World Youth Day 2008

World Youth Day is the largest youth event in the world and will be held in Sydney from Monday 14 July to Sunday 20 July.  Organised by the Catholic Church, World Youth Day is expected to attract more than 125,000 international visitors.

The six-day celebration includes the first visit by Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.  Sydney will be the only city the Pope visits while in Australia.

An extensive program of events is planned, managed by the event organisers.  There are also a number of associated events being organised by other parts of the Catholic Church.  A program of events can be found at http://www.wyd2008.org/

Participants travelling to WYD08 events will be using the public transport system throughout the six days.  Additional services are being scheduled and some service changes will be necessary.

Most WYD08 events do not start until after morning peak hour and finish after the evening peak hour.  Registered participants are asked to travel outside peak hours.

If you are travelling the Sydney CBD, Surry Hills, Randwick and North Sydney leave the car at home and use public transport. CBD businesses and workers should consider taking leave or working from home.

Use the 131 500 Trip Planner to help plan your journey. It will give you up-to-date train and bus timetable information.

To find out more about World Youth Day please go to the WYD08 website at http://www.wyd2008.org/ or call the Infoline on 1300 993 793.

You can also visit the NSW Government’s World Youth Day Coordination Authority website at http://www.wydca.nsw.gov.au/  This website has been created to provide the community with relevant information during the World Youth Day celebrations.

For information if you are participating in World Youth Day events.

For information to transport and government services for people with a disability participating in World Youth Day events.

For transport information if you are not taking part in World Youth Day events.

For information when travelling home on Sunday 20 and Monday 21 July, at the conclusion of World Youth Day events.

Three separate timetables have been designed to cater for demand during World Youth Day.

• Weekday events, Tuesday 15 to Friday 18 July
• Pilgrimage Walk and Evening Vigil, Saturday 19 July
• Final Mass at Randwick Racecourse, Sunday 20 July

Most WYD08 events do not start until after morning peak hour and finish after the evening peak hour.  Participants are asked to travel outside peak hours.

There are no scheduled service cancellations or track possessions.

For rail transport information if you are participating in World Youth Day events.

For transport information if you are not taking part in World Youth Day events.

Light Rail information
The Light Rail train terminates at Haymarket between 12pm and 10pm on Sunday 20 July, to ensure the safety of the crowds moving through the City after attending the Pope's Final Mass at Randwick Racecourse and Centennial Park.

For more information visit  www.metrolightrail.com.au closer to the event.

During World Youth Day 2008 there are 34,000 extra bus services to transport more than 1,725,000 extra bus journeys made by pilgrims and members of the public.  These bus services will be provided by both Sydney Buses and private bus operators across the metropolitan area.  Moreover, this will be the biggest traffic operation since the 2000 Sydney Olympics with nearly 300 road closures and 500 special event clearways.

Summary of changes

• Usual Sydney Buses services plus more buses into and out of Sydney CBD
• Sydney CBD temporary terminals and detours Tuesday 15 to Sunday 20 July
• Eastern Suburbs services detour around Randwick Racecourse and Moore Park precinct Friday – Sunday and around Central on Saturday and Sunday
• No UNSW Express services
• No Sydney or Bondi Explorer services
• Last minute changes possible at police direction.

For route specific STA and private bus changes see below.

Sydney CBD changes

Friday 18 July

From 10am – 5pm

George Street services to Circular Quay detour from George Street to Park Street and Elizabeth Street to Circular Quay and from the City go via Pitt, King and Castlereagh streets, rejoining George or Druitt Street at Park Street
Pyrmont services terminate at QVB
Changes due to road closures in the Rocks, George Street, Alfred Street and around St Mary’s Cathedral.

From 11am - 5pm

• Glebe/Millers Point services: To City detour from George at Druitt then via Clarence St and terminate at Citibank (Wynyard). From City depart from York St bus stop South of Barrick St then QVB to George St to normal route.

