NSW Opposition Leader Peter Debnam and Shadow Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today called on the Iemma-Costa Labor Government to immediately move to expand the existing light rail system from Central to Circular Quay.

"I have committed to expand the light rail system in Sydney by linking Central Station with Circular Quay - and the part-time Transport Minister John Watkins should do the same," Mr Debnam said.

"Part-time Minister John Watkins today described light rail as a romance. Well, it's a romance Sydney should have," he said.

"Linking Central Station and Circular Quay by light rail will offer travellers a real alternative to slow, overcrowded buses or their own cars.

"Sydney is a global city and deserves a public transport system that is clean, safe and reliable.

"This city needs a system of public transport that attracts more commuters, not a band-aid bus solution that only adds to the existing problems. Light rail is the answer.

"I will consider two routes for the light rail loop through the Sydney CBD – either a Central to Circular Quay route via George Street or via Castlereagh Street.

"Within 90 days of taking office and in close co-operation with Sydney City Council, we will make a decision on one of the two options.

"Commuters deserve an integrated transport network that incorporates light rail as a real alternative. If Labor won't commit to the expansion of light rail, I will," he said.

Ms Berejiklian said CBD light rail will slash up to 20 minutes off Circular Quay to Central bus times and enable the movement of up to 37,400 passengers through the CBD each day.

"The reduction in the number of buses entering the CBD will ease traffic congestion and take pressure off the CBD heavy rail stations. There are currently about 7,400 buses travelling through the CBD each weekday, predicted to rise to 9,400 buses by 2021 without a new public transport solution.

"Light rail is an environmentally friendly solution as it's powered by electricity, compared with diesel guzzling buses and their toxic emissions," Ms Berejiklian said.