Parramatta Light Rail Patronage Falls Short of Expectations as State Seeks Federal Funds to Advance Expansion – Sydney Auction Clearance Rate at 69%

Week’s Key Focus

Parramatta Light Rail Struggles to Attract Passengers as NSW Seeks Federal Support for Expansion

Two months after its launch, the Parramatta Light Rail is still falling well short of expectations. In February, the L4 section (Westmead to Carlingford) recorded an average of just 8,750 daily passengers—far below Transport for NSW’s target of 28,000 daily riders by next year. Despite the return of commuters and students, and the line running through the heart of Parramatta’s CBD, ridership remains sluggish. In January, during the holiday period, daily patronage was even lower at 7,015.

Transport for NSW is now pushing ahead with Stage 2, which would extend the line to Sydney Olympic Park. The state government has allocated $2.1 billion, but with original cost estimates around $3.9 billion, it is seeking federal support to bridge the funding gap. While the opposition has criticised the move as cost-shifting, Transport Minister John Graham argues that Western Sydney deserves equal access to quality public transport, and blamed the former government for making “15 announcements and zero progress.”

Early works for Stage 2 are already underway, including construction of a new bridge over the Parramatta River between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point. An updated business case is expected later this year. A spokesperson for federal Transport Minister Catherine King said the government is working closely with NSW on priority infrastructure for Western Sydney, though no specific funding commitment was made for the light rail.

Experts say slow uptake is expected, as travel patterns take time to change. University of Sydney transport lecturer Dr Geoffrey Clifton noted that planned housing developments along the route would help drive future demand. Transport for NSW also pointed to encouraging signs, with February ridership up 25% from January. While no specific completion date has been announced, Stage 2 is not expected to open before 2031.

THE GABLES

Auction Results Last Week

Sydney: 1,097 properties went to auction, with 690 results reported and 473 properties sold, achieving a clearance rate of 69%. The total auction value reached AUD $550,030,224, with a median house price of AUD $1,620,000.
Melbourne: 1,156 properties went to auction, with 889 results reported and 599 properties sold, achieving a clearance rate of 67%. The total auction value reached AUD $455,983,302, with a median house price of AUD $970,000.