The state government will today unveil its long-awaited transport plan for the Gold Coast, with metro-style bus services to be introduced and a new light rail line to be constructed in the city’s north.
It’s been 10 months since the government controversially scrapped Light Rail Stage 4 to Coolangatta and promised a comprehensive alternative for the southern Gold Coast.
In that time, buses are what they have come up with.
The metro-style buses, dubbed the GC Surfer will run from Coolangatta, via the airport, through Palm Beach to Burleigh Heads.
The service will then continue out to Burleigh Waters, onto Varsity Lakes and Robina, with the route to include Robina Hospital, C-Bus Stadium, the heavy rail line and Greenheart.
The buses are expected to run every 10 minutes. The current 777 Express bus service to the airport already runs approximately every 10 minutes throughout the day.
The services fall well short of the capacity of light rail, with Brisbane’s metro buses able to carry 150 customers, compared to the 309 that can ride the G:Link.
The government will use the lack of disruption during construction as one of the selling points, but the road network will still need significant upgrades for the metro buses.
Image: Supplied
The government will also unveil a light rail spur line to Harbour Town.
The line will run from the University Hospital and along Olsen Ave.
Premier David Crisafulli says the plan will better connect the Gold Coast.
“We promised we would deliver generational infrastructure investment across Queensland, including here on the Gold Coast, and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” he said.
“We’re fast-tracking critical projects to deliver the transport connectivity which will benefit the Gold Coast for generations to come.”
Harbour Town Centre General Manager Greg Day has welcomed the announcement, saying it represents a major milestone for the region.
“This is a critical piece of community infrastructure for the northern Gold Coast,” Mr Day said.
“It’s a huge growth corridor, and this is exactly the type of investment that will connect our communities with opportunities. For people who live here, work here, or simply enjoy visiting, this is meaningful, game-changing infrastructure that prioritises connectivity and liveability.”
