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Gold Coast Light rail stage 2 to begin taking passengers on Sunday

THIS is the view you will get while riding along the Gold Coast light rail’s second stage after it opens on Sunday. You will get to see the city’s north in a whole new way. SEE THE VIDEO

Gold Coast Light rail Stage 2 Drone footage

PASSENGERS will get to ride the second stage of the light rail from Sunday.

The 11km second stage from Griffith University to Helensvale will begin running from 5am Sunday morning, with passengers to get free travel throughout the day.

The trams at Helensvale
The trams at Helensvale

The move will connect tram to train for the first time and will see the light rail running across 19 stations to Broadbeach.

Gold Coast-based Assistant Tourism Minister Meaghan Scanlon made the announcement this morning at the Parkwood Station saying the opening would be celebrated with a family fun day on Sunday ahead of the official opening on Monday.

Meaghan Scanlon at Parkwood Station with Goldlinq communications director Jason Ward. Photo by Richard Gosling
Meaghan Scanlon at Parkwood Station with Goldlinq communications director Jason Ward. Photo by Richard Gosling

“This is well and truly ahead of schedule and a Christmas present for all Gold Coasters,” she said.

“It is really exciting — we know this piece of infrastructure has been critical for the Gold Coast and a huge economic boost for our community.

“It is absolutely critical that we have public transport to relieve the pressure of congestion on our main roads.

The tram heads south.
The tram heads south.
Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 2 timelapse

“We have the business case now for stage three and we’re really excited to see where that goes as well.”

Jason Ward, Communications director for GoldLinQ said the $420 million stage two project was well ahead of schedule.

“The project has given a huge economic boost with 2000 inducted on the project over the past 18 months of construction,” he said.

The tram at the new Helensvale station Photo by Richard Gosling
The tram at the new Helensvale station Photo by Richard Gosling

“It has been fast compared to stage one because of the great team of workers on the project. “There has been a lot of effort from the construction teams to get here earlier than planned.”

The family fun day will run from 6am until 2pm at the Helensvale, Parkwood, East Parkwood and Gold Coast University Hospital stations and will include goodie bags, face painting, food stalls and free travel across the rail line.

The Tram heading south towards the Parkwood station.
The Tram heading south towards the Parkwood station.

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/gold-coast-light-rail-stage-2-to-begin-taking-passengers-on-sunday/news-story/52f794c1e1c7bd1cdab982a12409e69f