New data reveals Gold Coast Light Rail patronage figures much higher than expected
THE numbers are in and the truth about the Gold Coast light rail can now be revealed — Has it been a success and what it means for proposed future extensions to the city’s south and west.
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THE case for the Gold Coast light rail’s third stage is gaining momentum, with figures showing support from locals has exceeded expectations.
New Department of Transport figures show the rapid transit system has recorded an extra 510,000 passenger trips since its second stage was opened in December.
The 11km second stage, which tomorrow marks three months since its launch, has helped deliver a 27 per cent boost in patronage, bringing total passenger journeys to 2.3 million in just 12 weeks.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey welcomed the result and said it reflected Gold Coasters’ support for public transport.
THE PROOF THAT LIGHT RAIL STAGE 2 IS A SUCCESS
“Stage two of the Gold Coast light rail was delivered on budget and early nearly three months ago and Gold Coast locals and visitors have overwhelmingly shown their support,” he said.
“Light rail patronage has increased by 510,000 trips, or 27 per cent compared to last year’s figures since stage 2 launched on December 18.
“Stage 2 is a fantastic legacy for all Gold Coast residents.”
HOW LIGHT RAIL STAGE 3 COULD ARRIVE EARLY
According to data to be published this weekend to mark the anniversary, the three new stations — Helensvale, Parkwood and Parkwood East — are fast becoming commuter favourites, recording 3036 boardings a day or 255,000 in total across the three months.
As the key public transport hub between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the Helensvale station — where heavy rail and light rail meet — receives the highest patronage.
The week beginning February 26 was the busiest recorded, with 224,000 trips taken.
The spike in users was the result of classes resuming at Griffith University.
Stephen Harrison, who heads the Gold Coast light rail business advisory board, said the strong figures boosted the case for stage 3 and beyond.
WHERE THE LIGHT RAIL IS GOING NEXT
He said taking the trams to Coolangatta and west into the suburbs of Robina and Nerang made sense.
“These figures show people will support public transport and that the young people are the ones who are the biggest adaptors,” he said.
“It is time for the naysayers to admit the light rail has been a success and that it makes sense to continue rolling it out.
“It must be taken down to Coolangatta and out to the suburbs to provide an overall integrated public transport network.”
Light rail stage 3A, which would run between Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads, is in the planning stages, with a $10 million feasibility study underway.
Stage 3B would run to Coolangatta and the airport, with other future stages proposed to travel west.
STAGE BACKS LIGHT RAIL STAGE 3
GoldLinQ chairman John Witheriff said the trams were performing “better than ever anticipated’’.
“The Gold Coast has really bought into public transport for the first time in my lifetime,” he said.
“I was born in Southport and grew up here but before the light trail, had caught public transport just a few times.
“The trams are changing all of that and our big hope is that over the next decade public transport will become the preferred mode of moving around the city.”
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