EcoTransit Celebrates the Restoration of the Inner West Line: A Major Victory for Sustainable Transport and a Historic Milestone
EcoTransit is delighted to celebrate the restoration of the Inner West Line, connecting the City Circle to Liverpool via Regents Park, marking a pivotal moment for public transport in Sydney. This restoration is not only a victory for communities across the Inner West and South-West regions but also an essential step forward in creating a more sustainable, efficient, and equitable transport network for Sydney. EcoTransit has proudly supported this campaign since its inception in 2013, and we are thrilled to witness this long-awaited development come to life.
The campaign to restore the Inner West Line began on 20 October 2013, when local residents and transport advocates, including EcoTransit, came together to fight for the return of direct train services from Liverpool to the City Circle via Regents Park. The removal of this vital link in 2013 severely impacted commuters, forcing them to endure longer travel times, inconvenient interchanges, and increased reliance on cars. Communities such as Berala, Regents Park, Sefton, and the broader West of Bankstown were particularly affected. EcoTransit, alongside local residents and key stakeholders, has been advocating for the restoration of this critical rail service ever since.
After years of tireless campaigning, the Liverpool and Inner West Line service has returned on 30 September 2024 as the new T3 Line, providing direct train connections once again. This success is a testament to the perseverance of local communities, transport users, and EcoTransit’s ongoing commitment to improving Sydney’s public transport network.
This year also holds special significance as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Lidcombe to Cabramatta railway, a key milestone in Sydney’s transport history. Since its opening in 1924, this rail line has served as an essential link connecting communities across Sydney’s west and south-west. In 2024, we celebrate not just the restoration of this vital service, but also the 100-year legacy of the Lidcombe to Cabramatta railway that has shaped the development of the region.
EcoTransit had the privilege of participating in the celebratory community event in Regents Park in October 2024, where we had the honor of hearing from EcoTransit members Colin Schroeder and Roydon Ng. Both Colin and Roydon spoke passionately about the impact of this restoration on local communities and the vital importance of continuing to advocate for better transport solutions across Sydney. Their speeches highlighted the role of public transport in creating a sustainable future for all Sydneysiders, reinforcing EcoTransit’s commitment to building a greener, more connected city.
EcoTransit firmly believes that the restoration of the Inner West Line will significantly contribute to a more sustainable future for Sydney. By reducing road congestion, lowering carbon emissions, and providing a reliable, environmentally-friendly alternative to car travel, the return of direct services from Liverpool to the City Circle will encourage more people to choose public transport. This shift is a crucial part of EcoTransit’s ongoing mission to promote sustainable transport solutions for all Sydneysiders.
However, while we celebrate this important achievement, EcoTransit recognizes that there is still much to be done. To ensure Sydney’s transport network continues to evolve and meet the needs of the growing population, we advocate for the fast-tracking of digital signalling upgrades and infrastructure improvements across the network. These upgrades will help ensure that services on the T3, T2, T5, T6, and T1 lines run more frequently, efficiently, and reliably, particularly during peak hours.
EcoTransit is also committed to supporting further transport improvements for underserved communities throughout Sydney. Our work will continue, ensuring that all regions, particularly those in the West of Bankstown, have access to fast, affordable, and sustainable transport options.
The restoration of the Inner West Line, celebrated alongside the 100th anniversary of the Lidcombe to Cabramatta railway, is a historic moment for Sydney. EcoTransit is proud to have been part of this transformative campaign, and we look forward to continuing our advocacy for a greener, more connected Sydney. Together, we can build a sustainable and accessible public transport system that benefits all Sydneysiders.
For more information, please visit www.restoreinnerwestline.org.au