Metro Transport Sydney

AIX interest in Metro Transport Sydney:	38.9%
UTA interest in Metro Transport Sydney:	38.9%

Metro Transport Sydney (MTS) comprises the Metro Light Rail (Light Rail) and the Metro Monorail (Monorail). The Light Rail operates from Central Station to Sydney's inner west, providing a public transport service for regular commuters who require access to the CBD or Darling Harbour. The Monorail operates through Darling Harbour and the CBD, linking Sydney Harbour with the CBD and providing a valuable service to the tourism market.

The Monorail is operated pursuant to a 50-year concession with the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, expiring in 2038. The Light Rail is operated pursuant to a 30.5-year concession with the NSW Department of Transport, expiring in 2028.

Performance highlights 2008

The operational performance of MTS improved marginally over the year, with total revenue growing 6.0 percent to $16.7 million. The Light Rail benefited from the relocation of Fairfax Media to Darling Harbour, and a shift to public transport as a result of higher petrol prices, while the Monorail benefited from the strong domestic tourism market.

Despite the growth in passenger revenue, normalised operating expenses were tightly contained, increasing slightly on the prior year.

Performance outlook

The performance of MTS will largely be driven by prevailing petrol prices and an increasing awareness
of the environmental benefits of public transport.