Sunshine Coast mass transit: Caroline Hutchinson gives her thoughts on the best transport options

Radio personality and long-time Alexandra Headland local Caroline Hutchinson has given her thoughts on the mass transit debate ahead of a crucial council meeting.

Radio personality Caroline Hutchinson and Evans Long co-director Dirk Long have previously been listed as among the Sunshine Coast's most powerful people.

OPINION:

Is it just me or do you think debate about light rail on the Sunshine Coast is about to come to a head?

I live in Alexandra Headland and I am against light rail.

I am against light rail because I don’t want to dig up the coastal corridor, I don’t want steel wheels on the beach and I don’t think light rail is flexible enough for a changing population.

When I first heard the concept floated I was incredulous. How could anyone even consider tracks and powerlines on the beach? But I get it now.

Light rail was considered the ‘gold standard’ in reliable, high quality, comfortable mass transit. Light rail is proven technology and once established a light rail route will attract urban investment.

Fair enough, town planners pushing the light rail agenda are not just infrastructure zealots hell bent on digging up the town centre. There is method to their madness.

But it is madness, because it is possible to achieve high-quality, zero-emissions, reliable and affordable public transport without resorting to tracks and wires on the beach.

People are romantic about rail, Melbourne is a beautiful city and her rumbling trams are part of her charm. But we would be retro fitting tracks and wires and our roads aren’t wide enough.

I am urging the three tiers of government to look beyond hard infrastructure. Electric bus technology is changing so quickly, it’s the perfect time to get on board.

Bus rapid transit can be built for less than 10% of the cost of light rail. Buses are cheaper to run per passenger journey and have similar journey speeds to light rail. Bus rapid transit can be established in months rather than years with zero disruption to businesses and residents.

Light rail is confined to linear routes, meaning less options getting young people or the elderly safely close to home.

By the time we have finished digging up the beach and building the light rail, I bet rapidly shifting bus technology will be far superior to any expensive, disruptive, intransient rail option.

Bus technology will require heavy investment. No one catches buses on the Sunshine Coast because the service doesn’t meet the needs of the people. With the right commitment, a comprehensive electric bus network is the exciting, modern solution. And it will be fully autonomous before we know it.

Electric vehicles are smaller, capable of working in with other road users, they are cutting edge technology and they are cheaper.

I understand governments feel the need to build something, that bricks and mortar is their calling card. But in this case, it is bricks and mortar, with screeching wheels and overhead power lines that locals clearly do not want.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast mass transit: Caroline Hutchinson gives her thoughts on the best transport options