Gold Coast public transport: Preferred route for rapid buses revealed

The proposed destinations of the Gold Coast’s $100 million rapid bus network have been decided, with Mayor Tom Tate revealing its first destination

PROPOSED destinations of the Gold Coast’s $100 million rapid bus network have been revealed.

The electric bus network, which will connect with the light rail’s Broadbeach to Burleigh link, will travel west to Nerang and eventually Robina, connecting with heavy rail and the city’s two stadiums.

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

Mayor Tom Tate said council staff had worked on the project through the COVID-19 crisis and it was on track to begin running once the tram extension opens in 2023.

“Once we have the spine (of the tram system) in place we will have the electric buses,” he said.

“The preferred first east-west route will be from Pacific Fair to Nerang railway station, stopping at Carrara Markets and Metricon Stadium,” he said.

OPINION: GOLD COAST MUST THINK AHEAD ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT

One of the future routes running to Robina. (BRT)

“The roads are wide enough and this mode of transport which will look very similar to light rail.

“It also gives the opportunity to make the business case more viable to build an 8000-seat boutique stadium. This project is still in the pipeline.’’

Cr Tate said the second proposed route would travel west from Gold Coast Highway at Miami along Pacific Ave and Cottesloe Drive, connecting Bond University with Cbus Super Stadium and Robina railway station.

The bus system would connect with light rail.

The Bulletin revealed the proposed rapid bus system in March.

Early planning work has also been done on a northern route between Gold Coast University Hospital and Harbour Town, however this is not considered a priority.

The buses would be able to carry up to 100 passengers and arrive at stops at maximum intervals of 10 minutes, operating all day.

What a station will look like.

Stations would be similar in design to the light rail and those retained when east-west tram connections are built would simply be expanded.

Similar systems are operating in nearly 200 cities around the world including Adelaide, Jakarta, Auckland, Bogota, Manchester and Brisbane.

Mayor Tom Tate says the Nerang route is the preferred first step.

The project would be jointly funded by the council and the state, and work to relieve congestion on some of the city’s busiest arterial roads.

The proposed routes are not final and will be subject to a business case and community consultation.

Cr Tate said he was keen to present a business case on the project to the State Government.