Transport for NSW has committed to greater collaboration with the community to deliver a top-quality public transport link between the Liverpool CBD, Western Sydney Aerotropolis and Western Sydney International Airport.
The commitment is the result of an advocacy campaign launched by Liverpool City Council in early June when it became aware of the transport agency's plans to upgrade Hoxton Park Road, which would derail Council's plans for its flagship Fifteenth Avenue Smart Transit (FAST) Corridor project.
"Council is committed to ensuring high-quality public transport is in place for the opening of Western Sydney International Airport in 2026," Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said.
"We launched our campaign to call on Transport for NSW to work more collaboratively with Council as its plans for upgrading a section of Hoxton Park Road, which feeds into our FAST Corridor, would see the installation of transport lanes on the kerbside of the road.
"International best practice is for high-quality rapid transit corridors to be centre-running so they can be future-proofed for new technologies such as driverless electric buses and trackless trams, and have less impact on traffic flow for other road users."
In correspondence received last week by Council's Chief Executive Officer, Transport for NSW confirmed plans for upgrading the Hoxton Park Road and Fifteenth Avenue corridor would "not proceed without working closely and collaboratively with Liverpool City Council to provide the best possible transport solutions for the people of Liverpool".
"This is a fantastic outcome that will ensure we can work together with Transport for NSW to deliver a high-quality public transit solution that will play a vital role in connecting our growing city," Mayor Waller said.
"In addition to a regular 30-minute public transport connection to the new airport for Sydney's third CBD, the FAST Corridor project reinforces our commitment to active transport, such as cycling and walking.
"The corridor project is also an opportunity to create new, sustainable communities along the route, which are sensitive to their bushland and farming landscape, helping to reduce sprawl, improve public transport and preserve the unique character of our growing region.
"A huge thank you must go out to the Liverpool community for its support of Council's vision to move beyond 'business as usual' to deliver a transit solution that will be of benefit for generations to come."
As part of Council's campaign, 95 per cent of respondents to an online survey indicated their support of Council's FAST Corridor project and preferred transit lane alignment.
Council will continue to offer opportunities for the community to provide feedback on its FAST Corridor project as it progresses. Visit www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/FAST for project details.
