I call it TaNSW (Transport against New South Wales)!

No existing public transport serves this particular corridor in its
entirety. There are different routes going in different directions serving
parts of it, but nothing connecting all these routes into one. The
Parramatta free shuttle bus (900) approximates the Parramatta city centre
part of the tram route but not beyond that.

As far as I can see, the nearest tram stop in Macquarie St is about 150
metres from Parramatta station. It's a bit closer to the metro station and
pretty-much in the centre of town. I'd say they're striking a balance
between servicing those various needs.

There's only one centre island platform on the whole route (Childrens
Hospital). They've finally seen some sense, except I'd say the Childrens
Hospital stop will be pretty busy. It's going to be a slow journey, lots of
twists, turns and doglegs for which a tram with fixed trucks is quite
inappropriate.

Separated lines is pretty much a norm now for efficient operation, so
delays on one section don't impact on the whole system (like with the
suburban system). The problem is that they should apply the same design
standards to all lines so that at least rolling stock can be swapped around
if necessary. Nothing sillier-looking than one line's depot having surplus
cars parked doing nothing while another line is desperately short of trams.

Tony P

On Wednesday, 24 February 2021 at 11:54:07 UTC+11 Michael Lewis wrote:

> Very detailed planning document - after the decisions to build and what

> routes to follow.

>

> I have 2 questions.

> 1. How is (was) the route already serviced by public transport and what

> were its shortcomings?

> 2. Was the route designed by 20 and 30 year olds? The distance beween

> Parramatta Station and Macquarie St is considerable for those not young and

> healthy. It amazes me (aged 77) about how much effort is expended in making

> public transport ENTRANCE and EGRESS. wheelchair and pram friendly

> (different story for actual travel on buses), yet a walk of half a km is

> considered fit for purpose, or it is assumed that no one will wish to

> transfer from PS to MS except fit and able students.

>

> Thankfully the same service provider is involved, otherwise we might have

> had incompatible Westmead and Carlingford routes which seems to be normal

> for TfNSW (I worry about the "f") for its other light rails and metros.

>

> Michael

> On Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 7:23:21 AM UTC+11 TP wrote:

>

>> Here is the detail design for the PRL:

>>

>>

>> https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/sites/council/files/2020-06/D05825492%20%20PLR1%20-%20Urban%20Design%20Requirements%20-%20Agreement%20Baseline%20-%20180216%20Low%20Res.pdf

>>

>> Tony P

>>

>