Sydney's LRT demonstrates a number of features not common on many LRT systems, but nevertheless show the flexibility of LRT. This includes making use of former railway ROW infrastructure, and direct service into the property of local attractions.

A recent issue in Toronto's news, station naming rights has been used when the former LRT station named Haymarket and former monorail station named Powerhouse Museum were both renamed Paddy's Markets in July 2005.

Technical Details of System

LRV interior

Fare collection:

Fares are collected on board by Metro Transport personnel who issue tickets from a handheld electronic device. Exact fare is not required as the personnel can make change.

Operation is divided into two fare zones, with Central to Convention in one zone, and Pyrmont Bay to Lilyfield in the second zone.

One-way fare in a single zone is A$3.20 and for two zones is A$4.20 while a return fare in a single zone is A$4.60 and for two zones is A$5.70

A weekly pass is available for A$20 that covers both zones, and for A$28 that also covers travel on the monorail.

Day passes are available for A$9.00 for an individual covering both zones. A coupon is available on their website for a special rate day pass for A$6.00

Here is a description of the trip from Central to Lilyfield that takes approximately 23 minutes:

Outbound returning to Hay Street after leaving Central

The east end of the LRT line has a loop that enters a covered platform at Central Station. Inbound trams continue east on Hay Street past Pitt Street for one block to enter Central from the east end. After leaving Central, the line returns to Hay Street on the east side of Pitt Street. As Central is on a loop, it is a single track station, with trams passing through the station where boarding is on its left.

The LRT travels exclusively on Hay Street from Pitt Street to Darling Drive, stopping at Capitol Square, on the east side of George Street, and at Paddy's Markets, a few hundred metres east of Darling Drive. This part of Hay Street is reserved for LRV and bicycle traffic, though limited automobile traffic is permitted on short sections for laneway access.

With the exception of the two terminal stations, all stations have side platforms, most barely long enough for two LRVs. Currently, Metro Lightrail only operate LRVs alone, though tests with three coupled have been done.

Outbound after stopping at Darling Drive, where the ROW leaves the street

Inbound approaching Capitol Square at George Street

Outbound leaving Star City

Inbound leaving Star City

The west end of Hay Street ends at Darling Drive, but the LRT continues on a former railway ROW, curving to the north immediately after crossing Darling Drive. From this point, the line runs on ballasted tie track for the remainder of the line, following the former ROW of the Darling Harbour Goods Line, a freight railway that closed on January 22, 1996.

The first stretch of the line, past Exhibition Centre and Convention stations, parallels the monorail line. Convention is the last stop in fare zone one.

Just before arriving at the next station, Pyrmont Bay, the line becomes covered. It would be incorrect to say that this was a tunnelled section of the line, though there are a few short sections of tunnel or underpasses. Much of this part of the line has buildings built over it.

The covered part of the line continues to just past Star City, the station located beneath the Star City Casino. This station, though covered by the casino building, is open to its northeast side as the inbound platform is shared by buses on its other side. This, along with Central, are the only stations with a longer than usual platform.

The line emerges from the covered section to pass through a deep cut with high vertical rock walls. The John Street Square station is in this cut section, which continues on to the next station, Fish Market. A short section between John Street Square and Fish Market is covered.

Fish Market station is located in a cut partly under the Western Distributor Freeway on its approach to the ANZAC Bridge that spans Johnstons Bay. The line continues in a cut to the next station, Wentworth Park, though no longer in a rock cut.

Wentworth Park was the original western terminus of the LRT when it first opened in 1997. Past Wentworth Park, the line is elevated above the surrounding terrain, with part of that elevation on a viaduct.

The next station is Glebe. After Glebe, the line enters a tunnel that is just over 700 metres in length that passes under mostly residential neighbourhoods.

Inbound approaching Glebe after leaving tunnel

At the west end of the tunnel is Jubilee Park. This station is located next to two waterfront parks, Federal Park and Bicentennial Park, overlooking Rozelle Bay.

West of the stop at Jubilee Park, the line curves to the northwest over a viaduct overlooking the two parks. After the viaduct, the line curves again to the west and arrives at the Rozelle Bay station.

After Rozelle Bay, the line curves again to the southwest for a few hundred metres before curving again to the west.

About 150 metres before arriving at Lilyfield, the line merges into a single track and proceeds under City West Link Road at an obtuse angle. Much of the Lilyfield station is under this elevated road. Only the tail end of the station, to the right of the LRT line is uncovered.

LRV at Lilyfield

LRVs are staffed by two Metro Transit employees, one operator and one fare collector. Fares are paid on board to the fare collector who can make change and issue the proof of payment using a handheld electronic terminal.

Inbound nearing the end of the former railway ROW between Exhibition and Paddy's Markets - LRVs are limited to 20 km/h for the on street portion of the route

It is common to see cleaning staff throughout the system as they travel from station to station with a cleaning cart and perform light cleaning duties while onboard trams.

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This page last updated October 13, 2010