Light rail and public transport key to solving the Gold Coast’s dire congestion problem

The Gold Coast’s mayor says he would back making a key Gold Coast road a toll zone and look into other radical solutions to reducing traffic jams on the city’s congestion-plagued roads.

THE Gold Coast’s mayor says he would back making the new Coomera Connector a toll road and look into other radical solutions to reducing traffic jams on the city’s congestion-plagued roads.

The council has launched a review of its transport plan to cope with the city’s swelling population before it reaches 1 million people in 2041.

With light and heavy rail forming the core of the plan Mayor Tom Tate said the era of car-only life was coming to an end and some radical solutions would be needed if people did not make the “transition to public transport”.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“The biggest challenge is that Gold Coasters love their cars and this city was built on getting in the car – that’s been the platform for the past 50 years but we need to show there is a more viable and safe solution,” he said.

“On new state roads such as the (Coomera Connector) I have no objection to tolls being put there because it wouldn’t be a bad deal and if you didn’t want to pay, you can take the M1 and it will be a longer drive.”

Mr Tate (inset) said he would support ideas such as London’s congestion tax only as a “last resort” if people did not move to public transport.

The concept involves a fee to drive the city’s key arterial roads at peak hour, using camera technology to record usage. He said the increasing cost of petrol would act as an incentive for people to switch to rail.

Plans for the Coomera Connector near The Shores at Helensvale - the bridge crossing is in the background.

Light and heavy rail will form the key of the council’s new plan, which will cover the changes to the city through until 2041. Community consultation began on the plan from Monday and will last until August 14. Council used the announcement to trumpet the passenger numbers on its ferry and automated bus trials.

More than 21,907 people used the ferry during the March to June quarter, with 9000 in April alone a record since the service launched in December 2019. There were 105,500 trips and 39,700 active riders using the council’s bike share scheme during the same period. The driverless bus, in Main Beach, has carried 1300 people.

Council’s plans going forward will be based around the light rail’s $2.7bn extension from Broadbeach to the border, as well as two hybrid bus lines connecting the trams to Nerang and Robina.

Mr Tate said it was critical for the public to think differently about how they get around.

“Ultimately, the way we move is changing. Our access needs and challenges are evolving, sustainable solutions are a priority and emerging technologies are increasing,” he said.

“This is our opportunity to deliver a strategy for the future and we need input to protect the lifestyle that makes the coast a great place to live.”

It comes as construction begins on a $19m upgrade of one of the Gold Coast’s busiest roads. The roundabout at the intersection of Wardoo and Cotlew streets will be replaced by a signalised intersection over a two-year period.

One lane will initially be closed in each direction during the works. Mr Tate said more than 20,000 vehicles use the intersection each day.

“It is already one of the busiest intersections and demand is only going to increase in coming years so we need to upgrade it now,” Mr Tate said.

‘Get out of your car’: How to solve congestion nightmare

The Gold Coast’s transport plan will be revamped and expanded to cope with a population of more than 1 million people within 20 years.

Light and heavy rail will form the key of the council’s new plan, which will cover the changes to the city through until 2041.

Mayor Tom Tate said the era of car-only life was coming to an end.

“The Gold Coast lifestyle is the envy of every other city in Australia so it’s no wonder we’re estimated to grow from 650,000 people to more than 1 million by 2041,” he said.

End of the line, but not for long. The site of the light rail work camp for next stage, just south of the Pacific Fair station. Picture Glenn Hampson

“This population surge requires us to ensure we get transport right. Addressing traffic congestion will require not only new infrastructure but clever new thinking that doesn’t always include a private motor vehicle.”

Community consultation will begin on the plan from Monday until August 14.

Council has used the announcement to trumpet the passenger numbers on its ferry and automated bus trials.

More than 21,907 people used the ferry during the March to June quarter, with 9000 in April alone a record since the service launched in December 2019.

There were 105,500 trips and 39,700 active riders using the council’s bike share scheme during the same era, while the driverless bus, which operates in Main Beach, has carried 1300 people.

Council’s plans going forward will be based around the light rail’s $2.7bn extension from Broadbeach to the border, as well as two hybrid bus lines connecting the trams to Nerang and Robina.

Cr Tate it was critical for the public to think differently about how they get around the city.

“Ultimately, the way we move is changing. Our access needs and challenges are evolving, sustainable solutions are a priority and emerging technologies are increasing,” he said.

Proposed new buses for Gold Coast east-west rapid transit plan.

“This is our opportunity to deliver a strategy for the future and we need input to protect the lifestyle that makes the coast a great place to live, work and visit. The future of transport is in your hands.”

It comes as construction begins on a $19m upgrade of one of the Gold Coast’s busiest roads.

The roundabout at the intersection of Wardoo and Cotlew streets will be replaced by a signalised intersection over a two-year period.

One lane will initially be closed in each direction during the works.

The City’s ferry service HOPO Picture Glenn Hampson

Cr Tate said more than 20,000 vehicles use the intersection each day.

“It is already one of the busiest intersections and demand is only going to increase in coming years so we need to upgrade it now,” Mayor Tate said.

“Due to the high volume of traffic, we have carefully planned our construction schedule to minimise impact. It’s about short-term pain for long-term gain.’’

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Originally published as Light rail and public transport key to solving the Gold Coast’s dire congestion problem