Paramatta Light Rail usage tipped to double next year despite numbers falling short in its first year

Commuters have been slow to make use of the $2.9 billion Parramatta Light Rail service, with daily patron numbers about half the state government's projections.

One year on from the first passengers using the service, data from Transport for NSW (TfNSW) revealed an average of 12,000 daily trips from January to November this year.

The state government initially predicted the service would have an average of 22,000 people using it a day by 2026.

After numerous delays due to electrical faults identified during testing, the line from Carlingford to Westmead opened on December 20, 2024.

Construction of the light rail's stage two has begun and will connect Parramatta to Olympic Park, which is anticipated to grow patronage numbers long-term.

Building for projected development

Mathew Hounsell, transport researcher at the University of Technology Sydney, said housing was needed "to drive patronage" on the Parramatta Light Rail.

The Rosehill Gardens stop is located about 2.5 kilometres from the Parramatta CBD and is on the outskirts of the Rosehill Racecourse.

According to TfNSW data, it was the least-used light rail stop in 2025 out of the 16 stations, with an average of 130 trips a day from January to November.

Mr Hounsell said Rosehill was currently "very easy to drive to" but the area was expected to change over time.

"The existence of that tramway stop has made that property extremely valuable," he said.

"You have to build both [housing and transport] at the same time."

Rough patches

In addition to low patronage, the service has experienced a number of safety incidents, with TfNSW confirming there had been "numerous" collisions with road vehicles at different areas of the Parramatta light rail.

TfNSW coordinator Howard Collins said the agency had a responsibility to keep the public safe.

"Our focus for year two is not only to keep the network reliable and well-used, but to ensure every journey is as safe as possible," he said.

"That means educating the community, enhancing visibility and reminding pedestrians, drivers and cyclists to stay alert around the tracks."

Adjusting to new transport routes

Mr Hounsell said it took time for the public to adjust to new transport options.

"When people are comfortable driving to and from a place, they'll stick to driving until it gets painful enough that they start looking at alternatives."

He also said there was a lack of shops and businesses along the line to drive higher patronage on weekends, particularly at stops in highly residential areas.

"There's no destination at Carlingford, there's no pubs, there's no theatres," Mr Hounsell said.

On weekends, TfNSW data showed an average of 40 per cent fewer trips on the service.

Mr Hounsell said the higher weekday usage indicated the light rail was "too dependent" on regular commuters.

Frequent travellers

Frequent user Moey said he used the service in to Parramatta because he lived near one of the stops.

"At the start, it looked awkward because it was all over the place, and stopped cars from going [on some lanes], but it makes sense now … in hindsight, it's better," he said.

"It's more open compared to the trains and not many people use it, so it's alright."

Dona Lynvandyn said the light rail has been good for areas that previously had "hardly any transport".

"I've used it to go to places [when] I just want to feel relaxed, have convenience, and not drive," she said.

Phillip Sharpe travelled often from Merrylands to Westmead, and got onto the light rail at Parramatta.

"It's the best thing that ever happened to Parramatta," he said.

"Fantastic, no waiting around, it's a good service."