Western Sydney Airport public transport connections
The NSW Government’s vision for the Western Parkland City (WPC) is to become a connected polycentric city focused on the existing metropolitan centres of Penrith, Liverpool, Campbelltown and the new Western Sydney Aerotropolis and new Western Sydney Airport.
By 2036, Greater Western Sydney is expected to grow to 3 million people, up 20% from 2.5 million in 2020. This is the equivalent of Adelaide (c.1.35 million people) by 2041, and by the equivalent of Perth (c.2.2 million people) by around 2060.
As identified in the 2019 Australian Infrastructure Audit, future passenger and freight services demand at our airports will require active land use and transport planning (Challenge #75). The Aerotropolis core and Western Sydney Airport will require reliable public transport connections to key activity centres in WPC. This will support access to residential and employment areas and to service airport passengers, airport workers and aviation related businesses. Demand for these connections will increase as development occurs in the Aerotropolis and as the airport commences passenger operations, expected to be from 2026.
Fast and reliable bus connections using dedicated infrastructure, integrated with the broader Sydney rail and public transport network, can help minimise
road congestion in the growth areas of Western Sydney.
The Western Sydney City Deal commits to the establishment of rapid bus services from the metropolitan centres of Penrith, Liverpool and Campbelltown to Western Sydney Airport before it opens in 2026, and to the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
Detailed planning is currently underway for bus routes, zero emission fleet and infrastructure including bus stops, corridor upgrades and depot facilities.
This is a complementary investment to the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line which will connect Western Sydney Airport and the Aerotropolis core by 2026 to St Marys and the broader Sydney Trains network. The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line is currently at the early works and planning stage.
Provision of high-quality public transport services from the opening of the Aerotropolis and airport will provide users with public transport travel choices and minimise reliance on cars. These types of services also provide an opportunity to guide land use planning and activation on key corridors.
Proponent to finalise detailed planning which will inform the Final Business Case and future community engagement. This information will form an investment decision to progress with delivery (Stage 3 of Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework).
Refer to Infrastructure Glossary for terms and definitions.