ALTRAC takes over operation of Sydney’s Inner West Light Rail
ALTRAC Light Rail has taken over the operation and maintenance of Sydney’s Inner West Light Rail network as part of a move that aims to deliver an integrated light rail system under one operator.
Transdev has been operating and maintaining the Inner West Light Rail since 1999 and will continue to carry out this work as part of the ALTRAC Light Rail consortium, who was announced last year as the successful consortia to design, build, operate and maintain the CBD and South East Light Rail.
Dulwich Grove Light Rail Station
Photo: Dulwich Grove Light Rail Station – part of the Inner West Light Rail Extension that opened in March 2014 / NSW Government – Transport for NSW.
NSW Transport and Infrastructure Minister Andrew Constance said the move to bring the Inner West Light Rail under the ALTRAC banner will allow for an integrated system with one operator.
“Light Rail has been a game changer for the Inner West with around 20,000 passenger journeys every day between Central and Dulwich Hill,” Mr Constance said.
“It’s proven to be one of the most popular forms of public transport in the area, with customers embracing the smoother and more comfortable journey that light rail delivers.
“As we move towards construction of the CBD and South East Light Rail, it makes sense for the Inner West line to also be under the same operator.”
The Inner West Light Rail network opened in 1997 between Central and Wentworth Park with an extension to Lilyfield in 2000.
In March 2014, the NSW Government completed the Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill extension, which delivered an additional nine stations and an even more convenient light rail connection to where people live, work and visit.
The NSW Government also recently completed a rollout of 12 new and modern Urbos 3 light rail vehicles on the network.
ALTRAC Light Rail is made up of four companies including Alstom, Acciona, Transdev and Capella Capital.
The $2.1 billion CBD and South East Light Rail network will run from Circular Quay along George Street to Moore Park, then on to Kingsford and Randwick. It is due to be completed in 2018, with passenger services set to commence in 2019.
Source: News Release, Urbanalyst, 12 July, 2015