G:link | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Overview | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Owner | Translink | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Locale | Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transit type | Light rail | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of lines | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of stations | 19 (27 after stage 3 completion) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual ridership | 10.74 million (2018/19) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief executive | Phil Mumford | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Headquarters | Southport | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Website | www.ridetheg.com.au | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Began operation | 20 July 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operator(s) | Keolis Downer | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of vehicles | 23 Bombardier/Alstom Flexity 2 trams | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Train length | 43.5 m (143 ft) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Headway | 7-30 minutes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Technical | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
System length | 20 km (12 mi) (26 km (16 mi) after stage 3 completion) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electrification | 750 V DC overhead catenary | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average speed | 27 km/h (17 mph) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Top speed | 70 km/h (43 mph) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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G:link, also known as the Gold Coast Light Rail, the Gold Coast Tram or simply the 'G, is a light rail system serving the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, and is the sole light rail system in Queensland. The system forms part of Translink's South East Queensland public transport network and consists of a single 20 km (12 mi) line of nineteen stations. Helensvale railway station is the northern terminus of the system, while Broadbeach South serves as the southern terminus. The line initially opened on 20 July 2014 and was subsequently extended northwest from Gold Coast University Hospital to Helensvale on 17 December 2017.
The Gold Coast is one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia, with an annual population growth of 2–3%. [1] The project was first proposed in the Gold Coast City Council Transport Plan 1996 after some years of consideration and review. In 2002, the Queensland and Federal Governments each contributed $650,000 to fund the Gold Coast Light Rail Feasibility Study. [2] [3] In 2004, the draft summary report was released. [4]
In 2009, the Queensland Government committed $464 million to the Gold Coast Rapid Transit (GCRT) project, supplementing $365 million committed by the Federal Government and $120 million provided by Gold Coast City Council. [5]
In June 2011, the GoldLinq consortium comprising Bombardier Transportation, Downer EDI, Keolis, McConnell Dowell and Plenary Group was awarded the contract to build and operate the Gold Coast light rail line for 18 years under a Public Private Partnership. [6] [7] [8]
In August 2012, the cost of the initial 13 km (8.1 mi) section was estimated at $1.6 billion. [9] Construction began on the Gold Coast University Hospital station shell in July 2010. [10] In late 2010, early roadworks began in Broadbeach and Southport. [11]
By November 2013, much of the work was complete with the southern section at Broadbeach being the only section of trackwork to be completed. Testing commenced on the northern section of the line in October 2013. The line opened on 20 July 2014, with a free travel day, before normal operations began on 21 July. [12] [13] [14]
The system had a significant impact on property both directly and indirectly in the corridor. A total of $170 million was allocated for property resumptions. The Queens Park Tennis Club and Southport Croquet Club were both relocated. [15]
After the successful opening and operations of Stage 1, the Queensland Government announced in February 2016 plans to extend the light rail line from the University Hospital to the Helensvale railway station, providing a connection with the Gold Coast railway line that connects the city with Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland. Financial commitment from the state and federal governments needed to progress with the extension was finalised in late 2016. The new extension includes 7.3 km (4.5 mi) tracks and 3 new light rail stations, with Helensvale being the new northern terminus for the line. Construction commenced in 2016 [16] with plans to be completed in time for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April 2018. Construction finished early, ahead of schedule with passenger services commencing in December 2017.
