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Testing in the Parramatta CBD began late on Thursday night under a police escort.Credit:NSW Government

The track – which has multiple sections covered by grass,and some sections that have no overhead wiring – will be home to 13 Spanish-made light rail vehicles when it is opened. Those vehicles are the only ones in Sydney to have bike racks onboard.

While the project’s first stage is nearing completion,its second stage,which will connect communities further east of the Parramatta CBD,including Melrose Park and Wentworth Point,is yet to begin.

The state’s planning authorities approved the second stage last month – seven years after it was first announced by the former Coalition government. But the government has not yet revealed how much it will cost.

Camilla Drover,deputy secretary of Transport for NSW,said the Parramatta CBD testing would be a change for people used to walking on the tracks.

“This is the first time vehicles,pedestrians and cyclists have had to interact with light rail in Parramatta,so we ask all road users to remain vigilant,” she said. “Please take extra care to be safe when walking,riding or driving near the light rail and pay attention to the signs and traffic directions.”

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the project had so far involved 5500 jobs.

“People living in western Sydney deserve reliable,world-class public transport links,” she said.

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