First trams on test in Parramatta

In the western suburbs of the Australian city of Sydney, the town of Parramatta (population 30 000) is the latest community in the greater Sydney area to benefit from investment in tramway infrastructure. 

 

The independent tramline, which is due to start carrying passengers in 2024, will run for 12km with 16 stops between Westmead and Carlingford, on street track without overhead, and with overhead on the former railway line to Carlingford (closed in 2020). 

 

The project cost is AUD 3.5bn, with AUD 1bn coming from the New South Wales government. The CAF/Transdev-led Great River City Rail Light consortium is building the line and will operate it for eight years (with the option of a further 10 years). CAF is providing 13 45m seven-section Urbos 3 100% low-floor double-ended trams with lithium batteries and the Greentech Freedrive technology to permit operation away from overhead wires. 

 

CAF is also supplying the traction system, signalling and control and communication systems. 

 

A second stage will be a branch to Sydney Olympic Park, planned to open in 2031.