The Queensland Government, in conjunction with the Gold Coast City Council and the Federal Government, announced the plan to extend the light rail line 6.4 km (4.0 mi) south, from the existing Broadbeach South station to Burleigh Heads back in 2018 with the original completion date to be in 2024. Due to funding disputes among the three levels of government, the COVID-19 pandemic along with rising construction costs in recent years, the project kept getting delayed. In February 2020, three parties were short-listed to build the extension: [17]
It was announced in October 2020 that John Holland had won the contract, [18] with the state government releasing a statement in 2021 saying that the agreement will see the construction consortium undertake detailed construction planning and start establishing a site presence along the 6.7-kilometre (4.2 mi) corridor. [1]
In July 2022 construction formally started with water, sewerage and gas infrastructure upgrades and relocation on the Gold Coast Highway between Broadbeach and Nobby Beach. [3] Major construction including earthworks and construction of the tracks will commence in 2023 with the project expected to be operational by 2026. [4]
There will be 8 new stations, all built with the same design as the first two stages, however, there are no park'n'ride facilities like there were in stage 2. All stations on the extension configured as a central platform station, meaning that both north and southbound platforms are located in the middle, with tracks on either side. With signalised pedestrian crossing and all exits are wheelchair accessible. [19] As of late 2022, construction has started on stage 3 and is expected to be completed by 2030.
Mermaid Beach station is located in the suburb of the same name near the intersection of the Gold Coast Highway and Crescent Avenue and Montana Road. A number dining and retail options are located near the station along with parks and a medical centre.
Located slightly south of Markeri Street, Mermaid Beach South station provides direct access to a number of holiday accommodations, a small retail precinct and residential dwellings are located only a short walk from the station.
Nobby Beach station will be situated between Albicore Street and Dolphin Avenue on the Gold Coast Highway. It will serve the Nobby Beach retail precinct, and the beach is only a short walk away.
Miami North station will be on the corner of Paradise Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway, and will serve northern Miami and the Miami State High School.
Miami station will be on the corner of Hythe Street and the Gold Coast Highway, serving Miami Beach and a number of holiday resorts.
Christine Avenue station will be located on the corner of Christine Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway, on the southern side of Miami. Christine Avenue will serve a number of retail and dining venues, as well as the North Burleigh Surf Beach.
Second Avenue Burleigh station will be on the corner of Second Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway, just north of Burleigh Heads. A number of holidays resorts are a short walk away, as well as Burleigh Heads State School.
The southern terminus of Burleigh Heads will be located at the junction of Goodwin Terrace and the Gold Coast Highway. It will serve the James Street retail and dining precinct, as well as Memorial Park, Justins Park, Burleigh Head National Park and Burleigh Heads Surf Beach. The station will offer bus connections to Varsity Lakes railway station and southern suburbs, including the Gold Coast Airport.
The new extension will begin from the current southern terminus, Broadbeach South travelling on the median strip of the Gold Coast Highway for the whole way south to Burleigh Heads. The 6.7 km (4.2 mi) extension will pass through Mermaid Beach, Nobby's Beach, Miami and Burleigh Heads [7] with the hopes of creating better connectivity, reducing congestion and improving travel times. [8]
The Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031 supports a future expansion to Coolangatta via the Gold Coast Airport. [20] The 14 km (8.7 mi) extension of the light rail line from Burleigh Heads station would continue south along the Gold Coast Highway, passing through the southern suburbs of Palm Beach and Tugun and connecting the city's international airport with the light rail. A potential light rail corridor has also been identified from the Airport to Coolangatta and will be preserved for possible future expansion. [21] In August 2020, funding was provided to formulate a business case for the extension. [22] Since 2021 community consultation and preliminary works have begun on stage 4. [9]
The single 20-kilometre (12 mi) line runs from Helensvale railway station to Broadbeach South. Beginning at Helensvale railway station, the line runs parallel to the Gold Coast railway line until it meets the Smith Street Motorway, which it then follows, stopping at Parkwood and Parkwood East. The next two stops serve the Gold Coast University Hospital and the Gold Coast campus of Griffith University. The line runs south, passing over the Smith Street Motorway and the depot before reaching Queen Street station and Nerang Street station that services the Southport medical precinct. The next two stops serve the Australia Fair Shopping Centre, and the following stop serves the Broadwater Parklands. The line passes over the Nerang River before reaching the only stop in Main Beach, which serves the Sea World theme park. The next stops are Surfers Paradise North and Cypress Avenue, the latter serving the Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre and the Funtime amusement park. The next stop, Cavill Avenue serves the heart of Surfers Paradise including the Cavill Avenue pedestrian mall and Paradise Centre shopping centre. The following station services the Q1 residential tower as well as the SkyPoint observation deck. The next stops are Northcliffe, Florida Gardens and Broadbeach North, the latter serving the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, The Star Gold Coast, the Oasis Shopping Centre and the Oracle Shopping Centre. The line terminates at Broadbeach South which serves Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and provides bus connections to southern suburbs as well as the Gold Coast Airport. It takes around 44 minutes to travel from one end of the line to the other.
