Council ramps up push for express trains to stop at St Marys

St Marys train station.

Penrith City Councillors have agreed to write to both state and federal politicians advocating for an additional stop at St Marys on the existing Blue Mountains and City express services.

The matter was first mentioned in Council Chambers at Council’s May Ordinary Meeting by veteran Councillor John Thain, who stressed the importance of the added stop once the new Metro opens given it will link the area to the incoming Western Sydney International Airport.

“I think it’s important for our city and what benefits it can bring to our city and to the Mountains and to Sydney itself if the express train actually stopped at St Marys where the Metro is,” Thain said.

“It’s pointless having a Metro if you don’t have some kind of service that will take people to and from it in a particularly quick motion.”

Penrith Councillor John Thain. Photo: Megan Dunn.

Thain moved the report at Monday night’s Council meeting, which was seconded by Liberal Councillor Reece Nuttall who also stressed the need for the additional stop.

“I can only stress how important this is, and it is a great next step,” he said.

It will ultimately be a decision for the State Government and Transport for NSW if such a stop was added but Penrith Council will now write to Member for

Londonderry Prue Car, the Acting Minister for Western Sydney Courtney Houssos, and the Minister for Transport John Graham emphasising the importance of adding a stop at St Marys to the existing Blue Mountains and City express services as well as to their Opposition and Federal counterparts.

The Council report explained the need for the additional stop, saying it was imperative to meet the growing needs of the city.

“Council has long recognised the important role that the commuter T1 rail line between the Blue Mountains and Sydney CBD has in connecting our community to Sydney and beyond, especially to jobs,” the Council report said.

“With the expectation of increased population growth at St Marys, the demand for efficient and reliable public transport is more critical than ever.”

Penrith Councillor Libby Austin, Mayor Todd Carney and Councillor Garion Thain.

Mayor Todd Carney said with the imminent arrival of the Metro and Council’s adoption of the St Marys Town Centre Masterplan it is essential that Transport for New South Wales provide adequate public transport services to the community.

“This is a common-sense initiative that would greatly benefit local residents and visitors alike,” Carney said.

Councillor Garion Thain echoed the sentiment saying it is a “no-brainer”.

“As a lifelong St Marys resident, and someone who’s spent years commuting from St  Marys station, I think there’s no time like the present to bring on the additional services that residents deserve,” he said.

“To me, adding St Marys as a stop for express services prior to the new Metro opening is a no-brainer. It’s not just the fair thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do too.”

Garion also thanked Deputy Premier Prue Car for her advocacy of the project and wished her well on behalf of Penrith Council as she undergoes treatment for a recent cancer diagnosis.

“We all wish her well,” Garion said.

“I do want to note that this is a matter that Prue as the local Member for Londonderry has taken quite seriously and has been quite interested in as well in advocating for.”

Councillor Libby Austin.

Councillor Libby Austin also commented on the need for the additional stop.

“This is common sense for St Marys and common sense for the government – one simple, extra stop that connects commuters and tourists with more access and convenience,” Austin said.

Current express services do not stop between Penrith and Blacktown.

Emily Chate

Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.

Share this story