Local residents, shoppers, students and businesses will welcome the opening of the new Epping Chatswood Rail Link (ECRL) on Monday 23 February 2009, with a train service every
15 minutes.
The $2.3 billion rail link has three new stations right in the heart of the City of Ryde – Macquarie University, Macquarie Park and North Ryde – and provides direct rail access for the first time to the expanding Macquarie Park/North Ryde business, educational and retail hub.
On the eve of the opening of the new rail stations, City of Ryde Mayor, Clr Vic Tagg, said: “This is a major event for the City of Ryde."
“Each day thousands of Macquarie Park workers and Ryde residents will be able to use this “state of the art” rail service, thus alleviating pressure on the grossly congested arterial roads in the area."
“The unique, futuristic design of the stations reflects perfectly the vibrancy and high-tech environment of Macquarie Park."
“Looking to the future, this new rail link is vital to the long term, sustainable development of Macquarie Park which is already the second largest business district in NSW in terms of total available commercial floor space. If it continues to grow as planned, Macquarie Park will become the 4th largest business centre in Australia by 2031. ”
Construction of the ECRL has been the catalyst for a major strategic planning program by the State Government and the City of Ryde to support Macquarie Park’s growth. This planning work is preparing the ground for further public and private sector investment of several $billion in commercial development, retail, infrastructure and community facilities in Macquarie Park.
The City of Ryde has contributed over $5 million to this new public infrastructure project, with most of the funds going towards public domain improvements and to ensure compliance with disabled access requirements around the three stations. Ongoing works include granite footpath paving, installation of multifunction poles, signs and bus shelters.
The City of Ryde and RailCorp have led a multi-agency steering group to co-ordinate the launch of this exciting project.
With connections at both ends, you can continue your journey to the city or beyond without the hassles of Sydney traffic.
Initially, the new train service will operate as a shuttle service between Epping and Chatswood. Trains will run every 15 minutes between 6.00am and 9.30pm in both directions, including weekends.
The Epping to Chatswood rail link will be fully integrated into the CityRail network later this year.
For more information about the new way to travel and for details of the timetable, go to www.cityrail.info or call the Transport Infoline on 131 500.
Media contact: Lee Kirkland, City of Ryde, T 9952 8083
