Sydney University is pushing for a new light rail line from Central Station to Strathfield via its campus to cope with surging demand for public transport after it was overlooked as a site for a metro train station.

The Baird government has canvassed the possibility of so-called "rapid transit" bus services or dedicated bus lanes along Parramatta Road to improve public transport links for students to the university.

Patronage has surged on the trams between Central Station and Dulwich Hill in Sydney's inner west in recent years. Credit:Christopher Pearce

However, the university says such measures will be insufficient to meet demand for transport to its campus or the nearby Royal Prince Alfred hospital at Camperdown.

"We believe light rail has to be the answer if we are talking about transport for both RPA and the university," Sydney University's director of campus infrastructure services, Greg Robinson, said.