City of Sydney Advances Transport Plan to Address Emissions

The City of Sydney is advancing a new transport plan that focuses on reducing emissions, with transport accounting for approximately 20% of local emissions. This step comes as data from 2025 shows buses have overtaken trains as the most used public transport mode, representing 42% of travel compared with 40% for trains.

Metro usage reached 72 million trips in 2025 after the opening of the City section. The Southwest extension is scheduled to launch in September 2026. These changes affect how Sydney CBD residents move between work, services and other daily destinations.

Changes in daily travel options

Proposals to pedestrianize George Street in the CBD, including the potential removal of cars to insert transit, remain under consideration. These proposals have not been approved and are subject to election outcomes. For residents, any future changes would influence access along a central route used for commuting and local errands.

Cycling in the CBD has recorded growth, with the new Oxford St cycleway producing a 165% rise in Share Bike usage along that route. Residents who use these facilities may experience continued adjustments in how cycling connects with other transport modes.

Next steps for implementation

The transport plan is expected to shape future decisions on emissions reduction while existing patterns of bus, train and metro use continue. Residents will see the effects through ongoing service adjustments and any approved infrastructure changes in the CBD.

Further details on specific measures will depend on council processes and outcomes that are still pending. The plan links directly to observed travel data from 2025 and the scheduled extension timeline.