There are nineteen stations on the line. One station is located in Helensvale, two are in Parkwood, seven are in Southport, one is in Main Beach, six are in Surfers Paradise, and two are in Broadbeach. All but one of the stations is street-level open-air structures with passenger canopies on the platforms. The Gold Coast University Hospital station is underground. Eleven stations have side platforms and eight have island platforms. Eight of the stations have kiosks on the platforms. Seven stations offer transfers to bus services and Helensvale also offers transfers to train services. Two of the stations have free park-and-ride lots with a total of 1,400 new parking spaces. [23] [24] The most heavily trafficked station is Cavill Avenue, with an average of 4,729 daily passengers in February 2016. [25]
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (July 2016) |
The system uses standard gauge tracks with 750 V DC overhead catenary. It primarily operates in a centre-running configuration.
The Gold Coast Rapid Transit fleet consists of 23 Bombardier Flexity 2 trams built in Germany. [26] The trams feature low floors and have dedicated spaces for wheelchairs, prams and surfboards. [27] They have a top speed of 70 km/h (43 mph) and room for 309 passengers with seating for 80. [28] Fourteen trams were ordered to serve the original section of the line. Four additional trams were ordered in November 2015 to service the Helensvale extension. [29] These were delivered in September and October 2017. [30] A further five built in Alstom's Vienna plant were delivered from July 2023 entering service in July 2024. [31]
Eighteen of the stations are street-level open-air structures featuring passenger canopies, and one is underground. Eleven stations have side platforms and eight have an island platform. Seven stations offer transfers to Translink bus services. Park and ride facilities are also available at Helensvale and Parkwood stations: during the construction of Stage 2, 1000 car park spaces were built at the new Parkwood station, while 400 new car park spaces were built at Helensvale, in addition to the 877 existing spaces there. [32]
Transfer station to Translink bus services | |
Transfer station to Translink bus services and to the Gold Coast railway line | |
Station | Suburb | Zone | Opened | Grade | Platform layout | Time [a] [33] | Refs. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Helensvale | Helensvale | 5 | 17 December 2017 | Street-level | Island | 0 | [34] |
Parkwood | Parkwood | 5 | 17 December 2017 | Street-level | Side | 4 | [35] |
Parkwood East | Parkwood | 5 | 17 December 2017 | Street-level | Island | 7 | [36] |
Gold Coast University Hospital | Southport | 5 | 20 July 2014 | Underground | Side | 11 | [37] |
Griffith University | Southport | 5 | 20 July 2014 | Street-level | Side | 13 | [38] |
Queen Street | Southport | 5 | 20 July 2014 | Street-level | Island | 16 | [39] |
Nerang Street | Southport | 5 | 20 July 2014 | Street-level | Side | 19 | [40] |
Southport | Southport | 5 | 20 July 2014 | Street-level | Side | 21 | [41] |
Southport South | Southport | 5 | 20 July 2014 | Street-level | Island | 23 | [42] |
Broadwater Parklands | Southport | 5 | 20 July 2014 | Street-level | Island | 24 | [43] |
Main Beach | Main Beach | 5 | 20 July 2014 | Street-level | Island | 26 | [44] |
Surfers Paradise North | Surfers Paradise | 5 | 20 July 2014 | Street-level | Side | 29 | [45] |
Cypress Avenue | Surfers Paradise | 5 | 20 July 2014 | Street-level | Side | 31 | [46] |
Cavill Avenue | Surfers Paradise | 5 | 20 July 2014 | Street-level | Side | 34 | [47] |
Surfers Paradise | Surfers Paradise | 5 | 20 July 2014 | Street-level | Side | 36 | [48] |
Northcliffe | Surfers Paradise | 5 | 20 July 2014 | Street-level | Side | 38 | [49] |
Florida Gardens | Surfers Paradise | 5 | 20 July 2014 | Street-level | Island | 40 | [50] |
Broadbeach North | Broadbeach | 5 | 20 July 2014 | Street-level | Island | 42 | [51] |
Broadbeach South | Broadbeach | 5 | 20 July 2014 | Street-level | Side | 45 | [52] |
Services are operated by Keolis Downer, a joint venture between Keolis and Downer. Fares are set by Translink with all stations fitted with go card readers. [53] Translink charges fares that increase as passengers travel through eight concentric zones radiating outward from the Brisbane central business district; [54] All G:link stations are located within zone 5.
