1988: Sydney's Monorail opens to the public

Between 1988 and 2013, visitors to Darling Harbour were able to travel to the precinct from the city by monorail.

Built as a Bicentenary gift by TNT to the people of Sydney at a cost of up to $150 million, it was opened with controversy on July 21, 1988; more than six months behind schedule. Only four stations along the route were ready for opening day.

NSW Premier Nick Greiner was a vocal critic of the monorail. He did not attend, nor did any members of the State Government.

You were either for or against the monorail and even until its closure on June 30, 2013, it divided the city. On opening day, protestors opposing the monorail continued their protests, assembling at the Queen Victoria Building for what was a now a lost cause.

Many more were interested in testing out the Monorail, forming long lines at Monorail Stations for free rides. TNT was ordered by Premier Greiner to do so for two weeks before introducing a $1 fare.

Believe it or not, the network was designed to last just 20 years and outlived it by five years.

Below is coverage by each TV network from opening day 1988 (except SBS).

Channel Ten provided the best report covered by political reporter Bob Mullins. The famous footage of Clover Moore (State MP for Bligh) speaking at the protest outside the QVB is featured - "The monorail is the most offensive structure...". Channel Seven even featured the clip in a 2012 report when the O'Farrell Government decided to buy the monorail and pull it down for upgrades to Darling Harbour.

National Nine News gave us an insight into the views of passengers.

Seven Nightly News gave us a balanced perspective from passengers and protesters.

ABC got an exclusive with Sir Peter Abeles in its report, and follow the debate between a protester and bystander at the QVB.

Newspaper coverage was a bit restrained, despite constant coverage of its hurdles in getting to opening day.

Source: Bayvel, B. 1988. "Monorail Lays it on the Line: Off and running six months late". The Daily Mirror, July 21: 5.

Source: Bowditch, S. 1988. "Monorail, is up, up and away". The Daily Telegraph, July 22: page unknown. 

The Sydney Morning Herald listed a one paragraph summary of opening day on Page 6 under "In Brief" in its edition on July 22. 12 000 were reported as riding the monorail on its first day of operation.

Next week, I shall answer the question of the impact of the monorail on the city of Sydney.