From 5pm to approximately 12 midnight

Temporary bus terminals operate if traffic conditions make access to Circular Quay impractical.

• Temporary terminals for George Street Quay services located in Castlereagh St near Park St.
• Temporary terminals for Eastern Suburbs services located in Elizabeth St or Liverpool St near Museum Station.
• Victoria Road services to Circular Quay terminate and start from QVB. Pyrmont services terminate and start at QVB
• Millers Point services same as Tuesday/Wednesday information above
• For specific Route information see below.

Saturday 19 July

From 2am until approx. 4pm

• Harbour Bridge closed and all Northern Suburbs, Pittwater and Manly-Warringah Harbour Bridge services to the City terminate and start from North Sydney.  Travel to CBD by train.  Bus tickets recognised on CityRail services.

Until approx. 5pm

• Significant detours around Central Station and Railway Square precincts for Pilgrimage Walk
• Parramatta Road, City Road and Route 501 services detour around Railway Square, but resume using George Street to Circular Quay. 
• Victoria Road services resume using George Street. Pyrmont services terminate at and start from QVB
• Eastern Suburbs services that normally travel near or to Central Station detour significantly at Central

All day

Glebe/Millers Point services: To City detour around Railway Square via Pyrmont until 5pm and detour from George at Druitt then via Clarence St and terminate at Citibank (Wynyard). From City depart from York St bus stop South of Barrick St then QVB to George St & until 5pm detour around Railway Square via Pymont , after 5pm no detour at Railway Square.
For specific Route information see below.

Sunday 20 July

• Northern Suburbs, Pittwater, Manly Warringah, Victoria Road, Parramatta Road, & Newtown services resume normal routes to usual terminals in CBD.
• Glebe/Millers Point services: To City from George at Druitt then via Clarence St and terminate at Citibank (Wynyard). From City depart from York St bus stop South of Barrick St then QVB to George St to normal route.
• Pyrmont services terminate at and start from QVB
• Until about 4.00pm, Eastern Suburbs services that normally travel near or to Central Station detour significantly near Central.

Sydney Buses route change maps

• View the Service Alteration map for Eastern suburbs route alterations.
• View the regular City Terminals (before 10am each day).
• View the temporary city bus terminal map 10am to midnight.
• View Central Station bus diversion map for Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 July.

Sydney Buses route changes

Route 200
Tuesday 15 to Friday 18 July - diversions in the CBD.

• View Route 200 detour map (Mon-Fri)
• View Route 200 detour map (Thur-Fri after 1700hrs)

Routes 311, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 389 (William St services) & 333, 378, 380
Tuesday 15 to Sunday 20 July – Route 311 services  depart from Alfred Street. Route 378 services depart from Railway Square.

Thursday 17, Friday 18 July after 5pm - Routes 311, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 389 terminate and start Hyde Park South; Routes 333, 378 & 380 terminate & start in Liverpool St, Hyde Park Sth.

• View William St services detour (Thur-Fri after 5pm)
• View Routes 333, 378 & 380 detour map (Thur&Fri after 5pm)

Saturday 19 to Sunday 20 July – services terminate at Hyde Park instead of Railway Square.

• View Routes 311, 378 diversion map (Sat-Sun)

Route 343
Tuesday 15 to Sunday 20 July – services  depart from Gresham Street.

Saturday 19 to Sunday 20 July – service diversions in Redfern.

• View Routes 343 diversion map (Sat-Sun)

Route 348 and 372
Friday 18 July – services divert around the Randwick Racecourse Precinct, operating via Barker Street and Anzac Parade.

• View Route 348 diversion map (Fri)
• View Route 372 diversion map (Fri)

Saturday 19 to Sunday 20 July - Route 372  diverts around Randwick Racecourse Precinct, operating via Barker Street, Anzac Parade and Todman Avenue.

• View Route 372 diversion map (Sat-Sun)

Clovelly and Randwick Junction services
Monday 14 to Friday 18 July – Routes 339 and X39 commence and terminate at Circular Quay.

