The Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) has welcomed the announcement that Sydney’s new metro rail network will be expanded in the coming decade to include a new line between Parramatta, Olympic Park, The Bays Precinct and the Sydney CBD doubling capacity along the corridor.

“The expansion of the new Sydney Metro network is an absolute necessity for the main western rail corridor between the Sydney CBD and Parramatta which is expected to reach full capacity within 15 years,” said TTF CEO Margy Osmond.

“A brand new driverless, modern metro linking the Sydney CBD and key precincts to Parramatta has the potential to significantly cut travel times between the two business centres and support the creation of thousands of new jobs in Sydney’s western suburbs.

“The benefits of the NSW Government’s asset-recycling of the funds locked up in the electricity network are now flowing out with this unprecedented expansion of public transport across Sydney – this is what John Bradfield had dreamt of in the early 1920s.

“Sydney Olympic Park and The Bays Precinct will need stronger public transport options as they grow into bustling employment, entertainment and residential centres. The Western Metro will ensure that these two centres are accessible by a fast and efficient rail service linking to the CBDs of the east and west.

“The exciting future of a Western Metro link to Parramatta is the potential for a future stage to continue on to the new Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek. Having a fast rail link from the new Airport to the Parramatta and Sydney CBDs will be crucial for the airport to reach its full potential and support the transformation of Western Sydney.”