Sydney Light Rail images

The Sydney Light Rail line was opened to passenger operation in late 1997. As of August 1999, the line operates from Sydney's Central Railway Station to Wentworth Park, near Blackwattle Bay on Sydney Harbour. There are proposals to extend the line from Wentworth Park to Lilyfield.

The line has a small amount of street trackage, along Hay Street and at the Sydney Central Station. Even this street trackage, however, involves reduced direct conflict between light rail vehicles and other motor traffic. All passenger loading is undertaken at platforms. The bulk of the light rail line is on a former goods railway line right of way, with no level crossings with motor traffic. However, pedestrians cross the line at grade at stopping places. Much of the current light rail line is very difficult to photograph, with sections in tunnel, under buildings or in deep rock cutting.

The line services Sydney's "Star City Casino", together with the western side of Darling Harbour, and tourist attractions such as the Fish Market. It also services a densely populated residential area of Pyrmont, with major apartment developments.

Seven light rail vehicles of the articulated Variotram design were constructed by Adtranz at their factory in Melbourne for service on the line. These light rail vehicles are numbered 2101 to 2107.

Other internet sites have a much more complete description of the light rail vehicles and the system's operation - please refer to the links page.

Images of Sydney Light Rail line:

This view shows light rail vehicle 2104 at the Central Station terminus, under the railway station colonnade. 2104 is waiting to depart for Wentworth Park. The line runs in a large loop around a park to serve the station. Image taken March 1999.

This view shows a light rail vehicle in Hay Street at Castlereagh Street inbound for Central Station one weekday morning. The destination sign has already been set for the return journey to Wentworth Park. Image taken December 1999.

This view shows a light rail vehicle in Hay Street at George Street, at the Capitol Theatre stopping place outbound for Wentworth Park. Image taken December 1999.

This view also shows a light rail vehicle in Hay Street at George Street outbound for Wentworth Park. This LRV's destination has not been correctly set. Image taken December 1999.

Sydney Light Rail 2102 was photographed at the Haymarket stopping place bound for Wentworth Park in March 1999. The Haymarket stop is close to Sydney's Chinatown, the Sydney Entertainment Centre and the southern end of Darling Harbour.

Several Light Rail Vehicles have been painted in all over advertising liveries. When they are, the vehicle numbers are painted out. This LRV has been painted to advertise General Motors Holden motor cars. It was photographed in Hay Street, waiting for the traffic lights to change before proceeding onto the former railway right of way.

Sydney Light Rail 2102 was photographed at the Exhibition Stop on the fully segregated section of track bound for Wentworth Park in March 1999. The Exhibition stop is near to the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.

Sydney Light Rail 2103 was photographed at the Fish Market stopping place bound for Central Station in March 1999. The Sydney Fish Market, located on the eastern side of Blackwattle Bay is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The roadway above the light rail vehicle is part of the approach to the major Glebe Island bridge, which crosses Blackwattle Bay on Sydney Harbour.

Sydney Light Rail 2104 was photographed at the Wentworth Park terminus prior to departure for Central Station in March 1999.

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