High-speed train between Newcastle and Sydney to cost $31 for one-hour trip from 2039

A government business case says a high-speed train between Newcastle and central Sydney would cut the journey to about one hour and charge a $31 fare from 2039, with an initial construction cost estimated at A$61.2bn.

A government business case released on Tuesday says a high-speed train between Newcastle and central Sydney would reduce travel time to about one hour and charge a $31 fare from 2039. The first stage is estimated to cost taxpayers A$61.2bn. An extension to Parramatta and Western Sydney International Airport would add A$32.4bn and is forecast to open by 2043. The report was prepared by the High Speed Rail Authority and the government has pledged further planning funding to progress the project. Key facts: - A $31 fare for a 60-minute Newcastle–central Sydney service is planned from 2039, with an initial construction cost estimated at A$61.2bn. - An extension to Parramatta and Western Sydney International Airport would add A$32.4bn and is scheduled to open by 2043. - The total project price tag is described as more than A$93bn, inclusive of stations, signalling and a domestic manufacturing facility. - The High Speed Rail Authority produced the business case; its preparation reportedly cost more than A$70m and the government has pledged A$230m for further planning to get the project "shovel ready" within two years if final investment approval is granted. - The business case projects up to 16.8 million trips per year by 2041 and up to 53,000 trips a day shortly after the corridor opens. - Experts cited in coverage note the route is expensive per kilometre because about 115km would run through tunnels, and the report gives a benefit-cost ratio of 0.8 to 1.2. Summary: If proceeded with, the project would be a major long-term infrastructure program affecting travel times, housing and emissions along the corridor. The immediate next step set out in the business case is detailed design and planning work supported by the pledged A$230m, with final investment approval still required. The longer-term timetable and the final budget are undetermined at this time.