parramatta Square and Carlingford. With no major travel node like Epping Metro Station in place, much of the line from Westmead to Carlingford is underutilised. Connecting to Epping would ensure the entire line is effectively used, greatly boosting network efficiency and capacity (Daily Telegraph).
Superior Comfort & Reliability:
Fixed rail systems offer a much smoother and more dependable journey compared to buses. In light of recent industrial disruptions affecting Sydney Trains (The Guardian), an extension to Epping would provide a reliable alternative, ensuring commuters face fewer service interruptions and enjoy a more comfortable daily ride.
Economic & Real Estate Advantages:
Fixed rail infrastructure is proven to elevate property values and stimulate local economic growth. An extension to Epping could catalyse the development of a vibrant transit-oriented corridor, attracting new investments, stimulating the construction industry, and addressing housing affordability by creating high-demand commercial and residential zones.
Long-Term Strategic Investment:
Although extending beyond Carlingford entails complex engineering challenges and higher per-kilometre costs, the long-term benefits—increased connectivity, economic stimulus, and enhanced network resilience—are substantial. While future projects like the 'Future Transport 2056' strategy propose rapid bus and rail connections between Parramatta and Epping, these solutions are many years away. Neither Phase 2 of the Light Rail nor the anticipated Talopea and Benuad Oval rezoning (whose fruits would be realized only in the distant future) can address the urgent need now. Without proactive investment, the Parramatta Light Rail risks becoming a white elephant.
As a representative of the Greens—a party that champions environmental sustainability, community empowerment, and progressive urban planning—I urge you to champion this vital initiative. Extending the Parramatta Light Rail to Epping Metro Station isn’t just about improving commutes; it’s about investing in a sustainable, thriving future for Parramatta and the greater Sydney region.
I kindly request that you raise this issue within your campaign discussions and collaborate with local councils and TfNSW to help bring this transformative project to life.
Thank you for your commitment to progressive change and for considering this urgent proposal.
Warm regards,
Nelton