Momentum growing behind Gold Coast Light rail Stage 3A after strong patronage figures
FUNDING for the Gold Coast light rail’s $600 million third stage could be fast-tracked as city leaders talk up the tram’s success and what will happen this year.
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MOMENTUM is building behind the fast-tracking of the Gold Coast light rail’s third stage to Burleigh.
Strong patronage figures revealed last week is helping to build the case for an early funding commitment from the Federal Government according to political leaders.
The Department of Transport figures show the number of passengers riding the tram has increased 25 per cent since the system’s second stage to Helensvale launched four weeks ago.
If funded by mid-2019, the trams are expected to be carrying passengers to Burleigh by 2021.
Broadbeach Cr Paul Taylor said the case for making the extension from Pacific Fair to Burleigh Heads was growing stronger by the day.
“Stage three is going to be such a winner for us and the people at Burleigh are waiting for it as the people here in Broadbeach,” he said.
“We are working on the business case for it at the moment and the aim is to have that ready to go before the year’s end.
“These figures are strengthening the case for getting the extension going as soon as possible.”
The figures showed the trams were busy over the Christmas and New Years periods with 172,000 extra trips across the whole tram network in that time.
Of those, 78,000 trips were recorded from the three new stations built along stage 2, including at Helensvale.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey declare the second stage to be an “overwhelming success” which set the stage for the third link.
“It is clear Gold Coast residents have embraced light rail as a great way to get around the coast, to connect to Brisbane via the heavy rail, and to take cars off the road,” he said.
“Delivery of Gold Coast Light Rail stage 2 in time for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games means that this vital piece of transport infrastructure will play an important role in the delivery of an integrated transport plan during the Games.
“The business case will ensure ongoing consultation with the community and stakeholders.”
The 7.3km, 11-minute journey along stage 2 connects the light and heavy rails together and allows people to travel from Brisbane to the beach by rail for the first time in more than 50 years.
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