ROHAN Cattell thought it was part of a commute like any other, but Keolis Downer says his trip from Newcastle Interchange to Queens Wharf on Thursday is the one millionth on Newcastle's light rail.
Mr Cattell, who was on his way to work, received a coffee voucher and a gift bag on his morning trip. Other passengers on the same carriage also shared the spoils.
Keolis Downer Hunter general manager Mark Dunlop said an average of 3620 customers per day used the light rail, with more than 45 per cent linking with other public transport.
"The light rail makes it easy to connect with other modes of transport whether the ferry at Queens Wharf, buses adjacent to the Honeysuckle and Newcastle Interchange stops and trains to the Hunter and Central Coast from the Interchange," he said.
Liberal MLC for the Hunter Taylor Martin said the milestone was significant.
"Novocastrians are making light rail part of their daily lives and are using it to get around the city whether for business or leisure," he said.
"The light rail allows office workers to travel to nearby precincts quicker and easier to get to meetings or on their lunch breaks.
"Patronage has been steadily increasing on weekends and families are definitely taking advantage of light rail to get out and about to explore the Newcastle CBD during school holidays."
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