EcoTransit, as a dedicated advocate for sustainable transport in New South Wales, strongly supports the ALTRAC light rail extension proposal from Parramatta Road to Green Square. This proposed extension is not only a vital improvement to Sydney’s transport system but also a key part of the city’s future as a connected, sustainable, and liveable place. For years, EcoTransit has been at the forefront of public advocacy, fighting for light rail projects across Sydney, and we are proud to support this crucial step forward in improving transport options for the residents of the Inner West, Parramatta Road, and Green Square.
EcoTransit’s Role in Delivering Light Rail Extensions
EcoTransit has played a pivotal role in advancing light rail in Sydney, beginning with our campaign for the Dulwich Hill extension, which overcame significant political and bureaucratic resistance. Our consistent advocacy helped turn light rail from an abstract concept into a concrete solution that benefits communities today. We are committed to ensuring that the same kind of transformation happens for the proposed Parramatta Road to Green Square extension. Through grassroots campaigns, expert research, and tireless lobbying, EcoTransit has worked across the political spectrum to demonstrate the need for sustainable public transport solutions.
Just as we fought for the completion of the Dulwich Hill light rail extension, EcoTransit is actively advocating for the Parramatta Road to Green Square extension to become a reality. We have mobilized communities, worked with local councils, and pushed for key infrastructure investments to ensure that light rail remains at the heart of Sydney’s public transport strategy. This proposal represents a continuation of EcoTransit’s long-standing vision of a city that is not just car-dependent but connected, accessible, and sustainable.
New Housing and Housing Choice
Sydney is experiencing a housing crisis, with its population expected to rise to 6.1 million by 2041. Light rail is one of the most effective ways to facilitate sustainable growth and urban renewal. The extension from Parramatta Road to Green Square will support mixed-use development, including vital social and affordable housing, along the route. By improving accessibility to housing, jobs, and services, this light rail extension will help address Sydney’s housing shortage in a way that is both environmentally responsible and socially equitable. Light rail has a proven track record of revitalizing communities and driving investment in residential and commercial development. It will make these areas more attractive to new residents, contributing to the creation of sustainable, well-connected neighbourhoods.
Accessing Jobs and Education
Public transport is key to ensuring that people can access jobs and education, and light rail is an ideal solution for facilitating this access. The Parramatta Road to Green Square extension will connect hundreds of thousands of Sydneysiders to key employment hubs, universities, and schools. Unlike buses, which are often delayed due to road congestion, light rail offers a dedicated, uninterrupted route that ensures reliability, particularly during peak hours. This improved connectivity will enhance job opportunities and educational access, particularly for those in the Inner West and Green Square areas who currently face barriers to reliable public transport.
Building Communities
At EcoTransit, we believe that public transport is a cornerstone of strong, vibrant communities. Light rail not only moves people but also creates spaces for people to come together. The proposed extension will support new housing, retail, and economic development, revitalising neighbourhoods and encouraging pedestrian activity. It will help transform the Parramatta Road corridor and Green Square into connected, walkable, and thriving areas. By attracting more residents and businesses, light rail will contribute to the development of communities where people want to live, work, and play. This contrasts with buses, which can often feel like a less permanent solution, while light rail provides a long-term commitment to infrastructure and community growth.
Sustainable and Efficient Transport: Light Rail vs. Buses
Sustainability is at the heart of EcoTransit’s mission. Light rail is a much more sustainable and efficient transport option compared to buses. A single light rail vehicle can carry hundreds of passengers at once, significantly reducing the number of vehicles required to move the same number of people. This capacity advantage is particularly important in high-density areas, where the volume of commuters can overwhelm bus networks. Light rail is also environmentally superior to buses, particularly those that rely on fossil fuels. As an all-electric mode of transport, light rail produces zero emissions at the point of use, making it a key component of Sydney’s efforts to achieve “net-zero” emissions. Buses, while still important, cannot match the capacity or sustainability of light rail, especially in densely populated corridors like Parramatta Road and Green Square.
Urgent Call to Action: A Message to Communities
While the ALTRAC light rail proposal offers clear benefits, Transport Minister Jo Haylen has disappointingly suggested that buses are sufficient to meet the transport needs of communities in the Inner West and Parramatta Road. This is simply not the case. Buses are limited in their capacity, reliability, and sustainability, and they cannot handle the future transport demands of Sydney’s growing population. The proposed light rail extension is a vital investment in Sydney’s public transport future, and it is essential that we do not allow it to be sidelined.
EcoTransit calls on residents of the Inner West, Parramatta Road, and Green Square to act. We need you to urge the NSW Government to seriously consider this proposal and to support the ALTRAC light rail extension as part of Sydney’s sustainable future. Write to your local MPs, engage with community campaigns, and let your voice be heard. This is our chance to secure a future where public transport is reliable, sustainable, and efficient for all Sydneysiders.
The Parramatta Road to Green Square light rail extension is more than just a transport solution—it is an investment in the future of Sydney. We urge the NSW Government to prioritize this project and ensure that light rail continues to play a key role in building a more connected, sustainable, and liveable city.
For more information on the ALTRAC Light Rail Proposal, visit https://altraclightrail.com.au/proposal
For more information on EcoTransit advocacy for sustainable transport, visit https://ecotransit.org.au
EcoTransit – Advocating for sustainable public transport in New South Wales.
Read the disappointing response from the NSW Government in regards to the Parramatta Road to Green Square Light Rail Proposal