the Government authorized the construction of a standard gauge line to Broken Hill, via Menindee. On 15 July 1919 a line was completed between Broken Hill and Menindee,and on 7 November 1927 the first section from Ivanhoe to Menindee was open for traffic. Thus 40 years after the initial approach was made, the first direct railway service between Sydney and Broken Hill came into operation. In July 1937 a large crowd welcomed the arrival from Sydney of a new dimension in rail travel - the Silver City Comet - the first diesel - powered air -conditioned train to operate in New South Wales. For many years the comet, with a top speed of 120 klms per hour, was a source of pride and provided travelled comfort to the long-suffering people of Broken Hill.
An extension to Broken Hill via Menindee, of the existing line at Condobolin, as opposed to Wilcannia-based committee which sought a link from Cobar to Broken Hill via Wilcannia. The claim for the Menindee route was based both on the shorter distance from Sydney - with consequent lower cost - and the urgent need for a permanent line to the nearest water supply at Menindee on the River Darling, 112 klm. from Broken Hill. The New South Wales Government excelled itself in procrastination. A Public Works Committee took evidence in 1890, and an inspection of the two routes was made by the Minister for Public Works, C. A. Lee in 1908. Finally, the Government authorized the construction of a standard gauge line to Broken Hill, via Menindee. On 15 July 1919 a line was completed between Broken Hill and Menindee,and on 7 November 1927 the first section from Ivanhoe to Menindee was open for traffic. Thus 40 years after the initial approach was made, the first direct railway service between Sydney and Broken Hill came into operation. In July 1937 a large crowd welcomed the arrival from Sydney of a new dimension in rail travel - the Silver City Comet - the first diesel - powered air -conditioned train to operate in New South Wales. For many years the comet, with a top speed of 120 klms per hour, was a source of pride and provided travelled comfort to the long-suffering people of Broken Hill. Steam Trams
No record of Broken Hill transport would be completed without reference to the era of steam trams. From 1902 to 1926 they provided a service to the community travelling to the North and South, East and West of the township. The municipal council and groups of citizens had agitated for several years for the New South Wales Government to provide electric trams for the public. Up to that time the population was depended upon horse drawn cabs and private sulkies and buggies for transport in the town. A deputation led by Jabez Wright was finally successful in persuading the Government to supply Steam Driven Trams.
The first steam trams went into service on 15 February 1902. At that time rolling stock consisted of two motors and four cars, with a total staff of 12. Tram service was successively extended along Oxide and Williams Streets to the Western Oval, and Chapple Street to Murton Street; thence Patton Street to the All Nations Hotel, along Argent to the Jubilee Oval, Bismuth to Gypsum and Burke Ward School, Western Oval to Burke Ward along Williams and Rakow Streets, the last route linking the Union Club Hotel with the South Broken Hill racecourse. There was a sharp turn into Jamieson Street en-route to the old racecourse, and it was not uncommon for race-going passengers from the hotel-hanging on to the outside of the packed tram-to be spilled onto the roadway as it rounded the bend.
Pouring out dense clouds of smoke and steam, the trams proceeded noisily from the centre of the city to the suburbs and return, operating at half-hourly schedules for almost 25 years. At its peak there was a staff of 60, and rolling stock of 14 engines and 36 carriages.
After operating at a loss for several years, the service was terminated on 31 December 1926, being unable to compete with the growth of private motor vehicles, public buses and taxicabs. The tramlines were removed, and the rolling stock sent to Newcastle and Sydney.
Even after a lapse of over 70 years, hardwood sleepers have been discovered below street level during city council road making works - a reminder of a transport era in Broken Hill.
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