Overview
Trips between CBD and Parramatta could one day be a whole lot faster as the NSW Government has today promised to put a fair chunk of funding towards its plan for an ambitious new high-speed underground train between the two Sydney business districts. The State Government today committed a huge $3 billion to the Metro West project — which includes $28 million in the coming financial year — as part of its Budget 2018.
The project — which would see a completely new underground train line built from the CBD to Parramatta — was first announced back in November 2016. If built, it would complement the existing overground (and at-capacity) T1 line and service a range of areas, including Sydney Olympic Park, White Bay, Rozelle and Westmead.
The funding is expected to pass through Parliament and, should there be a change in government at next year's election, still go ahead under Labor — Labor leader Luke Foley has said that the Metro West is the "number one transport project" for the party.
The $28 million in the 2018 budget will go towards planning and designing the stations so that the next stage of development can be finalised. Work on the project is expected to begin in 2020, and it's slated for completion in 2025. If all goes to plan, Parramatta will also have a new light rail system by then and the CBD could have nine new metro stations.