Frequently Asked Questions about the
changes in the Sydney CBD
QUESTION INDEX
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Q1. Where do people go for more information about CBD changes?
Q2. Why do I need to make any changes?
Q3. I understand that the construction of Light Rail will impact George Street, but I’m not located on
George Street. Will I still be affected?
Q4. How can I work out exactly what the impact will be on my business?
Q5. What is happening to bus services?
Q6. What is happening to train services?
Q7. What is happening to ferry services?
Q8. Where do I go to plan my journey by public transport?
Q9. Are you removing the interchange penalty that applies on Opal cards when you switch between
modes?
Q10. Why do we need light rail?
Q11. What vehicle restrictions will be in place on George Street?
Q12. How will small business be supported?
Q13. Will there be changes to taxi access?
Q14. What about freight vehicles?
Q15. Can I access my private car park on George Street?
Q16. Will pedestrian access be impacted?
Q17. Where can I find out more information about construction projects?
Q18. What will happen to the mobility impaired as a result of these changes?
Q19. Will there be a reduction in toll for roads under and around the city to avoid travelling through the
city?
Q20. What if I have to drive into the city for family / have a parking space as part of my salary package /
other reasons?
Q21. What assistance is there for business?
Q22. What is the purpose/why is it needed?
Q23. What does Travel Choices offer?
Q24. Tools and channels
Q25. How long will it operate for?
Q26. What should businesses do?
Q27. What should commuters do?
Q28. What should freight and servicing companies do?
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Q1. WHERE DO PEOPLE GO FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CBD CHANGES?
Businesses should log onto the MySydney website for further information.
For more information about CBD changes, navigate to CBD Projects on the MySydney website.
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Q2. WHY DO I NEED TO MAKE ANY CHANGES?
Significant changes are occurring to the road and transport network in the CBD as we upgrade and improve
our transportation system.
Projects include Light Rail from Circular Quay to Kingsford and Randwick, a new bus network, major
upgrades to key CBD train stations and CBD traffic flow improvements.
There will be substantial disruption during the construction process and everyone’s journey in and out of
the CBD will be impacted, regardless of how they travel.
Businesses are being strongly advised to look at the detail of these changes to understand the extent to
which employees’, customers’ and suppliers’ journeys will be affected, and communicate the impacts of
the changes as well as to plan ahead to minimise the disruption to their business.
To understand more about how journeys will be affected, log onto CBD Projects on the MySydney website.
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Q3. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE CONSTRUCTION OF LIGHT RAIL WILL IMPACT GEORGE STREET, BUT
I’M NOT LOCATED ON GEORGE STREET. WILL I STILL BE AFFECTED?
Yes, the works on George Street will affect the whole of the CBD. Roads will be much busier than usual as
traffic which normally travelled on George Street will be re-routed to surrounding streets.
Buses no longer travel along George Street and now operate on new priority routes including Elizabeth
Street, Castlereagh Street, Park Street, Druitt Street, Clarence Street and York Street.
It is for this reason that it is critical we reduce the number of cars travelling through the CBD. If your staff,
customers or suppliers travel by car into the CBD, where construction starts, their journey will be
disrupted.
Think about how journeys are made;
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Can they remode to public transport?
Can they reroute their journey so they are not travelling through the CBD?
Can they retime their journey so they are not travelling at peak hours?
Can they reduce the number of journeys made in the CBD at peak times?
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Q4. HOW CAN I WORK OUT EXACTLY WHAT THE IMPACT WILL BE ON MY BUSINESS?
Travel Choices is a free, dedicated resource set up specifically to help businesses manage the impact of
construction. Engage with our program to work out what the impacts on your business will be.
Businesses employing over 500 staff are entitled to help from a dedicated specialist travel advisor who
provides bespoke solutions to manage the impacts of the construction. For more information please
email travelchoices@transport.nsw.gov.au
Q4. HOW CAN I WORK OUT EXACTLY WHAT THE IMPACT WILL BE ON MY BUSINESS? (cont.)
Employers of 500 staff or less can register for an interactive workshop which pinpoints how they will be
affected by the changes to the transport network. Attendees are then supported in identifying transport
measures to ensure their business is resilient to the changes. Ongoing help is provided from the Travel
Choices team. Register at: www.travelchoices.eventbrite.com.au.
