The launch of the Parramatta light rail project has faced a setback, with the opening now pushed back to the following year. An incident where an electrical wire fell onto a tram exposed equipment defects, leading to a halt in testing and the discovery of faulty fastening joints along the network.
Since testing began in December last year on the line connecting Westmead to Carlingford, trams have become a common sight in Parramatta, Camellia, and Cumberland. Despite initial promises to open the service to Parramatta commuters by mid-2024, Transport Minister Jo Haylen mentioned on ABC Radio Sydney that there is currently no set date for the light rail's operation due to safety concerns and the need to ensure passenger safety. An audit showed that approximately half of the fastening joints used across the network were found to be defective, prompting the replacement of components and ongoing repair work. David Babineau, the NSW tram division secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, emphasized that if the system was deemed unsafe for staff, it would not be ready for passenger use any time soon, indicating a potential delay in the project's timeline.
The delays in the Parramatta light rail opening were further compounded by additional issues discovered during the testing process. Problems such as braking issues and risks of collision on shared track sections were identified. While there was optimism for a pre-Christmas launch at one point, the recent incident with the electrical wire has rendered that timeline unfeasible. The first stage of the $2.9-billion light rail project is set to connect Sydney's north-west to its west via Parramatta's CBD, with 16 stops including key locations like the hospital precinct, stadium, museum, and university. The government anticipates around 28,000 daily passengers on the light rail system by 2026 and has allocated funds to commence the construction of the second stage, extending the track by 10 kilometers to Sydney Olympic Park. However, a completion date for stage 2 remains unspecified, with plans for a bridge over the Parramatta River set to begin in 2025.