The Executive Director of the Australian Retailers Association, Russell Zimmerman, has congratulated the Berejiklian government on the long-awaited opening of Sydney Light Rail on 14 December, saying it would put Sydney business "back on track."
Speaking about the project's opening, Mr Zimmerman said the new light rail would transform the Sydney CBD, carrying cheer across the CBD and all the way to Randwick.
"We're thrilled to see the Sydney Light Rail opening just in time for retail shoppers to conveniently travel from one end of the city to the other to visit their favourite cafes and stores before Christmas," Mr Zimmerman said.
"With services operating from 5am to 1am, the Sydney Light Rail will also help drive a stronger night-time economy, rejuvenating the city's nightlife and breathing new life into late-night shopping," he added.
Mr Zimmerman said improved accessibility and shorter travel times would provide a significant boost to Christmas trading, but alerted shoppers to the possibility of hiccups before the service was running at full steam.
"We know there could be teething problems to begin with, but the long-term rewards are just the ticket to a strong summer as retailers get better connected to the rest of the city," he said.
Mr Zimmerman also urged caution around the newly operating light rail, encouraging pedestrians and motorists to be careful and to "look both ways" around the tracks to be aware of oncoming trams as they would take some getting used to.
"It's worth remembering the light rail is silent - be safe and enjoy the new possibilities that Sydney Light Rail will bring to Sydney shoppers and retailers alike," Mr Zimmerman concluded.
