Department of Transport and Main Roads announces bus rapid transit as public transport project

Residents who fought hard against a light rail proposal on the Sunshine Coast’s beachside are celebrating following the state government’s selection for the mass transit project.

An artist's impression of bus rapid transit, which was one of the options presented in Sunshine Coast Council's Draft Options Analysis for a mass transit plan.

Bus rapid transit has been selected as the preferred choice for Sunshine Coast’s public transport moving forward – putting an end to the controversial light rail proposal. 

Following a rigorous process, the state government has identified bus rapid transit as the preferred vehicle option for the Sunshine Coast Public Transport project.

It is expected to improve connections from Maroochydore to Caloundra, and link with the proposed Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line service to Brisbane.

Both options would have run on dedicated right of way infrastructure and feature 18 stations about 800m apart between Maroochydore and Birtinya.

The decision marks one of the biggest milestones for the project – formerly known as Sunshine Coast Mass Transit – during its 12-year history – putting to rest the alternative for light rail as part of the project.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads on Friday announced bus rapid transit as the preferred vehicle option for the Sunshine Coast Public Transport project, as part of the development of the $15m Detailed Business Case.

The light rail option was the least popular when residents were surveyed by the Sunshine Coast Council in 2021, with concerns around overhead wires and trains operating along the beachfront.

Beach Matters Group’s Rachael Bermingham said she was elated by the result after advocating strongly against light rail for two years.

“It’s really great to have TMR listen to the community,” Ms Bermingham said.

“The Sunshine Coast can’t wait five or ten years for the light rail. They need action now. Something that was cheaper and wouldn’t break the bank for ratepayers.

“It’s a great result.”

However she said there were still some questions locals needed answered, and that this was just one step in the right direction.

“There’s still some questions about stations ... with some people saying there’s too many stations and too many stops,” Ms Bermingham said.

“I think it’s possibly the wrong route too ... I think they need to look at better routes.

“We just wish local councillors two years ago listened to the community the way TMR has today ... it would have saved us all two years of pain and hard work.

“But it’s done now and we can finally take it (light rail) off the table and we can focus on everyone being able to get around without as many cars on the road.”

An artist's impression of a bus rapid transit vehicle at a minor interchange station as part of the Sunshine Coast Mass Transit project.

The selection means rubber-tyred vehicles would operate on a dedicated right-of-way basis, that provides an exclusive separated route from other road traffic for the sole use of public transport.

According to the state government, rapid transit will provide sustainable, accessible and comfortable public transport that will meet forecast demand for public transport on the Sunshine Coast well into the future and connect customers to the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail, enabling Queenslanders to spend less time in cars and commuting.

Technologies are continually evolving with several variations of the bus rapid transit vehicle type emerging within the market, such as trackless trams, which operate on rubber wheels and follow line marking on the road surface.

Massive light rail protest is being organised on Alexandra Beach next Sunday ahead of the crucial vote on mass transit options. Pictured, Michelle Young and Rachael Bermingham (centre). Photo: Patrick Woods.

Further work to complete the detailed business case will continue including technical investigations and assessments to refine the design of the corridor for bus rapid transit, including station locations and active transport opportunities.

Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said the government has fast tracked works on planning, with the business case also almost complete for Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line.

“The growth on the Sunshine Coast is unparalleled and we need more sustainable ways for people to travel around the region,” he said.

“A rapid bus transit option will be best placed to deliver for the needs of Sunshine Coast locals, based on the details feedback received throughout consultation.

“It is intended that bus transport will integrate with the broader vision for mass transit on the Sunshine Coast, underpinned by the Sunshine Coast Direct line.”

An artist's impression of bus rapid transit, which is one of the options presented in Sunshine Coast Council's Draft Options Analysis for a mass transit plan.

Sunshine Coast mayor Mark Jamieson said the region had been on this transport planning journey since 2011, and set strong strategic foundations in place that have allowed the project to progress as part of the current detailed business case phase.

“Council welcomes the State government proceeding with the Detailed Business Case for the Sunshine Coast Public Transport Project and for arriving at a conclusion that will provide an outstanding public transport system for the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Jamieson said.

“Bus Rapid Transit is an area of amazing technological advancement and offers a standard of service that will attract people to use this comfortable, frequent and reliable public transport system.

“The technological advancements are continuing with vehicles such as the E Tram (trackless tram), which while rubber-tyred like a bus, offer outstanding passenger comfort and ride quality.

“Today marks a new milestone for everyone who has played a key role in the project’s iconic past, especially our local community.”