Gold Coast Light rail stage 2 launches with free day of tram trips
THE Gold Coast’s light rail stage two has launched today amid much fanfare with thousands of passengers trying out the extended route. It’s been hailed a ‘game changer’ for local public transport.
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POLITICAL leaders from all levels of government have celebrated the launch of the Gold Coast light rail’s second stage.
More than 200 people turned out to watch the ceremonial ribbon cutting at Helensvale tram station just after 11am.
Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said the tram connection was an Australian first while Moncrieff MP and Trade Minister Steven Ciobo hailed it a ‘game changer’ for the Gold Coast.
“Today is a game changer because only now and then do you get a project of such significance that it reshapes the future of a destination,” he said.
“It is a game changer for residents but also for the tourists.
“I am confident that this investment in stage two will be the day we look back on as the game changer for the Gold Coast and all three levels of government recognise this is just the beginning.”
Among those who attended the launch were Mayor Tom Tate, Transport Minister Mark Bailey, GoldLinQ chairman John Witheriff. Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon, Southport MP Rob Molhoek and Fadden MP Stuart Robert, who was thanked by Ms Trad for his critical role in securing the link.
The launch came hours after a small but dedicated group of tram enthusiasts rose at the crack of dawn to make the historic first journey of the light rail to Helensvale this morning.
Tram No. 5 left the station at Gold Coast University Hospital at 5.08am, carrying around 20 people on its 7.3km, 11-minute journey to the northern transit hub, visiting two new stations along the way.
It was a moment more than two years in the making and for tram fans Alan Heywood and Bev Ford, it was worth the wait.
Mr Heywood, of Arundel, said he was excited to make the journey.
“It is a whole new thing which is part of the Gold Coast and here to stay hopefully,’ he said.
“We just wanted to be part of something different and it is amazing you can go all the way from Broadbeach to Helensvale and on to Brisbane.
“There’s no traffic, it’s nice and easy and I have never seen any graffiti on it. It’s good for the Gold Coast.”
The pair, who were the first to board the tram from the end of stage 1, ended their journey by going into Surfers Paradise for breakfast.
After arriving at Helensvale at 5.20am, a crowd of around 100 people boarded the blue and gold tram before it departed again at 5.29am for the journey back to Broadbeach.
Among those on board was area councillor William Owen-Jones, a noted supported of the extension.
He said it would prove a game changer for the city.
“I am pretty impressed and 11 minutes for the journey, that is a good time.” He said.
“I am looking forward to everyone getting to have a go and I am pleased to see it come to fruition
“Now we have to push on for stage 3 and Burleigh.”
Celebrations will continue through the day with free travel on the trams.
Normal service begins tomorrow.
There will be free face painting and music at Helensvale at the Parkwood East station from 9am-2pm.
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