Friday 18 July - services divert around the Randwick Racecourse Precinct via Carrington Road, Syd Einfield Drive and Oxford Street.

Saturday 19 to Sunday 20 July - services divert around Randwick Racecourse Precinct via Carrington Road, Syd Einfield Drive and Oxford Street to Terminal.

• View Randwick & Clovelly services CDB detours map (Thurs-Frid after 5pm)
• View Route 339 diversion map (Sat-Sun)
• View Routes 371, 373, X73, 374, X74, 377, X77 diversion map (Fri-Sun)

Anzac Parade services
Thursday 17 & Friday 18 July after 5pm - Anzac Pde services terminate in College St Nth of Liverpool St and start from Elizabeth St Nth of Liverpool St.

• View Anzac Pde services CBD detours (Thur&Fri)

Saturday 19 to Sunday 20 July - Most buses travel via Eastgardens and the Eastern Distributor.

• View Route 391 diversion map (Sat-Sun)
• View Route 392 diversion map (Sat-Sun)
• View Route 393, 395 diversion map (Sat-Sun)
• View Route L94 diversion map (Sat-Sun)

A Shuttle Bus also operates along Anzac Parade, between Maroubra Junction and Kensington.

• View Routes 394 shuttle service map (Sat-Sun)

Botany Road services
Thursday 17 & Friday 18 July after 5pm - services terminate at Liverpool St and start from Elizabeth St near Liverpool St.

• View Routes 308, 309, 310, X09, X10 detour map (Thur,Fri)

Saturday 19 to Sunday 20 July - service diversions at Redfern.

• View Routes 308, 309, 310 diversion map (Sat-Sun)

Surry Hills services
Thursday 17 & Friday 18 July after 5pm - services terminate in Liverpool St, start from Elizabeth St North of Liverpool.

• View Routes 301, 302, 303 detour map (Thur-Fri after 5pm)

Saturday 19 July until approximately 4pm - services terminate at Lee Street.

• View Routes 301, 302, 303 diversion map (Sat)

From approximately 4pm Saturday 19 to Sunday 20 July.

• View Routes 301, 302, 303 diversion map (Sat PM-Sun)

Bondi Road services
Tuesday 15 to Sunday 20 July – Routes 333, 380, 381, 382, X84, 389 and X89 are not affected by road closures except Thursday & Friday after 5pm when a temporary terminus operates at Hyde Park Sth.

• View Routes 333, 378 & 380 detour map (Thur&Fri after 5pm)

UNSW Express services
Not operating from Tuesday 15 to Sunday 20 July.

Explorer services
Sydney Explorer and Bondi services are not operating from Tuesday 15 to Sunday 20 July.

Cross-regional services 355, 370, 400 & 410
Friday 18 to Sunday 20 July - service changes to accommodate the road closures.

• View Route 355 diversion map (Sat-Sun)
• View Route 370 diversion map (Fri-Sun)
• View Route 400 and 410 dive rsion map (Fri-Sun)

George Street services
Tuesday 15 to Friday 18 July – services travelling to and from Circular Quay travel via Park Street and Elizabeth/Castlereagh streets.  On Thursday & Friday after 5pm, services terminate in Elizabeth St and start from Castlereagh St Sth of Market St.

• View diversion map (Tue-Fri)
• View George St (Southern) services detour map (Thur+Fri after 5pm)

King Street Wharf services depart and terminate at King Street Wharf as normal.

• View Routes 412 and 413 diversion map (Tue – Fri)

Routes 461, 480 and 483 operate via Park Street and terminate at the Domain.

• View Routes 461, 480 and 483 diversion map (Tue – Sat)

Saturday 19 July - altered routes in the CBD for services operating around Central Station to Terminal.

• View Routes 461, 480 and 483 diversion map (Tue-Sat)
• View Southern Services diversion map (includes Routes 412, 413) (Sat)

Sunday 20 July – no service diversions.

