Light Rail
Artist’s impression of light rail, George Street at QVB.
World-class public transport is a cornerstone of sustainable development and an essential element in the City's Sustainable Sydney 2030 plan.
The City of Sydney is committed to working with the State Government to deliver fast, reliable, and convenient transport for Sydney. The State Government is examining the feasibility of potential light rail extensions from Central Station to Circular Quay and on to Barangaroo. This link would connect people with retailers, businesses and services - strengthening Sydney’s critical economic role.
Light rail is reliable, sustainable and user-friendly, and can move large numbers of people quickly. As the backbone of the surface transport network, light rail can help reduce bus delays, reduce noise, free up footpath space and open up better street-level business opportunities.
The City is working to ensure that the light rail is well integrated with other transport modes, and allows travellers to connect easily from trains, buses and ferries. The City has also committed substantial funds to assist with street infrastructure should the State Government go ahead with the project.
Future Network
Light rail is well suited to Sydney’s inner suburbs. The State Government has taken the first welcome step towards a new network by commencing the extension of the existing light rail system from Central to Dulwich Hill. The NSW Government has also announced that it will deliver extensions to the University of Sydney and the University of NSW.
A logical further extension of the light rail system would be to Green Square, which is the largest urban renewal project in the southern hemisphere. This line would reduce bus crowding, minimise traffic growth on the important airport road corridor, and provide better public transport for the densely populated neighbourhoods of Surry Hills, Redfern and Waterloo.

Artist’s impression of light rail on George Street at King Street.
Recent Studies
Sydney Light Rail Hickson Road Options Report
Hyder Consulting - February 2007
- Sydney Light Rail Hickson Road Options Report | PDF 832Kb
- Maps Of Light Rail Routes | PDF 1.7Mb
Light Rail Pre-Feasibility Study Hickson Road / Rocks Area
Hyder Consulting - June 2006
- Light Rail Pre-Feasibility Study - Hickson Road | PDF 730Kb
Recent Media Releases
Sydney & Randwick councils team up for light rail extension
1 July 2011
Two major Sydney councils will work together to support an extension to Sydney's light rail system, easing gridlocked streets and improving public transport in Australia's only global city.
City applauds State Government decision on light rail
12 October 2009
Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said: "We welcome the State Government's announcement that George Street will be included in the light rail feasibility study.
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