RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Not surprising to me...

Very pleased to see that the "37 minute" journey time was a furphy (as it was meant to be).

^ me neither ...   Ding Ding!   

You'd hope they will have this open to the public for the school holidays (starting 27th June).

I'm a bit disappointed it seems the "G" won't be up and running for a ride next week as I'm going to be back Brisbane/GC way for a short visit. Will have to settle for a ride out to Springfield.

Good to see the trams getting positive publicity for once...

Is it just me or does Broadbeach South only have 1 track? How is this good planning for the future?


Ed: Fixed up image link for you

^ look carefully.  See the other track left and is covered by platform.  That is a temporary cover, when the line extended pulled back and line continues on ...  same deal at GCUH

Ah right you are Bob. Thought it would be very odd. Crisis averted thankfully.

I'm a bit dubious about this aspect.  Scissor crossovers and a double platform would have been better.  Not sure how they propose to manage if a tram goes dead.  The northbound track looks like it might have a sort of ersatz platform lip after the crossover, but you would have to be running wrong road to get to it from the north (ie running wrong road from somewhere north of Broadbeach North and with no ability to pass other trams).

Even without the scissors it can be fixed by taking the temporary slab out and stringing up a few more metres of wire, the second track is already there underneath.

Quote from: SurfRail on June 16, 2014, 09:43:16 AM
Not sure how they propose to manage if a tram goes dead.

I think the only option there is to terminate following services a station early and get the recovery loco-thing down there ASAP.

This seems a bit half baked - an oh so familiar QLD theme - even if it leads to simpler terminal stations from the passengers perspective.

To my way of thinking, a Melbourne style terminus with a scissors crossover would give much greater operational flexibility.

For comparison, here's some shots of the Wolverhampton terminus of the Midland Metro, which features an island platform with a scissors crossover. Only one of the two terminal tracks is used in normal operation, as can be seen from the rusty state of the 2nd track and crossover, but it remains usable in case of breakdown.

http://ridetheg.com.au/get-up-to-date/

Performance results starting July.

I wonder what sort of detail they will provide.

I don't know why they don't give us pdf timetables, they've got them stored in a database.

Nek minit...

Quote from: red dragin on June 17, 2014, 16:25:24 PM
http://ridetheg.com.au/get-up-to-date/

Performance results starting July.

I wonder what sort of detail they will provide.

Well there's a script giving the position of every tram so I presume it will be quite indepth.

Quote from: SurfRail on June 16, 2014, 09:43:16 AM
I'm a bit dubious about this aspect.  Scissor crossovers and a double platform would have been better.  Not sure how they propose to manage if a tram goes dead.  The northbound track looks like it might have a sort of ersatz platform lip after the crossover, but you would have to be running wrong road to get to it from the north (ie running wrong road from somewhere north of Broadbeach North and with no ability to pass other trams).

Even without the scissors it can be fixed by taking the temporary slab out and stringing up a few more metres of wire, the second track is already there underneath.

Nerd in me prefers having a Spanish solution (that isn't Noarlunga) in lieu having the 2nd track.

Brisbanetimes --> Gold Coast City Plan provides for Southport CBD

Quote... The new light rail – now running in stage one from Southport to Broadbeach – will shape the future growth, he said.

Future stages - to be announced soon - could be extended to Helensvale. Ultimately it could run south to Coolangatta.

"The light rail will be the major driver behind the new Gold Coast city shape," Cr Tate said.  ...

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/gold-coast-city-plan-provides-for-southport-cbd-20140617-zsaz6.html

^ it's a light rail conversion miracle!   

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast light rail services still have no start date despite months of testing

So there are people saying it may open Monday yet we still have no public timetables?

It won't be opening on Monday.  Any suggestion of that hasn't come from GoldlinQ.

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Mayor Tom Tate and Transport Minister Scott Emerson embroiled in bitter feud about light rail start date

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Meriton Group's Harry Triguboff says tram route residents should sell up if not fans

Gold Coast Bulletin -> Restaurant owners and accommodation providers say they face financial ruin over Gold Coast tram noise

Gold Coast Bulletin -> Gold Coast light rail makes Broady to Parklands 'one giant car park'

Any Gold Coasters care to comment on the validity of these issues?

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Confused tourists are being caught out by testing trams as the light rail nears service

Quote from: colinw on June 26, 2014, 13:32:13 PM
Gold Coast Bulletin -> Restaurant owners and accommodation providers say they face financial ruin over Gold Coast tram noise

Gold Coast Bulletin -> Gold Coast light rail makes Broady to Parklands 'one giant car park'

Any Gold Coasters care to comment on the validity of these issues?

The only legit issue seems to be excessive squeal because of some muck up with the wheels, but it will be fixable. 

People have just got the poos because they have to give way to a vehicle that carries 60-70 times more people.

Excessive wheel squeal sounds like a wheel/rail profile issue to me, and should be fixable with some re-profiling or even replacement of the wheels.  Should be fixable, certainly not the end of the world but does need correction or it will give the system a bad image.  Interesting that it has gotten this far and remained a problem 'though - should have been picked up early on.

