Faster rail in SEQ would slash commute times, congestion, grow regional populations

The Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba would be the biggest winners from a faster rail network, a survey has found.

Regional communities would see a population boom and congestion levels would be slashed if faster rail were rolled out across southeast Queensland, a survey has found.

The Australasian Railway Association surveyed 600 people from across Australia, finding that 20 per cent of Brisbane residents would move to Toowoomba, the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast if the commute via train was made faster.

The report also found that 75 per cent of Gold Coast and 68 per cent of Sunshine Coast residents would ditch the car for a faster train.

The report said travel times could be competitive with the M1 between the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Picture: ARA

Australasian Railway Association corporate affairs general manager Joeley Pettit said railways would ease congestion and increase tourism numbers in regional areas.

“Faster rail encourages people to make another choice and helps ease congestion,” Ms Pettit said.

“Getting that commuter time comparable to road is really important in affecting people’s decisions as to whether they leave the car at home,” she said.

“It’s better for tourism and leisure travel as well.”

Ms Pettit said southeast Queensland’s current suburban system was “too slow” and called on all three levels of government to commit to a national rail plan.

“I think we’ve seen a real underinvestment of rail historically compared to roads,” she said

“The establishment of fast rail lines over the next five to 10 years is really important.”

Transport Minister Mark Bailey has been contacted for comment.