Whilst the State’s top infrastructure advisors have encouraged developers bidding for the new Darling Harbour/Pyrmont Convention Centre not to be constrained by the presence of the Sydney Monorail, it is important not to forget the benefits for tourism that are derived from the Monorail’s presence in Sydney.

Running at five minute intervals on a 3.6 kilometre loop circuit, 364 days of the year, the Sydney Monorail has held a much maligned existence in Sydney since first constructed in 1988 as a link to the newly created Darling Harbour project as part of Sydney’s Bicentennial celebrations. Linking Town Hall, Darling Harbour, the Sydney Convention Centre and the Chinatown precinct, the Monorail has offered a quick and environmentally friendly transport offering for tourists, leisure seekers and commuters for almost twenty five years.

Owned and operated by Metro Transport Sydney, also the operators of the Sydney Light Rail, the Monorail carries more than three million customers a year, with customers essentially segmented into three distinct groups – visitors to Sydney (54%), leisure seekers (24%) and commuters (22%).

It provides an easy and direct trip from the Sydney CBD to Darling Harbour, taking eight minutes from the Galeries Victoria Station on Pitt St, adjacent to Town Hall Station to the Convention Centre station. At $5 a single trip or $9.80 for an all day pass, the cost of the Monorail is inexpensive and a real bargain for tourists looking to see more of Sydney’s landmarks and an easier way to move around town.

Another important fact about the Sydney Monorail is that as a privately operated business, it is the only transport mode in Sydney that operates without a Government subsidy. The Monorail is the only easy and direct transport link from Sydney CBD to Darling Harbour servicing the existing convention centre and Darling Harbour attractions.

Further information about the Sydney Monorail can be found at http://www.metrotransport.com.au/uploads/sydney-monorail-the-facts.pdf