Editorial: Gold Coast needs to think ahead to solve transport issues

EDITORIAL: The Gold Coast needs bipartisan support to keep upgrading and improving the public transport network which the city so desperately needs to cope with a growing population.

IT is no secret that the Gold Coast is struggling with a growth spurt.

With a population heading towards one million people within two decades and a road network already straining to cope with the sheer number of vehicles using it day to day, something must be done.

It is crucial we look to how Gold Coasters will be travelling in 2025, 2030 and beyond. Every month or year lost in deliberation will cost time and money, placing a further stranglehold on our road network.

Artist impression and maps of the proposed Gold Coast electric bus system, known as the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

Councillors will today be briefed on plans to introduce electric rapid transit buses between Nobby Beach and Robina and from Broadbeach to Nerang.

Another link to Harbour Town is in the earliest stages of consideration.

While trams are expected to eventually travel these routes, buses offer a cheaper intermediate answer to our transport woes and would allow residents in some of our busiest areas to get a boosted taste of travel without a total reliance on cars.

And the potential benefits don’t stop there.

The Robina to Nobby Beach link,

Linking the light and heavy rails with rapid buses will also mean stops at our two major stadiums at Carrara and Robina.

Think about what that would mean on game days, with buses coming every 10 minutes.

With the success of last weekend’s Queen concert fresh in our minds, think of how much this system could improve future major events.

Light rail is a proven success that continues to disprove its naysayers with strong patronage and taking cars off our roads.

Imagine what a difference a fully integrated transport system will mean in the future.

With the State election just seven months away, our city leaders have the chance to put forward the case for this critical project to both sides of politics.

Fixing our transport must be bipartisan.

It’s too important to keep squabbling over.