Testing time for new night tram

SYDNEY’S light rail trams are now being tested at night – but commuters will not be jumping aboard any time soon, with the trouble-plagued project still a year away from completion.

About 23 of the 60 Citadis X05 trams have arrived and are being put through their paces on weeknights at Randwick, before daytime testing begins on parts of the controversial $2.1 billion CBD to Randwick/Kingsford light rail that should have opened last month.

Transport NSW predicts a March 2020 opening but Spanish builder Acciona said it will probably be next May.

“Good progress is being made on the light rail project, with paving and other finishing works under way in many zones, and overhead wires up from Randwick to Central Station,” a NSW Transport spokeswoman said.

The night time test runs of the carriages, which measure in at 33m long and will be coupled as pairs, will soon include Moore Park and Surry Hills, with daytime tests scheduled for Randwick over coming weeks.

Transport authorities have begun a campaign to warn schoolchildren and pedestrians to be careful around the trams.

Picture: BILL HEARNE ON TRACK: Sydney is getting closer to boarding the light rail system as testing of the trams is carried out through the night at Alison Rd, Randwick.