Got a long list of extra services for Taylor Swift's four-night Eras Tour ...
Grammy-award winning pop queen, Taylor Swift is set to electrify around 300,000 fans across four nights when her blockbuster Eras Tour comes to Sydney Olympic Park this weekend, and Transport for NSW is prepped to get Swifties there in style.
The highly anticipated Sydney shows at Accor Stadium are all sold out with bumper crowds of more than 75,000 ticketholders expected each night from Friday through to Monday.
More than 15,000 event-goers are set to descend on the precinct each night for the Blink-182 concerts, with a crowd of up to 100,000 expected across both events on Friday and Saturday.
Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins said public transport was the best way to get to and from the events with more than 1,200 additional trains and buses running across the four days.
“We will have more than 550 additional high-frequency trains and 700 major event buses servicing the precinct across the four nights on top of regular services,” Mr Collins said.
“Travel on all modes of public transport is included in your Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour concert ticket – just show your ticket to transport staff when boarding services.”
Central Station will be awash in ‘Lavender Haze’, with the clock tower and concourse lit up in pale purple across the four days. Hit songs by Taylor Swift will also be played at Central as fans wait to board the ‘Tay Tay Express’ to Olympic Park.
“We know Swifties love any chance to celebrate their popstar - we’re creating a fun atmosphere so the fans can get into the ‘Swift spirit’ on the way to her shows,” Mr Collins said.
“Plan ahead and arrive early so you don’t miss a second of the performance and unless you have secured a pre-booked parking space, please leave the car at home.”
Additional express trains will run from Central and Western Line Stations to Olympic Park from mid-afternoon, while return services will run frequently after the show.
Sydney Olympic Park major event buses will run every five to 20 minutes. On Friday and Monday buses will leave between 2:42pm and 6:33pm, on Saturday and Sunday buses will leave between 3:05pm and 6:38pm approximately. After the show, buses will run frequently to get fans home, with last services leaving by midnight each night.
Anyone dropping off fans should arrive early to avoid getting stuck in traffic and potentially missing the start of the show. Use the dedicated drop-off zone on Australia Ave or consider dropping off further away and have fans walk the final leg.
NSW Police Operation Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland said police would be highly visible on the transport network and at the event precinct to keep people safe.
“We want everyone to have an enjoyable night, and antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated on public transport,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Holland said.
“With tens of thousands of people expected to attend Sydney Olympic Park over the next four days, a high visibility policing operation will be in place for the duration of the event to ensure the safety and security of all event staff, attendees, and the wider community.
“With such large crowd numbers, those who do not have a ticket are urged to stay away from the Sydney Olympic Park precinct.”
DrinkWise Chief Executive Officer Simon Strahan also reminded fans to behave responsibly.
“We want all Taylor Swift fans heading to the concert to have a fantastic and memorable experience, but we also want to ensure it’s a safe one,” Mr Strahan said.
“You’ve waited a long time for this, it’s been a big build up, so we’re reminding all fans who are choosing to drink to make sure it’s in moderation, respect yourself and those around you and remember you won't miss a moment if you DrinkWise.”
Please be aware if you are travelling from the Central Coast & Newcastle Line that buses replace trains between Newcastle Interchange and Wyong from 1.20pm Friday 23 February until 2am Tuesday 27 February. Taylor Swift fans travelling from the Hunter and Upper Central Coast need to plan ahead. Additional rail replacement coaches will run from Newcastle Interchange to Wyong where fans can connect with limited stop trains to Sydney and connect with express trains to Olympic Park.
Trackwork will also take place on the South Coast Line with buses replacing trains between Bomaderry, Kiama and Wollongong. Trains run between Port Kembla, Wollongong and Central or Bondi Junction. Passengers should allow extra travel time and check specific journey information.
Only Taylor Swift I The Eras Tour ticketholders have public transport included in their ticket. If you are attending the Blink-182 concert or using public transport for other travel, you will need to use an Opal card or contactless payment method.
For more information on additional public transport services for the event and to plan your trip, visit transportnsw.info/taylor-swift-eras-tour.
For real-time updates on roads and traffic conditions, visit livetraffic.com.