Sydney does not have a vision for rail beyond 2006 and the anticipated completion of the Parramatta-Chatswood link, yet for rail to maximise its benefit to Sydney it requires an integrated concept plan at least 40 years longer. This paper outlines possibilities based on known future operational constraints and the implications of desired metropolitan trends in urban consolidation and total travel by different modes. Four key concepts are identified: (1) a need to create a strong focus on Parramatta maximising usage of its Parramatta-Chatswood underground station; (2) development of strong developmental axes along existing and currently proposed rail lines in Western Sydney; (3) construction of a number of relatively low cost, incremental branch extensions to existing and proposed rail routes linking in other existing and potential major activity centres; (4) construction of an additional core metro line from Parramatta to Sydney via Olympic Park and Leichhardt and its extension to the Northern Beaches. The implications of this strategy for the development of inter-city and freight operations are also discussed. (A)
Abstract