Shock finding: Why trams and not buses are the only way to improve public transport to the airport

A new council report has revealed the dire state of public transport on the Gold Coast - leading to renewed pressure to further extend the tram network. READ THE REPORT’S SHOCK FINDINGS >>>

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ALMOST all visitors at the Gold Coast Airport are leaving by car due to the limited bus services, according to a council report.

The only way to improve public transport, council officers suggest, is a tram service.

In an update on light rail Stage 4 from Burleigh to Coolangatta, the officers refer to the airport as “pivotal to the local tourism industry and economic development on the Gold Coast” and note demand would increase significantly in the next 20 years.

The state government’s ShapingSEQ 50-year regional plan sought high-frequency public transport connections including extending light rail to Coolangatta, officers added.

“There is currently low PT (public transport) mode share for visitors departing the Gold Coast Airport with 93 per cent of visitors travelling by private vehicles,” the officer’s report says.

“This is largely due to the current PT offering at the Gold Coast Airport. It is only serviced by two bus routes that often require transfers and face longer travel times compared to private vehicle trips. There is no direct bus service to Tweed Shire.”

Planning for Stage 4 of light rail recognised the major benefits of providing a “reliable mass transit system” to the airport.

“The planning envisages a more seamless journey, connecting the Gold Coast Airport to other regionally significant economic, employment and tourist activity centres and attractions on the Gold Coast,” the report says.

Mayor Tom Tate told the Bulletin: “This report makes it absolutely clear that 93 percent of people arriving at our airport currently choose private car transport to depart the airport. The report underscores that bus services are not as reliable, or as frequent, as light rail would be. “It is not a matter of simply increasing the bus frequency. People are more inclined to utilise light rail over public buses given frequency and the reduced delays experienced with light rail.

Mayor Tom Tate — there will be an uplift in public transport use by trams going to the airport. Picture Glenn Hampson.

“Just look at three international cities that have achieved incredible success with their airport transport modes – Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Shanghai. We know there will be a huge uplift in people choosing light rail to arrive and depart from our airport once it is connected.”

In a new report, consultants said Transport and Main Roads in 2012 began assessing the transport benefits of trams compared to a “do minimum of continued frequent bus services”.

Light rail between Broadbeach and Coolangatta was shown to increase daily public transport trips by 22 per cent, from almost 221,000 to around 270,9000 relative to the “do minimum”.

The increase was only 12 per cent if light rail ended at Burleigh, consultants said.

“As such, light rail between Broadbeach and Coolangatta via Burleigh Heads and Gold Coast Airport became one of the critical 2031 network components,” consultants wrote.

President of new anti-light rail group Save Our Southern Gold Coast Kath Down said she didn’t believe trams were the only solution.

“We’re looking at systems operating overseas at the moment and doing our research,” she said.

“The buses we have are old technology (like the trams). The quality of ride isn’t there.

“With new technology the quality of ride is there and you can do programming of traffic lights to give preference to the buses.

“We’re looking at more modern, more sustainable and far less expensive modes of transport.”

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Originally published as Shock finding: Why trams and not buses are the only way to improve public transport to the airport