Parramatta City Council has been invited to work with Transport NSW to determine the best financial model to underpin the first stage of the $1 billion Western Sydney Light Rail project.

Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr Scott Lloyd says he and CEO Greg Dyer today met with State Transport Minister Andrew Constance when they were told that, contrary to recent media reports, no decision has been made on the preferred first route of the light rail network.

Cr Lloyd said the Minister did confirm that the initial ‘spine’ of the network will pass through the heart of the Parramatta CBD, most likely along Macquarie Street and close to the new Parramatta Square development.

“But Mr Constance also made it clear that no decision would be made on the precise first route until potential passenger numbers and financial feasibility had been thoroughly investigated,” Cr Lloyd said.

“We also re-affirmed to the Minister Council’s strong preference for a route from Westmead to Epping via Carlingford as the first stage of the network, which could later be expanded to Macquarie Park, Castle Hill and Sydney Olympic Park.”

“A Light Rail Network from Westmead to Epping would have high passenger numbers taking in major residential and business centres as well as key education, health and community facilities.

“For the network to expand we need the first stage to be a success and we believe a Westmead to Epping route would make the project financially viable.”