Sydney Light Rail

Project Overview

Capella Capital was sponsor, infrastructure developer and financial advisor for the ALTRAC Light Rail consortium (ALTRAC, previously Connecting Sydney). The consortium includes:

  • Transdev – Operations and Maintenance Contractor;
  • Alstom – Design and Construction (Systems and Rolling Stock);and
  • Acciona – Design and Construction (Civil Works).

In December 2014 ALTRAC was awarded the right to design, build own, operate and finance the Sydney Light Rail Project (SLR). Supported by ALTRAC’s equity investors, First State Super, John Laing and Acciona Concesiones. The SLR includes the existing 13 km Inner West Light Rail (IWLR) plus the CBD and South East Light Rail (CSELR). SLR is now a vital element of Sydney's public transport system.

The CSELR offers customers modern, reliable and efficient services from Circular Quay, through the CBD, to major event venues at Moore Park and on to the south east’s major residential areas and educational and medical facilities. The project brings improved amenity and urban revitalisation via a world class boulevard in George St, including a pedestrianised zone and wire free running. The existing IWLR starts in Dulwich Hill and continues through to Central Station. ALTRAC takes over the operations of the existing line in Mid-2015.

Project Benefits

Sustainability
  • The CSELR will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 700,000 tonnes of CO2 over 30 years.
Community engagement and enhancement
  • The project created over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs between 2014 and 2020

Project Facts

Location
New South Wales, Australia
Procuring Authority
NSW Government
Delivery Mechanism
PPP
Project Value
$2.1bn
Capella's Role
Lead sponsor, infrastructure developer and financial advisor
Construction Partner(s)
Acciona and Alstrom
Operations & FM Partner(s)
Transdev
Design & Tech Consultants
-
Timeline & Concession Term
Financial close: 2014 | Commercial close: March 2020