Commuters have been slow to embrace the $2.9 billion Parramatta Light Rail service, with daily passenger numbers falling significantly short of the state government’s projections. In its inaugural year, data from Transport for NSW (TfNSW) shows an average of just 12,000 daily trips from January to November, roughly half of the anticipated 22,000 daily users by 2026.
The light rail, which runs from Carlingford to Westmead, opened on December 20, 2024, following several delays due to electrical faults identified during testing. Despite the slow start, construction of the light rail’s second stage, which will extend the line to Olympic Park, is underway and is expected to boost patronage in the long term.
Building for Projected Development
According to Mathew Hounsell, a transport researcher at the University of Technology Sydney, the key to increasing ridership lies in developing housing around the light rail. “You have to build both [housing and transport] at the same time,” he emphasized, noting the significant potential for growth in areas like Rosehill Gardens.
The Rosehill Gardens stop, located about 2.5 kilometers from the Parramatta CBD, was the least-used station in 2025, with an average of 130 trips per day. Hounsell pointed out that the area is currently “very easy to drive to,” but he expects this to change as development progresses.
Rough Patches and Safety Concerns
Beyond low patronage, the light rail has faced safety challenges, with TfNSW confirming “numerous” collisions with road vehicles. Howard Collins, TfNSW coordinator, stated that the agency is committed to improving safety. “Our focus for year two is not only to keep the network reliable and well-used, but to ensure every journey is as safe as possible,” he said.
Efforts to enhance safety include community education, improving visibility, and reminding pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists to stay alert around the tracks. Collins’ comments highlight the ongoing adjustments required for new transport infrastructures to integrate smoothly into urban environments.
Adjusting to New Transport Routes
Hounsell noted that it takes time for the public to adapt to new transport options. “When people are comfortable driving to and from a place, they’ll stick to driving until it gets painful enough that they start looking at alternatives,” he explained.
The lack of commercial activity along the line, especially in highly residential areas, has also contributed to lower weekend usage. “There’s no destination at Carlingford, there’s no pubs, there’s no theatres,” Hounsell said, pointing out that weekend trips are 40 percent fewer on average compared to weekdays.
Frequent Travellers’ Perspectives
Despite the challenges, some commuters have found value in the service. Moey, a frequent user, appreciates the convenience of living near a stop. “At the start, it looked awkward because it was all over the place, and stopped cars from going [on some lanes], but it makes sense now … in hindsight, it’s better,” he reflected.
Dona Lynvandyn finds the light rail beneficial for areas with limited transport options. “I’ve used it to go to places [when] I just want to feel relaxed, have convenience, and not drive,” she shared.
Phillip Sharpe, who travels often from Merrylands to Westmead, praised the service as transformative for Parramatta. “It’s the best thing that ever happened to Parramatta,” he declared. “Fantastic, no waiting around, it’s a good service.”
The future of the Parramatta Light Rail looks promising as it continues to evolve and expand, potentially doubling its ridership next year. With ongoing development and strategic improvements, it may soon fulfill its role as a vital component of Sydney’s transport network.
