Gold Coast light rail a success but Premier won’t commit funding in lead up to election

THERE are just 10 days until the state election, but Premier Campbell Newman is still remaining tight-lipped on funding for the light rail.

A G:link tram traveling the tracks at Surfers Paradise. P. Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS

AFTER six months of operation the Gold Coast light rail is a proven success — logging more than 3.2 million passenger trips since it began operating in July.

However the Newman Government is still yet to commit to funding a second stage between Griffith University and Helensvale

After six months of operation, the Bulletin can reveal more than 3.2 million passenger trips have been made since July 21 last year, with trams completing more than 44,500 end-to-end trips in that time.

Do you think a light rail extension is a priority? Let us know in the comments below:
NEWMAN HINTS AT LIGHT RAIL EXTENSION

Campbell Newman won’t commit to funding a second stage of the light rail — yet anyway.

Premier Campbell Newman appeared on commercial radio yesterday morning and played coy when asked whether a second stage of light rail would be announced during the election campaign.

“There’s 11 more days to go — we’re talking jobs and tourism jobs today,” he said.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the strong ­figures would be kept in mind as discussions continue for the ­future stage.

“I am a big supporter of stage two and we are going to look at how it is going in an ­appropriate way and make a decision made on this feedback,” he said.

Do you want to see the light rail extended? Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS

Mr Emerson yesterday announced more than $140 million of road upgrades for the Gold Coast, which will include the widening of Bundall Rd.

This work will require land resumptions.

The renewed focus on transport infrastructure comes after Mr Newman yesterday said roadworks planned for major intersections and arterials roads would tackle traffic hot spots on the Coast.

“Scott Emerson today is talking about a whole lot of very important road upgrades which will make sure the traffic — I reckon the Gold Coast’s traffic’s worse than Brisbane, there you go — some real projects,” he said.