There will also be drop in sessions across the city; locations will be advertised at the Travel Choices page on
the MySydney website.
You can also use the tools available on the website to find out what is changing. For more information
visit the Travel Choices page on the MySydney website.
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Q5. WHAT IS HAPPENING TO BUS SERVICES?
The bus network was upgraded on 4 October. Bus changes were implemented to allow for the construction
works along George Street. All services which ran along George Street have been re-routed to new priority
routes including Elizabeth Street, Castlereagh Street, Park Street, Druitt Street, Clarence Street and York
Street.
Information on the bus network can be accessed at the new CBD Bus Network on the MySydney website.
Real time apps are also available so you can plan your journey before you set off. For more information on
apps log onto the Transport for New South Wales real-time Apps web page
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Q6. WHAT IS HAPPENING TO TRAIN SERVICES?
There are no planned changes to the Sydney Trains network. Services will continue as normal, however
some stations and routes may be busier at peak times, especially where stations are currently being
upgraded.
For more information visit the Train Station Upgrades page on the MySydney website
Real time apps are also available so you can plan your journey before you set off. For more information on
apps log onto: Transport for New South Wales real-time Apps web page.
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Q7. WHAT IS HAPPENING TO FERRY SERVICES?
There are no planned changes to the Ferry network, though some services may become busier, especially
at peak times.
Real time apps are also available so you can plan your journey before you set off. For more information on
apps log onto the Transport for New South Wales real-time Apps web page.
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Q8. WHERE DO I GO TO PLAN MY JOURNEY BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT?
Plan your public transport journey at the MySydney website' Trip Planner.
Download real time transport apps. Log onto the Transport for New South Wales real-time Apps web page.
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Q9. ARE YOU REMOVING THE INTERCHANGE PENALTY THAT APPLIES ON OPAL CARDS WHEN YOU
SWITCH BETWEEN MODES?
The additional Opal charge that applies when you switch between different modes currently remains in
place, but is subject to an ongoing review. We will advise of any changes when and if they occur.
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Q10. WHY DO WE NEED LIGHT RAIL?
By 2031 the number of trips made within the city each day will increase by 35% from 1.27m to 1.7m
trips.[1] The existing transport systems cannot keep pace and that is why the government is investing in
infrastructure that can deliver long term carrying capacity. Congestion costs Sydney up to $5 billion a year
and this is forecast to rise to $8 billion a year by 2020.[2]
“Business as usual” is not an option. The roads cannot take any more buses and trains are already
operating at capacity. If we do nothing, our city will grind to a halt.
Local and global examples reveal most new Light Rail projects deliver improved outcomes for the traveling
public and improved environmental conditions – such as reduced local emissions.
The Sydney CBD and South East Light Rail project will contribute significant urban design enhancements to
surrounding stops. There is evidence to show that levels of pedestrian activity have increased, pedestrian
safety has been enhanced, and retail viability has improved.
Similar to what is proposed in Sydney, the cities that have adopted these design enhancements as part of
delivering a new Light Rail project have achieved that best outcomes for their economies and the most
external benefits for their communities.
In 2019 light rail will operate all the way from Circular Quay to both Randwick and Kingsford, with “turn up
and go” services arriving every four minutes in the CBD during peak hour and every eight minutes on each
branch line. It will run directly along George Street, which will be progressively closed to general traffic
once construction starts.
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Light rail will deliver much needed increased public transport capacity and reliability within the CBD and
between the CBD and South Eastern suburbs with each service able to carry 450 passengers, the equivalent
of nine standard buses. More than 220 buses will be removed from the CBD core when Sydney Light Rail is
operational as part of a fully integrated transport model.
In summary, Light rail will provide a catalyst for the revitalisation of George Street, as well as adjacent
streets, by delivering additional pedestrian space, improving accessibility and making it easier and safer to
walk in the city.
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Q11. WHAT VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS WILL BE IN PLACE ON GEORGE STREET?
George Street has been closed to general traffic between King and Market streets since October for light
rail construction. Further vehicle restrictions will be put in place as construction continues along George
Street. It is important to plan ahead and follow the signs and directions from traffic controllers.
Only those drivers delivering to loading docks in the block, making service calls, resident car space owners
and emergency vehicles will be given access to the sections of George Street closed to general traffic.
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Q12. HOW WILL SMALL BUSINESS BE SUPPORTED?