Service frequencies (in minutes) from 17 December 2017: [55]
Weekdays | Weekends | |
---|---|---|
00:00 to 05:00 | Closed | 30† |
05:00 to 07:00 | 15 | 15 |
07:00 to 19:00 | 7.5 | 10 |
19:00 to 23:30 | 15 | 15 |
† No service between Helensvale station and Gold Coast University Hospital
On Monday to Friday mornings (midnight to 5 am), light rail services are replaced on most of the routes by Kinetic Group route 700. [56] These buses do not service the section between Helensvale station and Gold Coast University Hospital. [55]
Over 1.74 million passengers used the Gold Coast Light Rail in its first 100 days after opening. More than five million paid trips were made in the first nine months of operation. [57] 6.6 million passengers were carried on the line in its first year, and total public transport users on the Gold Coast - across buses and trams - increased by 25 per cent. [58] [59] In February 2016 the Queensland Government announced the ten million passenger milestone had been reached and noted that Cavill Avenue was the busiest station with 4,729 boardings a day. [60]
The following table lists patronage figures for the network during the corresponding financial year. Australia's financial years start on 1 July and end on 30 June. Major events that affected the number of journeys made or how patronage is measured are included as notes.
Year | 2014–15 | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2019–20 | 2020–21 | 2021–22 | 2022–23 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Patronage (millions) | 6.28 [b] | 7.68 | 7.97 | 9.49 [c] [d] | 10.74 | 8.46 [e] | 6.12 [f] | 6.34 [g] | 10.39 | |||
Reference | [61] | [62] | [63] | [64] | [65] | [66] | [67] | [68] | [69] | |||
|
Bus | 14 000 000 [70] |
Light rail | 10 740 000 [71] |
Heavy rail | 5 800 000 [72] |
Besides Stages 3 and 4, the Gold Coast City Council envisions an extensive light rail network that would potentially consist of 68 km (42 mi) of track and 4 light rail lines as outlined in the City Transport Strategy 2031. Future extensions however are not expected to take place until after Stage 4 to Gold Coast Airport is fully completed and further feasibility studies are undertaken, with the time-frames for the projects still undecided.
A branch line from Main Beach to The Spit was proposed in the Gold Coast City Council's 2031 transport plan, City Transport Strategy 2031. [73] The council announced a number of potential route options in April 2017 and invited public comment. [74] The line is expected to cost around $200 million and would be paid for by developers and would be around 2.6 km (1.6 mi) long. [75]
The Gold Coast's council 2031 Transport plan published outlines a possible extension to Biggera Waters. [76] The proposed line would branch off from the existing University Hospital light rail station, travelling north before terminating at Harbour Town Shopping Centre in the suburb of Biggera Waters.
The Gold Coast's council 2031 Transport plan published outlines a possible extension to Bundall. [77] The proposed line would branch off from Cavill Avenue, travelling west for several kilometres before terminating in the suburb of Bundall. Stations may include Chevron Island, HOTA, Bundall Business District and Gold Coast Turf Club.
