South-East Queensland’s train service is getting a massive shake-up, with the State Government announcing several route changes that will majorly affect the way Gold Coasters travel.
It’s been revealed that as part of the new $5.4 billion Cross River Rail network, the Gold Coast will no longer have a direct train to Brisbane Airport.
From 2025, passengers travelling in either direction will have to change trains in Central Brisbane.
Mayor Tom Tate says it’s going to cause a lot of frustration for passengers.
“Something isn’t right when the two biggest cities in Queensland, with two major international airports, won’t have a direct air train service,” Mayor Tate says.
“I accept that the services from the coast to Brisbane city will be faster but having to change for an airport connection is a huge disincentive.”
Meanwhile, tourism bosses are concerned it could hurt our tourism industry.
Travellers will no longer have the ease of access from hopping off a plane in Brisbane and taking one train right down to the Gold Coast.
The loss of connectivity has the potential to cause a big blow to our tourism sector.
Mayor Tate has expressed his disappointment in the changes.
“The whole intent of Cross River Rail is more services, faster services and greater reliability,”
“That seems to not apply to the critical airport direct services.”
He says this is just another reason to fast-track Light Rail Stage 4 to the Gold Coast Airport.