Routes 339, 343, 422-428, 438, L38, 440, 470, 500-520 and  L20  operate out of Alfred and/or Pitt streets, Circular Quay.

Millers Point services (except Route 339)

Thursday 17 & Friday 18 July - Routes 431 - 434: To the City detour from George at Druitt then via Clarence St and terminate at Citibank (Wynyard). From the City depart from York St bus stop South of Barrick St then QVB to George St to normal route.

Thursday and Friday after 5pm - services terminate in Elizabeth Street and start from Castlereagh St Nth of Park St.

Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 July – Routes 431-434 to depart and terminate at High Street, Millers Point.

• View Routes 431-434 detour map (Thurs+Fri after 5pm)

Victoria Road (500 series) services (Western Services)
Tuesday 15 to Friday 18 July – services travelling towards Circular Quay will travel via Druitt Street and continue into Park Street. 

On Thursday 17 and Friday 18 July evenings after 5pm Victoria Road services (except 501) terminate and start at QVB.

• View Victoria Rd (Western) Services detour map (Tue-Fri)

Route 501

Thursday 17 and Friday 18 July after 5pm - Route 501 terminate and start in Castlereagh St Nth of Park St.

Saturday 19 July – Route 501 services terminate and commence from Railway Square.

• View Route 501 detour map (Thurs-Fri after 5pm)
• View Route 501 diversion map (Sat)

Northern services
Saturday 19 July - City Services terminate at North Sydney until 4pm due to the closure of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Note: Bus tickets will be recognised on CityRail services between North Sydney and the CBD.

• View Routes 202, 207, 208, 227, 230 diversion map (Sat)
• View Routes 254, 273, 288, 290, 292 diversion map (Sat)
• View Route 263 diversion map (Sat)
• View Military Road services diversion map (Sat)

Lower North Shore services (Routes 202, 207, 208, 263 and 273)
Tuesday 15 to Friday 18 July – services depart from Wynyard as normal.

Northern Beaches services (100 series and Routes 243 and 247)
Tuesday 15 to Friday 18 July – services depart from Wynyard as normal. QVB and Railway Square services continue to operate as normal.

Private bus changes

Private bus companies are servicing their normal routes, however there are a number of diversions and extra services in place due to road closures in the CBD.  These are as follows:

Forest Coaches

Route 270 services – to/from City - No Service on Saturday 19 July due to City road closures. Passengers should catch services to Gordon/Chatswood stations. Route 270 service does not operate Sunday (as normal)
Regular CBD services operate from the same locations on other days throughout World Youth Day.

Hills Bus

Tuesday 15 to Friday 18 July (10am – last service)

Routes 610, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 619 (including “X”) will relocate from QVB to Town Hall steps (George Street)
Routes 620, 642, 650, 652, 654 (including “X”) will relocate from QVB to beside the Town Hall (Bathurst Street).

Saturday 19 July (3am – 6pm, or when Bridge reopens)

All services will terminate and depart from North Sydney. Services will terminate at Miller Street, then depart from Pacific Highway (between William and Charles streets).

Sunday 20 July (12pm – last service)

All services will terminate at QVB and depart from Town Hall steps.

Maps are available via the Hillsbus website at www.hillsbus.com.au

Shorelink

No Shorelink services will operate in the CBD on Saturday 19 July.

Busways

For all Busways timetable information please visit www.busways.com.au , then select your region (eg. Blacktown). 

From Sunday, 13 July 2008 to Sunday, 20 July 2008 Sydney Ferries is operating extra services, opening additional ticket outlets and has friendly customer service staff on hand to help you explore and experience Sydney Harbour during WYD08.

As WYD08 coincides with school holidays some services will be crowded as Sydney residents and visitors enjoy our harbour city. Please allow extra travelling time during WYD08.

Sydney Ferries is operating additional Darling Harbour services throughout WYD08.
For full details of Sydney Ferries service changes please download the Sydney Ferries guide to WYD08.

