Gold Coast light rail to the airport a game-changer for economy, buses ‘not positive’ - CEO Evans

The Gold Coast Airport boss says a modern, innovative and accessible high-growth city like the tourism capital needs public transport infrastructure to reflect that. FULL STORY

The Gold Coast Airport boss wants light rail to the terminal unless a viable alternative emerges, and describes buses long-term instead as not “positive” for customers.

In an exclusive interview, Queensland Airports Ltd CEO Amelia Evans said:

- existing bus and taxi-ride share were inadequate for airport travellers;

- until she saw a viable alternative, the airport would advocate for greater connectivity via light and heavy rail;

- a modern, innovative Gold Coast needed public transport to match;

- light-heavy rail linking the Gold Coast and Brisbane would be an economy “game-changer”;

- among “most common questions our team receives is ‘which way is the train?’.

Ms Evans, responding to Bulletin questions prior to the State Government opening consultation on its public transport review last week, said: “We have long advocated for improved public transport infrastructure throughout the southern Gold Coast, including multi-modal transport options.

“Our customers must drive or rely on either electric buses or taxis/rideshare – this does not adequately serve the needs of all our visitor demographics.

“The Gold Coast is a modern, innovative and accessible city – our public transport should also reflect this.”

Queensland Airports Ltd CEO Amelia Evans in front of the Gold Coast Airport international arrivals area.

Asked how disappointed she’d be if trams didn’t link to the airport by 2032’s Olympics and Paralympics, she replied: “A fully integrated light and (eventually) heavy rail network linking the Gold Coast with Brisbane will be a game-changer for tourism, education, health, business, and broader economy.

“Improved accessibility will encourage multi-destination itineraries, ensuring visitors can experience the Gold Coast and northern NSW.”

Asked how she would view buses such as the new Brisbane Metro being the airport connection option even as a stopgap for 2032, she said: “Bus Rapid Transit would require a new dedicated station facility on the airport precinct, as well as other capital works such as longer kerb lengths, wider turning paths and clearance.

“This means significant investment for a ‘stopgap’ that is neither sustainable given forecast capacity growth, nor offers a positive customer experience.”

Ms Evans said she awaited the state’s public transport review but “until a viable alternative to light rail is presented, we will continue to advocate for greater (airport) connectivity through light and heavy rail options”.

“We welcome another viable option however we can only rely on decades of planning and studies that have proven the viability of light and heavy rail.”

Artist impression of the Gold Coast Airport masterplan showing the proposed light rail connection. Picture: Supplied

The Stage 4 Preliminary Business Case showed Bus Rapid Transit had high capital, construction and operating costs, she said, adding it highlighted capacity limitations – a bus carries 65 passengers, a metro bus 150 and light rail 300-plus.

Ms Evans said visitors viewed buses as “complex and difficult to navigate”.

“Having to change to a secondary transport mode half-way is not considered a

good visitor experience.”

The airport draft master plan included light and heavy rail improvements as passengers soar to 10 million a year by 2032, she said, adding the airport needed “easy and seamless” transfer options to the northern Gold Coast.

“Good connectivity is imperative to attracting investment and workforce, in addition to growing visitation from students, friends and family.”

It would also improve highway congestion and reduce carbon emissions, she said.

On Friday, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie opened six weeks of consultation as part of a promised light rail stage four review and encouraged southern Gold Coasters to have their say, urging they put in their address. “Residents on the southern Gold Coast will be taken into more consideration,” he said.

It prompted Deputy Mayor Donna Gates to call it “half-hearted consultation” and highlight that every ratepayer paid for tram extensions.

On Friday, when a southern resident asked Mr Bleijie and Member for Currumbin Laura Gerber whether buses or trams would be running by 2032, neither could answer, saying they were awaiting the consultation before “railroading the community”.

The Bulletin has previously reported light rail alternatives under consideration include electric buses, with Mayor Tom Tate saying he was “open” to the idea.

Opposition leader Steven Miles has accused the state of plotting to turn Burleigh into a “bus depot” if trams stopped at the beachside suburb.

Originally published as Gold Coast light rail to the airport a game-changer for economy, buses ‘not positive’ - CEO Evans