Penrith fast train link 'ruled out'
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NSW Govt says the link would take away capacity from existing lines. (REUTERS: REUTERS Tim Wimborne)
Penrith Council says the New South Wales Government has confirmed it has ruled out a high-speed western Sydney train link.
The Federal Government is funding a $20 million study into a private-sector proposal for a fast link from central Sydney, through Parramatta to Penrith.
But a Sydney newspaper today reports NSW Transport coordinator-general David Richmond is opposed to the link because it uses existing train lines.
Penrith Mayor Greg Davies says the State Government has told him the feasibility study will not look at extending the possible line beyond Parramatta
"To chop that out at Parramatta hardly makes sense for the million people in Sydney's west," he said.
NSW Transport Minister John Watkins says a decision has not yet been made but a fast rail link would take away capacity from existing train lines.
"It is important that people understand that a fast rail system may bring benefit to Penrith and Blacktown but it certainly doesn't bring benefit to stations in between," he said.
"You can't have a fast rail system from Penrith that actually stops at every station as the CityRail service does."
Mr Watkins says a decision will be made in the near future.
Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell says it demonstrates the State Government's stop-start approach to major projects.
"A commitment to one or two new metro links ignores the problems hundreds of thousands of commuters face daily," he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Watkins says timetable changes and extra carriages on Sydney's northern and western lines from next week will add an extra 1,500 passengers to the weekday peak.
