The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has welcomed new plans to modernise Sydney’s rail network.
NSW Government’s Premier, Barry O’Farrell, and Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian released the plans yesterday (June 20), entitled ‘Sydney’s Rail Future- Modernising Sydney’s Trains’.
The Premier and Transport Minister indicated that Sydney’s Rail Future would include improvements to operational and network efficiencies, a new North West Rail Link rapid transit system, an eventual Second Harbour Crossing, a new CBD line and improvements to the existing Bankstown and Illawarra rail lines.
The realisation of Sydney’s Rail Future will ultimately allow Sydney trains to carry an additional 90,000 to 100,000 people per hour during peak times as the plan provides a 60 per cent increase in services across all parts of the network.
CEO of ARA Bryan Nye acknowledged the NSW Government’s effort to increase the capacity of Sydney’s rail network by investing in new services and upgrading existing infrastructure.
He said the announcement was further evidence of the NSW Government’s “commitment to improving the rail experience in Sydney”.
Mr Nye said: “Sydney’s Rail Future plan puts the priority on optimising Sydney’s rail networks to improve travel connections and alleviate Sydney’s congestion issues while underpinning productivity.”
The Government also announced that the major tender process for the North West Rail Link had begun.
Sydney’s Rail Future specifies that single deck, rapid transit trains will be introduced on the North West Rail Link.
Sydney’s Rail Future is a key element in the NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan to be released later this year.
“Effective transport planning is integral to the economic growth and productivity of NSW and Australia,” concluded Mr Nye.
“The release of Sydney’s Rail Future plan shows strong leadership and vision by the NSW Government and is a step in the right direction for Sydney’s transport system.”
