The rail link will make the trip to work quicker for commuters using public transport to get into the city, with savings of almost 30 per cent in travelling times expected.

And journey times within the North West and to places like Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, Chatswood and North Sydney are expected to be slashed by up to half.

“A commuter travelling between the Hills Centre and Town Hall will save up to 3½ hours a week compared to the current fastest public transport of taking the bus,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“That’s 3½ hours a week commuters will be able to spend at home with their families, or doing something much more productive than sitting or standing on a bus into the city.
“For the first time, the people of the North West will have the real option of getting out of their cars and using a reliable heavy rail public transport service.

“For a student living in Bella Vista and travelling to Macquarie University, the daily return trip on public transport will be half as long as it is now, saving almost an hour a day or more than four hours a week.”

Transport for NSW data also shows a commuter currently using public transport to get from Rouse Hill to St Leonards can expect to save more 80 minutes a day or seven hours a week.

“Importantly, the North West Rail Link will provide major time savings right across the day for people travelling to other parts of the North West as well as the important education and jobs centres at Macquarie park, Chatswood and North Sydney,” Ms Berejiklian said.

City.Mobi

Also in Australia today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Perth.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Perth.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.