Travel Choices is a free business assistance program offering help for staff, management and delivery
services to plan their travel through the period of CBD construction. The Travel Choices team of expert
advisors are delivering free workshops where you and your business can get practical advice and useful
planning tools.
For details on how to access Travel Choices, phone 1800 632 500 or email:
travelchoices@transport.nsw.gov.au
Or register for a workshop visit the Travel Choices page on the MySydney website.
Transport for NSW has also announced a program to back CBD retailers in the lead up to Christmas with
plans to maximise pedestrian space during the initial light rail construction period and encourage a range of
promotional activities.
The program aim is to maintain footfall throughout Light Rail construction. The first stage of this program has
begun.
The program includes pop-up retail stores, city ambassadors, gift wrapping stations, WiFi zones, live bands,
fashion parades, face painting and digital Christmas card photo booths, street lighting, banners and the
nine metre high Christmas tree.
More details will be made available at the MySydney website closer to Christmas.
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Q13. WILL THERE BE CHANGES TO TAXI ACCESS?
During the transformation period on-street parking spaces will be re-allocated to create more room for
buses, taxi ranks and loading zones.
Two new ‘super’ taxi ranks will be built to service the busiest late night entertainment precincts and CBD
hubs: one on the eastern side of Pitt Street north of Martin Place, and a relocation of the current Park
Street rank to the northern side of Bathurst Street, west of George Street. A portion of the ranks will
operate 24 hours and feature wider footpaths and shelters and 24 hour CCTV monitoring as well as security
staff Friday and Saturday nights. There will be more full-time and part-time designated taxi zones across
the city, providing taxis with safe and legal places to stop in the CBD, helping to reduce congestion and
keep the network moving.
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Q14. WHAT ABOUT FREIGHTAND SERVICING VEHICLES?
Freight vehicles will still be able to access George Street for specific local deliveries. Please take a look at
the handbook for things you should consider and register for a free workshop. You can access the
handbook and register for a workshop at mysydney.nsw.gov.au/travelchoices
If you have concerns about deliveries and servicing you can email: cbdfreight@transport.nsw.gov.au
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Q15. CAN I ACCESS MY PRIVATE CAR PARK ON GEORGE STREET?
Local access will be maintained and managed by the Light Rail contractor Altrac. Access will be maintained
for east- west movements. For more information on Sydney Light Rail, please call 1800 684 490 or
mail projects@transport.nsw.gov.au.
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Q16. WILL PEDESTRIAN ACCESS BE IMPACTED?
Improvements are being made to the quality and condition of footpaths across the CBD to make walking
easier, including the installation of pedestrian wayfinding signs. City walking maps and routes will also be
made available. There will be a new pedestrian zone implemented between Wynyard and Town Hall
stations.
Pedestrians will always be able to access footpaths along George Street. Wynyard Walk will enable
pedestrians to travel between Wynyard Station and Barangaroo in about six minutes. While other
improvements will make it faster, easier and safer to walk around the city.
For more information visit the Pedestrian Improvcements page on the MySydney website.
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Q17. WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS?
A construction timetable and supporting maps have been produced to provide more information on the
construction activities, timing, how, when and where you will be affected. They pinpoint what changes are
going to be made and when, as well as the likely impacts in the CBD over the next few years.
For more information visit the mySydney website.
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Q18. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE MOBILITY IMPAIRED AS A RESULT OF THESE CHANGES?
TfNSW is committed to providing a CBD that can be accessed and enjoyed by everyone. This is why many
of the city’s train stations are being upgraded to allow for full accessibility for all users – just a small part of
our wider program to provide an inclusive and accessibly Sydney.
It is really important to plan ahead before you travel and test your new plan.
Plan your public transport journey at the MySydney website's Trip Planner
Download real time transport apps. Log onto Transport for New South Wales’ real-time Apps web page.
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Q19. WILL THERE BE A REDUCTION IN TOLL FOR ROADS UNDER AND AROUND THE CITY TO AVOID
TRAVELLING THROUGH THE CITY?
Transport for NSW is looking at all aspects of CBD travel. Current pricing structures for the city’s toll roads
will remain in place.
TfNSW are aware of the challenges the city will face as we transform your travel options and make Sydney
ready for the future.