The Gold Coast's council 2031 Transport plan published outlines a possible extension to the Nerang. [78] The proposed line would spur off from Broadbeach, travelling west along Hooker Boulevard and north along Nerang–Broadbeach Road before terminating at the Nerang railway station. Stations would include Mermaid Waters, Carrara Markets and Carrara Stadium.
A 9 km (5.6 mi) Robina extension is proposed in the Gold Coast City Council's Light Rail southern Gold Coast publication. [79] The proposed extension would branch off from Nobbys Beach and terminate at Robina railway station passing through Bond University, Market Square, Robina Town Centre and Robina Stadium.
The Light Rail southern Gold Coast published by the Gold Coast City Council also outline a proposal extension to Varsity Lakes [80] from Burleigh Heads. The extension would branch out from Burleigh Heads and follow Burleigh Connection Road, passing by Stocklands Burleigh Heads Shopping Centre and the light industrial areas of West Burleigh before terminating at Varsity Lakes railway station, providing a heavy rail connection.
On 19 February 2019, Tweed Heads MP Geoff Provest announced $1 million of funding towards strategic planning to extend the Gold Coast light rail system from the Gold Coast Airport to over the New South Wales border into Tweed Heads. [81]
In 2020, a feasibility study was proposed by the NSW state government for a light rail corridor between Gold Coast Airport and Tweed Heads. [82]
The Gold Coast light rail project was subject to protest campaigns from some local residents and politicians. Those who attempted to stop Stage One included Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke, [83] former mayor and candidate Lex Bell [84] (who proposed the use of native title to stop the project), [85] [86] and a string of short-lived protest organisations. [85] [86] Their claims included that it was a 'zombie' project and 'white elephant' that would saddle ratepayers with unsustainable debt. [87] The removal of iconic palm trees and poincianas for the construction upset others. [88]
In 2016, a retired property analyst, Alan Midwood, claimed light rail had been a "gross financial disaster" that had doubled roadway congestion, and calling for it to be scrapped. [89] Other notable objectors who achieved media coverage included the owner of Surfers Paradise shop Condom Kingdom, who feared construction would impact sales, [90] and Surfers Paradise Meter Maids, who vowed to chain themselves to trees to prevent the project going ahead. [88]
One group operated by a Paradise Waters resident, alleged light rail was "a proven killer" [91] that slaughtered at "a rate 2.5 times that of cars". [92] Following the success of the project, in 2017, a group of Paradise Waters residents appealed for a tram stop to be added at their locality, as had been originally planned, but were denied it by Council. A former mayor suggested there was a feeling they "were punished because some of them opposed it at the time". [93]
The Gold Coast, also known by its initials, GC, is a coastal city and region in the state of Queensland, Australia, located approximately 66 kilometres (41 mi) south-southeast of the centre of the state capital, Brisbane. It is Queensland's second-largest city after Brisbane, as well as Australia's sixth-largest city and the most populous non-capital city. The city's central business district is located roughly in the centre of the Gold Coast in the suburb of Southport. The urban area of the Gold Coast is concentrated along the coast, sprawling almost 60 kilometres, joining up with the Greater Brisbane metropolitan region to the north and to the state border with New South Wales to the south. Nicknames of the city include the ‘Glitter Strip’ and the ‘Goldy’. The demonym of a Gold Coast resident is Gold Coaster.
Downer Group is an integrated services company active in Australia and New Zealand.
The Gold Coast railway line is an interurban railway line operated by Queensland Rail in Queensland, Australia, connecting Brisbane with the Gold Coast. The line has 17 stations. In 2021, a journey from Central station to the terminus of this line was scheduled to take 1 hour 23 minutes. There are plans for several new stations along the existing line, as well as an extension south.
Helensvale railway station is a major public transport interchange in the Gold Coast suburb of Helensvale. Helensvale railway station is served by the Queensland Rail Citytrain network Gold Coast line, G:link light rail and Kinetic Group bus services.
Keolis is a French transportation company that operates public transport systems all over the world. It manages bus, rapid transit, tram, coach networks, rental bikes, car parks, water taxi, cable car, trolleybus, and funicular services. Based in Paris, France, the company is 70% owned by SNCF and 30% owned by the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.
