EcoTransit acknowledges the Mayoral Minute endorsed by Cumberland City Council on 28 May 2025 advocating for a Clyde Housing Precinct. We are advocates for sustainable economy and environment with a focus on reducing car dependency through increased usage of active/public transport.
EcoTransit believes Clyde has great potential to be established as a sustainably developed transport hub for both Cumberland City Council and City of Parramatta. We believe that the current active/public transport infrastructure for Clyde is lacking and urges Council to include the following as part of its advocacy for Clyde Housing Precinct:
L4 Parramatta Light Rail: Extension from Rosehill Gardens (Camellia) to Clyde (former Carlingford Line) and new bridge over Parramatta Road using Tram-Trains
Tram-Trains offer significant environmental benefits, making them a key component of EcoTransit strategies. Here are some of the eco-transit benefits of Tram-Trains:
Lower Infrastructure Costs: Tram-Trains can operate on existing Sydney Trains Network and Parramatta Light Rail Network (as both operate using 4ft 8½ inch gauge tracks) thus reducing the need for extensive new infrastructure. This not only minimises environmental disruption but also lowers the financial costs associated with expanding the transport network. Upon construction of Sydney Metro West being completed, the Clyde Metro Dive Site can be reverted back into a rail corridor for Tram-Trains (former T6 Carlingford Line alignment).
Reduced Traffic Congestion: By providing an attractive and efficient alternative to car travel, Tram-Trains can help reduce traffic congestion in urban areas. Fewer cars on the road lead to lower emissions, less noise pollution, and improved overall quality of life for city residents. Clyde to Carlingford as Tram-Trains has the opportunity to reduce significant north-south congestion on James Ruse Drive, Silverwater Road, and feeder traffic from Parramatta Road.
Sustainable Urban Development: The integration of Tram-Trains into urban planning encourages sustainable development practices. By promoting transit-oriented development, Cumberland City Council and City of Parramatta can minimise urban sprawl, improve access through reducing car dependency, and create a genuinely liveable community in Clyde.
Tram-Trains are used across the world including in Karlsruhe (Germany), Mulhouse (France), and Sheffield (United Kingdom). The introduction and construction of Tram-Trains in Sydney would not only be economically beneficial to Australia but pay homage to Clyde having a long history of rail fleet construction.
While locally made Tram-Trains would not necessarily be built at Clyde, the use of new Tram-Trains on the former Carlingford Line (Clyde to Rosehill Gardens/Camellia) would be an easy introduction of this dual mode transport fleet into Sydney.
T1 Western Line: Restoration of Express Trains for Clyde (T1 Train from Schofields to Central/North Shore)
EcoTransit is encouraged by the continued advocacy from Cumberland City Council for the restoration of express trains for Granville, Clyde, Auburn, and Lidcombe stations to Sydney CBD. Without regular T1 Western Line services for Clyde, the introduction of a housing precinct cannot be sustainable and will only worsen traffic congestion on Parramatta Road and on the Mona Street bridge. We propose that Clyde be serviced by both T1 Western Line and T2 Leppington Line services on the Sydney Trains Network, such would reduce demand on nearby Granville Station.
Enhancement of S2 Bus Service: Granville to Sefton (increased frequency and operation to Clyde Station)
EcoTransit is disappointed at the low frequency of the S2 Bus between Granville to Sefton. This route only has four services each day on Mondays to Fridays. We also note that no bus operates directly to the entrance of Clyde Station. Hence EcoTransit urges Cumberland Council to advocate for the enhancement of the S2 Bus to include hourly operation every day of the week and a relocation of two bus stops for improving access to Clyde Station. Bus stop “Clyde St at William St” should be relocated to “Factory St at William St” and bus stop “Clyde St opp First St” should be relocated to “Factory St at First Ln”.
Enhancement of N60 and N61 NightRide Bus Service and Clyde Station Bus Stops
Clyde is currently serviced by the “N60 City to Fairfield” and “N61 City to Carlingford” NightRide bus services. However, the bus stop is located on Parramatta Road away from Clyde Station, such stops are unattractive and arguably unsafe due to being lacking in shelter and lighting. Both N60 and N61 routes should operate nightly.
The Clyde NightRide bus stops (both directions) on Parramatta Road should be relocated to near the corner of Berry Street and Sutherland Street. N60 Bus can leave Clyde with a left turn from Marsh Street onto Parramatta Road and N61 Bus can leave Clyde with a right turn from Marsh Street onto Parramatta Road then a left turn onto James Ruse Drive.
Active Transport improvements around Clyde
EcoTransit calls for other enhancements such as better walking paths and pedestrian crossings at James Ruse Drive and Parramatta Road should be enhanced with improved streetscapes including more trees, lighting and shade. Better line marking and signage for pedestrians and cyclists to reduce the dominance of cars and trucks in Clyde. Improving attractiveness of cycling through Clyde with an upgrade to Clyde Station and Duck River to support for better north-south connectivity should be included as well.