Light rail testing commences across Sydney

Sydney's much anticipated light rail is finally in the testing stage, with the next target having the trams open to customers before the end of the year.

They ran the vehicles through Surry Hills and up George Street.

New trams hold up to 450 passengers, the equivalent of up to nine standard buses. 

This means the new light rail network will have the initial capacity to move up to 13,500 commuters per hour during peak times (7am – 7pm).

Premier Gladys Berejikilian and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance recently inspected a new light rail vehicle parked outside Town Hall for the first time.

“It is great to see light rail back on George Street and the progress which is being made on this gamechanging project,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We can expect to see a lot more light rail vehicles making their way through the CBD from now on.

“Day testing is underway between Randwick and Central. It will be extended to Town Hall soon and the vehicles will reach Circular Quay within months.

“When it opens the line will deliver high capacity services from the heart of the city to Moore Park, Randwick Racecourse and the University of NSW.”

Constance said with testing becoming more frequent the NSW Government has today launched the new “Heads Up, Play it Safe around Light Rail” safety campaign.

“We remind the community to be aware of the changed environment and keep their “Heads Up” around the light rail,” Mr Constance said.

“Trams are quieter than people expect and cannot stop easily or quickly.

“We need pedestrians to look up from their phones and for cyclists and drivers to be aware and remember that tracks are for trams.”