The wait is over. The Parramatta Light Rail project has debuted, connecting Westmead to Carlingford. Trams just 9 minutes apart can now take you from Parramatta Square straight to Western’s Parramatta South campus.
The Yallamundi light rail stop is just a 5-minute walk from the Parramatta South Campus.
Convenience At Your Fingertips
The Parramatta light rail could very well be the breath of fresh air students have been waiting after growing accustomed to long waits and lengthy queues for the campus shuttle buses.
Transport New South Wales reports the light rail can transport up to 400 passengers and better navigate the Parramatta City traffic.
Student Rames Hussein said, “It’s much easier to use, faster than the bus and you don’t have to wait as long.”
The integration of the light rail into Parramatta public transport has already cleared some of the congestion around the Parramatta City Square Campus where students normally await the shuttle.
The Hole in Your Wallet
Many students are concerned by the cost of the light rail. The prime benefit of the shuttle bus is that the University provides it to students for free. When students are already paying hefty Opal fares and parking fees, this service is generally highly appreciated.
Although the light rail is not nearly as cost-effective as a free shuttle, students holding Concession Opal cards can still receive discounted on the light rail.
If you do not own a Concession Opal card, see here to order one. You can check your eligibility for a Student Concession Opal card here.
Light Rail Over the Parramatta River. Photo by Eleanor Cooper, 2025
Accessibility
The walk to and from light rail stops has caused some accessibility concerns to arise in students. The shuttle bus stops are located intentionally, allowing accessibility, but the placement of the light rail may present difficulties for some students.
Western Staff member and alum Ellie Winter said, “I definitely have concerns about accessibility, especially for those with higher accessibility needs, such as individuals in wheelchairs or those using crutches.”
Whilst the extended walk may hinder accessibility, the trams themselves are wheelchair accessible. In addition, the light rail adheres to a consistent and reliable system facilitated by Opal, presenting the potential for it to be more accessible to international students.
As an exchange student, Alexandra Salvva has found the light rail to have “improved accessibility” whilst the shuttle bus service “can be a bit confusing at times.”
Sustainability
Megan Shooter is Western Sydney University’s Environmental Student Representative and is studying a Bachelor of Advanced Science, majoring in Sustainable Environmental Futures. Shooter is well acquainted with the ins and outs of the light rail construction.
Megan Shooter at Western’s 2025 Autumn Welcome Week. Photo by Jasmine Kaur, 2025.
“The Parramatta light rail is a strong example of sustainable construction and future resilience,” said Shooter. “The project has repurposed materials from a decommissioned rail line, integrated solar panels, and cut concrete use by 81%. By 2041, the light rail is expected to reduce emissions by the equivalent of removing 25,000 cars from the road.”
Next Steps
Overall, the light rail is an efficient, sustainable and convenient way to travel to Western’s Parramatta campuses. While there are accessibility and monetary concerns, generally the student population is excited about what comes next.
Post-graduate student Julia Bell said: “I think we’re still in a learning phase at the moment, so I’m cautiously optimistic.”
The Parramatta light rail has been a long time coming, and will continue to expand to neighbouring cities over the next few years. This is an exciting development for students seeking greater convenience in their commute.
For more information, visit transportnsw.info.
