South West Rail Link opens to customers in February 2015
NSW Premier Mike Baird today joined Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian and local MPs to announce the South West Rail Link will open to customers on Sunday 8 February 2015 – one year ahead of schedule.
The NSW Government came to promising to build the South West Rail Link and after more than three years of major construction and months of testing, the Premier said train services will start operating for customers next month.
“This is great news for Western Sydney and means that, for the first time, residents in Sydney’s fastest growing region will have access to a world-class, reliable train service connecting them to the rest of the city,” Mr Baird said.
“I am pleased to announce locals will be able to catch regular air-conditioned trains from two new stations at Leppington and Edmondson Park and, from day one, have access to 1,250 free, untimed commuter car parking spaces.
“Opening well ahead of schedule and $300 million under budget, the South West Rail Link is proof that when this government says it will build the infrastructure needed to transform this great State, we will deliver.
“I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off another huge year of infrastructure delivery in NSW than being in Leppington on New Year’s Day announcing this vital transport project will be ready for customers next month.
“When work started here on the South West Rail Link, all you could see were paddocks. Today there are hundreds of new homes being built right along the rail line, with even more housing developments on the way. This rail line will meet the needs of South West Sydney today and well into the future.
Ms Berejiklian said from February 8 trains will run every 30 minutes from Liverpool to Leppington, stopping at Edmondson Park and Glenfield, with the journey taking around 15 minutes in each direction.
“Trains will run from 5am to midnight and customers will be able to change trains at Glenfield or Liverpool to connect with services across Sydney, including the CBD, Parramatta and the airport,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“As thousands more residents move into the region and start using this state-of-the-art rail line in coming years, service frequency will be increased and we will change the timetable so trains connect directly with the rest of the rail network.
“I am also pleased that from day one, new bus routes will begin to connect with the two new stations at Leppington and Edmondson Park.
“The two new bus routes will carry customers from Oran Park to Leppington via Catherine Field, and from Ingleburn to Liverpool via Edmondson Park. Two existing routes, 855 from Rossmore to Liverpool and 856 from Bringelly to Liverpool, will be extended to Leppington Station.
“As well as 1,250 new parking spaces, kiss and ride zones, footpaths and bicycle parking, a total of 897 weekly bus services will operate to the new stations, giving customers easy access to the South West Rail Link.
“For the past two months Sydney Trains has been conducting extensive driver training and testing of the new track to ensure services are safe and reliable.
“We’ve also invited residents, schools and local business groups behind the scenes to see their new local stations before they open. I know the community will be pleased to hear opening day is just over one month away.”
Timetable information on the South West Rail Link and connecting bus services will be available in the next few weeks for customers on real-time apps and at www.transportnsw.info.