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Q20. WHAT IF I HAVE TO DRIVE INTO THE CITY FOR FAMILY / HAVE A PARKING SPACE AS PART OF
MY SALARY PACKAGE / OTHER REASONS?
You can continue to drive if you need to, but it is important that you understand that your journey may be
impacted, especially if you travel in peak periods. Wherever possible, you are encouraged to consider
whether you can:
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Reduce the need to travel into the CBD by car
Retime the journeys you make to avoid the busiest periods
Remode – choose a different mode to travel to, from and within the CBD; and
Reroute your journey away from the busiest areas close to George Street.
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Q21. WHAT ASSISTANCE IS THERE FOR BUSINESS?
Travel Choices is a free business assistance program offering help for staff, management and delivery
services to plan their travel through the period of CBD construction. The Travel Choices team of expert
advisors are delivering free workshops where you and your business can get practical advice and useful
planning tools.
For details on how to access Travel Choices, phone 1800 632 500 or email
travelchoices@transport.nsw.gov.au
Or register for a workshop visit the Travel Choices page on the MySydney website.
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Q22. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE/WHY IS IT NEEDED?
In the next 10 years an extra one million people will call Sydney home. To cope with this extraordinary
growth, Sydney’s transport network is undergoing major changes. The benefits will be considerable but
there will be significant disruption during construction.
Transport for NSW recognises that this disruption will be challenging for businesses and is determined to
keep Sydney moving during this period. The goal of the program is to motivate behaviour change amongst
private and commercial drivers.
Removing 5 to 15 per cent of peak drivers to off-peak times or shifting them to preferred driving routes to
alleviate pressures on CBD roads and in turn support network flow and the economy.
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Q23. WHAT DOES TRAVEL CHOICES OFFER?
Businesses employing over 500 staff are entitled to help from a dedicated specialist travel advisor who
provides bespoke solutions to manage the impacts of the construction. Employers of 500 staff or less can
register for an interactive workshop which pinpoints how their business will be affected by the changes to
the transport network. The workshop enables businesses to identify measures to ensure they are resilient
to the changes. Further, ongoing engagement is then provided by the Travel Choices team.
Travel Choices are also proactively engaging with business intermediaries (peak bodies) who, through their
membership, have access to a large number of businesses across the city. Business intermediaries promote
the Travel Choices messaging and advice through newsletters and updates to their membership.
The key for all businesses is to plan ahead and test your plans.
For help developing a plan register for a free workshop at the Travel Choices page on the MySydney
website.
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Q24. TOOLS AND CHANNELS
Dedicated Travel Choices education and planning tools have been developed to enable business to
effectively support staff, customers and freight personnel in addressing the changes ahead. Businesses
have access to a suite of tools through a dedicated web portal which hosts a business handbook, a travel
action plan, a travel impact assessment form, and registration to workshops. Businesses receiving site
specific support also receive additional tools such as a travel survey that enables targeted communication
to specific travel users and bespoke ‘precinct travel’ maps. Details can be found at the Travel Choices page
on the MySydney website.
There will also be drop in sessions across the city; locations will be advertised at the Travel Choices page on
the MySydney website.
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Q25. HOW LONG WILL IT OPERATE FOR?
Travel Choices is a three year commitment by Transport for NSW to develop sustainable strategies for
equipping business with information, tools and practical solutions to construction impacts in the Sydney
CBD and to assist Transport for NSW in creating a sustainable traffic management outcome for Sydney.
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Q26. WHAT SHOULD BUSINESSES DO?
Businesses should encourage management, staff and suppliers to plan ahead and test their new journeys
before the changes come into effect. To start planning simply log onto the Travel Choices page on the
MySydney website to access free support materials and sign up for workshops and news bulletins, or
phone the Travel Choices team on 1800 632 500.
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Q27. WHAT SHOULD COMMUTERS DO?
Commuters are encouraged to plan ahead and consider their travel to and from the CBD through the four
R’s: Reroute, Remode, Retime or Reduce. Commuters should make use of real-time apps so they ‘know
before they go’ and plan ahead. Information on apps can be accessed at Transport for New South Wales'
website.
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Q28. WHAT SHOULD FREIGHT AND SERVICING COMPANIES DO?
Freight and servicing companies can get specialist help and advice from the Transport for NSW Freight
Team. Companies can contact the Freight Team at CBDFreight@transport.nsw.gov.au.
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