The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) is calling on Sydneysiders to look on the bright side of the start of construction of the CBD and Eastern Suburbs Light Rail and the opportunities it will provide Australia’s global city when it opens in 2019.

“Sydneysiders have a tendency to look on the negative side of major projects and events but as history has shown with great infrastructure like the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House and events like the best Olympics games ever – we always pull it off,” said Margy Osmond, TTF Chief Executive.

“The main thoroughfare of the CBD – George Street – is taking the first steps on a transformation that will enhance Sydney as a modern, global city. A change which is for the better with a cleaner and more attractive light rail replacing the endless queues of buses.

“There will obviously be challenges during the construction period, but once completed this will be an iconic piece of transport infrastructure that will improve the experience for commuters and visitors alike.

“In the meantime, we have an opportunity to use the construction of the light rail to activate the CBD in a way we’ve never before seen.

“The 2015 Christmas activation planned around the initial construction sites will turn the light rail construction into a unique and positive experience for anyone visiting the heart of the Sydney CBD.

“Sydneysiders have fond memories of watching the two spans of the Sydney Harbour Bridge meeting across the harbour or the tram sheds on Bennelong Point being demolished to make way for the construction of the seashell-shaped building that has become our beloved Opera House.

“This is a project that will have generations of Sydneysiders starting their stories with “I remember when the light rail was built…” – let’s make it a positive memory by embracing this change and welcoming it to Sydney.”