Pacific Fair is a major shopping centre in Broadbeach Waters on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It is Queensland's second-largest shopping centre and the fifth-largest nationally.
Helensvale is a northern suburb of the City of Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. In the 2021 census, Helensvale had a population of 18,949 people.
Downer Rail is a business unit within the Downer Group. As well as manufacturing and maintaining railway rolling stock it holds maintenance contracts to maintain rail infrastructure. The head office is located in North Ryde.
Varsity Lakes railway station is the terminus station of the Gold Coast line in Queensland, Australia. It serves the Gold Coast suburb of Varsity Lakes.
The Gold Coast is the largest non-capital city and fastest growing city in Australia. As a result, the Gold Coast has a wide range of public and private transport options from cars and bikes to buses, heavy rail and light rail. The car is the dominant mode of transport in the city with an extensive arterial road network that connects the standard residential streets with major suburbs and motorways.
Parkwood is a suburb in the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. In the 2021 census, Parkwood had a population of 8,837 people.
Railways in South East Queensland consist of a large passenger and freight rail network centred on Brisbane, the capital city of the Australian state of Queensland. Suburban and interurban passenger rail services are operated by Queensland Rail, which also operates long-distance services connecting Brisbane to the rest of the state. Aurizon and Pacific National are private companies which operate freight services. The passenger rail network in South East Queensland is known as the Citytrain network.
Gold Coast Highway links the coastal suburbs of the Gold Coast in south eastern Queensland such as Miami, Mermaid Beach, Tugun, Bilinga and across the border of New South Wales to the Tweed Heads suburb of Tweed Heads West. At 39.6 kilometres (24.6 mi) in length, the highway runs just west of Pacific Motorway at Pacific Pines to Pacific Motorway at Tweed Heads West. It passes through the numerous popular tourist areas including Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, a commercial centre at Southport, residential areas, shopping centres and the Gold Coast (Coolangatta) Airport.
Keolis Downer is a public transport operator that operates bus, train, tram and ferry services in Australia. It is a joint venture between Keolis, the largest private sector French transport group, and Downer Rail, an Australian railway engineering company.
The Newcastle Light Rail is a light rail system in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, running from Newcastle Interchange through the central business district to Pacific Park. Major construction commenced in September 2017 and the line was opened on 17 February 2019. It is operated by Newcastle Transport for Transport for NSW.
Broadbeach South light rail station is a major public transport hub in the Gold Coast suburb of Broadbeach. The station opened in July 2014 as the southern terminus of the G:link light rail line.
Southport light rail station is a major public transport interchange in the Gold Coast suburb of Southport, the Gold Coast's CBD. The Southport light rail station and the Southport bus station provide a bus and light rail interchange for the Gold Coast central business district. The station opened in July 2014 with the introduction of the G:link light rail system.
Griffith University light rail station is located on the corner of Engineering Drive and Parklands Drive in the Gold Coast suburb of Southport. The station is part of the Gold Coast's G:link light rail system, servicing the southern portion of the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge precinct. Griffith University light rail station is located alongside the southern end of Gold Coast campus of Griffith University and provides direct access to the Gold Coast Private Hospital. Several bus routes servicing the station provide connections to surrounding suburbs.
Gold Coast University Hospital light rail station is a major public transport interchange, providing an important bus – light rail interchange for the Gold Coast suburb of Southport. GCUH is part of the Gold Coast's G:link light rail network and was the original northern terminus of the G:link until an extension was completed to Helensvale in 2017. The Gold Coast University Hospital station is the only underground light rail station for network and provides a bus interchange located on the street level.
Parkwood East light rail station is located off Faldo Court and adjacent to Smith Street Motorway on the eastern portion of Parkwood, a suburb on the Gold Coast. The station is serviced by the Gold Coast G:link light rail system and provides a bus connection. Parkwood East light rail station services the local residential community.
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