On the occasion of the 1 year milestone of the Parramatta Light Rail, I reached out to Minister for Transport – The Hon. Jo Haylen MP and Shadow Minister for Transport – The Hon. Natalie Ward MLC to highlight how fixing the missing link can solve the low uptake problem. 

I am writing to respectfully request your support in advancing a strategic infrastructure initiative: the extension of the Parramatta Light Rail from Carlingford to Epping Metro Station. This proposed 4-kilometer link would significantly enhance transport connectivity between Western and Northern Sydney, address critical underperformance in Stage 1, and deliver substantial economic, environmental, and social benefits to your constituents and the broader region.

A year ago, on the 20th of December 2024, the Parramatta Light Rail was opened to the public and was met with huge fanfare. Unfortunately, the excitement quickly died, and so did the ridership! Currently, the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 is averaging approximately 8,750 daily passengers—less than one-third of the projected 28,000. This shortfall is primarily due to the line terminating at Carlingford, which lacks interchange capacity and does not connect to the broader Sydney rail network. Extending the line to Epping Metro Station would resolve this issue by linking the light rail to both the T9 Northern Line and the Metro Northwest, thereby unlocking a major transport hub and enabling seamless cross-regional travel.

Key benefits of the proposed extension include:

Ridership Recovery and Network Integration: The extension is projected to increase daily patronage to 25,000–30,000, aligning with original forecasts and improving farebox recovery. This would represent a 200–250% increase in usage and transform the light rail into a strategic connector between Parramatta, Macquarie Park, and the North Shore.
Economic Uplift and Development Activation: Based on comparable projects such as Canberra Light Rail Stage 1, which catalyzed over $2.3 billion in development approvals and a 113% increase in land values near stations, the Carlingford–Epping corridor is expected to experience similar uplift. This would support housing supply, retail growth, and employment access in your electorate.
Environmental and Sustainability Outcomes: The modal shift from private vehicles to electric light rail could reduce carbon emissions by over 5,000 tonnes annually, improve air quality, and alleviate congestion on Pennant Hills Road and Carlingford Road. A single tram can replace up to 150 car trips, and green track infrastructure has been shown to reduce concrete usage by 81% and lower ambient temperatures.
Design Feasibility and Cost Efficiency: Shared tram/vehicle lanes, successfully implemented in Melbourne and Newcastle, offer a practical solution for Carlingford Road. Targeted grade separation at key intersections, such as Pennant Hills Road, can be achieved without excessive cost. Estimated capital expenditure for the extension is approximately A$1.2–1.5 billion, with potential for federal co-funding and PPP delivery models.
Alignment with Strategic Planning: The corridor is identified in the NSW Government’s Future Transport 2056 strategy as a priority for future mass transit investigation. The extension complements existing infrastructure and supports long-term regional mobility goals.
Given these compelling benefits, I respectfully urge you to:

Advocate within Parliament and to Transport for NSW for the commissioning of a formal business case and strategic corridor assessment for the Carlingford–Epping extension.
Support the inclusion of this project in the next State Infrastructure Strategy and forward estimates for budget consideration.
Engage with the Commonwealth Government to explore co-funding opportunities under national infrastructure programs.
Champion community consultation and environmental scoping to ensure timely and inclusive planning.
This proposal represents a high-impact, cost-effective opportunity to enhance Sydney’s transport network, stimulate economic growth, and deliver lasting environmental benefits. Your leadership and support could be instrumental in ensuring this project receives the attention and investment it deserves.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further and provide supporting documentation, including comparative data, community feedback, and strategic alignment with state and federal planning frameworks.

Thank you for your attention and commitment to improving public transport outcomes for our communities.

Yours sincerely,
Nelton D'Souza