Delays continue for Sydney's light rail project

Fifty-seven years ago to the day, Sydney's last electric tram lurched down the line at Maroubra.

The lines were ripped up by a government intent on progress, insisting trams were a relic from the 19th century. 

Now they are back. Thursday night saw the first test run of Sydney's light rail.

Engineers gave the new sleek tram a short run down Alison Road at Randwick.

It's a small step for a project that’s been dogged by delays and overruns.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance says he's angry contractors are taking so long.

On the upside, he loves the look of the new tram.  

"They look like a spaceship at night, but during the day they will look like any ordinary tram," he told 9NEWS.

The line into the city from Randwick and Kingsford was supposed to be finished in April next year, but it's way behind schedule.

Only 14 kilometres of the 25-kilometre track have been laid.

When it is finished, the government thinks it will be worth it.

"It can carry 400 passengers and will take nine buses off our roads," Mr Constance said.

Opposition Leader Luke Foley says the light rail is not worth the cost.

"The last time the auditor-general checked in on them it had climbed by 25 percent, a $1.6 billion project had blown out to $2.1 billion," Mr Foley said.

He expects the cost to blow out even further.

Mr Constance says there will be further night testing during next week.

The minister said 44 businesses that have been affected by the disruption of track-laying are receiving rent assistance from the government.