Wednesday, 16 July 2008

The car park at Rose Bay wharf closes at 10.00pm on Wednesday, 16 July 2008 and reopens at 4.30pm on Thursday, 17 July 2008. At this time the area will be temporarily fenced and any unauthorised vehicles will be towed.

Thursday, 17 July 2008

Exclusion zones prevent some Sydney Ferries services from operating between 2.00pm and 4.30pm. View service changes.

Due to World Youth Day activities Rose Bay Wharf will be closed from 10.00am to 4.30pm. No Sydney Ferries services will operate to the wharf during this time.

Due to World Youth Day activities Garden Island Wharf will be closed all day. No Sydney Ferries services will operate to the wharf during this time.

Saturday, 19 July 2008

Sydney Ferries are operating a shuttle service between Circular Quay and Milsons Point/Luna Park Wharf during the closure of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Note: Pilgrim Passports are not valid for transport on Sydney Ferries.

The city is not a place for cars during the week of WYD08.

Affected residents and businesses will be informed of the arrangements for their streets and some areas will allow for managed access so people can drive to their homes or place of business. 

Please check the Special Events page of www.rta.nsw.gov.au for latest road changes and road access information.  If you have a specific road enquiry, please call 132 701 or send an email to contactus@wydca.nsw.gov.au

Special event clearways and road closures  start on Friday 11 July and get progressively more extensive each day until the Final Mass with the Pope on Sunday 20 July.

Significant road closures include:

• Hickson Road closed from Saturday 12 July
• George Street (north of King Street) closed from 10am until midnight each day from Tuesday 15 July to Friday 18 July
• Macquarie, College and other streets around Cook and Phillip Park closed or partly closed from 8pm Monday 14 July
• Alison Road Randwick closed from midnight, Thursday 17 July extending to all roads around Randwick Racecourse by 8pm Friday 18 July
• Parts of Anzac Parade and Cleveland Street closed from 2am Saturday 19 July
• Harbour Bridge and approaches closed from 2am to 5pm Saturday 19 July.

The road closures are very complex and include significant parts of the CBD, around St Mary’s Cathedral, near Randwick Racecourse, the Harbour Bridge and between Central Station and the event sites.

They change every day as events and security arrangements change and people should visit the RTA website or call the WYDCA Infoline 1300 360 933 for details.

Special event clearways  extend as far as North Ryde to help traffic avoid the CBD and the bridge.

Many of the international visitors to Sydney are from countries with very different road and pedestrian rules to ours. We ask that motorists be alert while driving near World Youth day events and watch for pedestrians.

There are changes to taxi ranks in the CBD.

Please check http://www.nswtaxi.org.au/public/business_tools/Events_and_traffic_changes.html closer to the event for full details.

You can find accessible transport options by using the Trip Planner and checking the Easy Access/wheelchair accessible option.  This will ensure that only accessible train platforms, ferry wharves and buses are presented.  Read more about this option.

CityRail
Circular Quay, Wynyard, Town Hall, Central, Bondi Junction and Kings Cross stations are all wheelchair accessible.

Customers requiring wheelchair accessible transport through areas affected by trackwork should contact their local station prior to departure to arrange a low floor bus or other suitable vehicle. Please allow additional time if you require this service.

Sydney Buses
Almost 50% of State Transit’s fleet are now wheelchair accessible, and each new bus introduced into the fleet will increase the number of wheelchair accessible buses.  Features of these buses include wide doors, wide aisles and space for two mobility aides such as wheelchairs, some ride-on scooters and prams or strollers.

Sydney Ferries
The entire Sydney Ferries fleet is wheelchair accessible, and many wharves are wheelchair accessible. 

Liverpool Parramatta T-way Buses
All T-way bus services are low floor wheelchair accessible.

• Public Transport Guide to attending World Youth Day events
• Public Transport Guide if you are not attending World Youth Day events
  
• Information to transport and government services for people with a disability participating in World Youth Day events