Sydney’s light rail network continues to grow in popularity, with more than 150 million passenger trips recorded across the system since its reopening. In response to increasing demand, especially on weekends, the NSW Government has announced 48 new services on the L1 Dulwich Hill line starting Saturday, 29 March 2025.
Dylan Anderson
The new timetable will reduce wait times between 11am and 7pm, offering a tram every eight minutes instead of every ten. The update follows a 17% rise in weekend patronage on the L1 line between 2023 and 2024.
A Milestone for Light Rail in Sydney
Since its launch, Sydney’s light rail system has become a key part of the city’s public transport network, linking communities and major destinations across the city. The combined usage of the L1 Dulwich Hill, L2 Randwick, L3 Kingsford, and the newly opened L4 Westmead–Carlingford (Parramatta Light Rail) line reflects the growing popularity of this transport mode.
Key Usage Stats:
- 159.7 million total light rail trips since opening
- 118,437 average weekday trips
- Central Chalmers Street (L2/L3) is the busiest station
- Peak weekday hour: 5pm–6pm, with ~11,000 trips
- Around 15,000 daily interchanges from Sydney Trains & Metro
- Around 7,000 daily interchanges from buses to light rail
Dylan Anderson
Why the L1 Upgrade Matters
The L1 Dulwich Hill line connects the Inner West with Central Sydney, serving a range of destinations from residential areas to cultural hotspots. The addition of nearly 50 weekend services is designed to reduce crowding and improve wait times for locals and visitors alike.
Minister for Transport John Graham highlighted the system’s importance:
“Light rail has transformed the way millions of people get around the city... Whether it’s the L2 and L3 taking crowds to events at Moore Park, or the L1 carrying passengers to and from the Inner West, Sydney’s light rail network has added an ease of movement and connected the city.”
Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen praised the local impact:
“The L1 Dulwich Hill light rail has been fantastic for the Inner West community. Whether it’s a Sunday morning trip to Sydney’s Fish Markets or a Saturday afternoon visit to one of the Inner West’s pubs, there will be an L1 service waiting every eight minutes.”
A Broader Network Impact
Light rail now connects major precincts across Sydney, including:
- Moore Park, SCG and Allianz Stadium (L2, L3)
- Randwick health precinct and UNSW (L2)
- Parramatta CBD, Commbank Stadium, Westmead Hospital (L4)
- Inner West suburbs and Sydney Fish Market (L1)
With patronage on the rise and additional services being introduced, the light rail network is playing a central role in making Sydney’s public transport system more accessible, reliable, and sustainable.
Passengers can plan their trips and check updated timetables at transportnsw.info.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