Seems to me that The Bulletin has someone who hates trams and rail in a fairly senior editorial position, or is it just a News Corporation thing?

News Corp Thing

New G:link tram safety video educates all road users

Yet more political blabber on Nine News as someone from labour (presumably Anna Palaspastic) went on a rant about how it was them who got the light rail up and running  blah blah blah blah

Whingers in full voice, you'd think they would give it up by now.  Even the obligatory monorail foamer.

The Bulletin -> GoldLinQ admits light rail concrete cut and base modified at Broadbeach

ABC News --> Gold Coast light rail passenger services on track but no start date

Good Old ABC ... clear, concise reporting without the spin or hysterical twaddle.

Couriermail --> Council and traders get different start dates for GoldLinQ light rail

Quote... City councillors said they were originally told the $1.6 billion project would open on June 1, only to be alerted this week that the date would be July 13. ...

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson
Saturday, July 05, 2014

Explore the Gold Coast with go explore

Tourists and visitors exploring the Gold Coast and taking advantage of the new light rail system will have access to a new, affordable all-day travel go explore card.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the newcard was a simple and affordable way for tourists and visitors to use public transport on the Gold Coast.

"As part of our strong plan for a brighter future to get more people onto public transport, the go explore card offers an all-day public transport pass on the Gold Coast," Mr Emerson said.

"The cost per day for a new card is $15 for adults and $7.50 for children aged 5-14 and provides unlimited travel on TransLink buses and trams on the Gold Coast.

"People can use their go explore card to visit tourist attractions, airport, shopping destinations and beaches by day, plus restaurants, bars or nightclubs by night.

"The card will be available for passengers to use once light rail services start.

"The one day pass is activated the first time you touch onto a bus or at a tram station and is valid until the last service on that day."

Mr Emerson said it was an exciting boost for the Gold Coast tourism industry, with a card designed specifically for the area and will encourage more people to make use of public transport and allow them to see and experience more Gold Coast attractions.

"The card will expire 12 months after the date of purchase and all travel using your Gold Coast go explore card must be completed before the card expires," he said.

"The Gold Coast go explore card uses the same technology as the go card, so you must always touch on and touch off when you board a bus or enter a tram station."

Mr Emerson said tram services are expected to start once the final testing is complete.

"I look forward to the commencement of the trams that will revolutionise public transport for the Gold Coast community and get more people out of their cars, easing congestion on the road network."

Once light rail services commence, tourists and visitors can purchase the Gold Coast go explore card from the TransLink website translink.com.au/goexplore (external site) or retailers and hotels across the Gold Coast.

[ENDS] 5 July 2014

Gold Coast Bulletin --> GoldLinQ light rail service delayed indefinitely after no sign off from Energex

Other states just don't seem to have the problems that Queensland has ..

http://www.scottemerson.com.au/media/media-releases/532-trams-get-green-light.html

Trams get green light

07 July 2014

Passengers on the Gold Coast can travel on Queensland's first light rail system for the first time on Sunday 20 July.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the eagerly awaited date follows confirmation that all parties are satisfied light rail is ready to go.

"The wait is finally over, and after three years of design and construction works the Gold Coast will have a world-class public transport option," Mr Emerson said.

"As a government we have a strong plan to get more people on to public transport and light rail provides an easy-to-use, frequent service ensuring a bright future for anyone travelling in and around the Gold Coast.

"Following the day of free travel on Sunday, paid passenger tram services and the new bus timetable will commence on Monday 21 July that will include additional high frequency bus routes and improved connections between trains, buses and trams.

"Trams will run every seven-and-a-half minutes, to Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach and I encourage everyone to jump on board."

From Monday 21 July, visitors and tourists exploring the Gold Coast will be able to purchase the new, affordable all-day travel go explore card.

Mr Emerson said for the past few months Gold Coasters have seen the light rail system testing underway that included running trams to a rigorous time table.

"Final testing and training will continue over the next two weeks," he said.

"I want to thank businesses and residents for their ongoing patience during the construction phase."

All details regarding the free day of tram travel as well as fares and timetable information will be on TransLink website www.translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.

The $1.2 billion project consists of 14 trams, 16 stations servicing a 13-kilometre route and is jointly funded by State and Federal Governments and the City of Gold Coast.

=======================

No track closures  .... Ding Ding!  See you on the 

Sent to all outlets:

7th July 2014

Trams get green light

Greetings,

Wonderful news!

Congratulations to Goldlinq, TransLink, Governments both past and present!

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Quote from: ozbob on July 07, 2014, 05:06:24 AM
http://www.scottemerson.com.au/media/media-releases/532-trams-get-green-light.html

Trams get green light

07 July 2014

Passengers on the Gold Coast can travel on Queensland's first light rail system for the first time on Sunday 20 July.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the eagerly awaited date follows confirmation that all parties are satisfied light rail is ready to go.

"The wait is finally over, and after three years of design and construction works the Gold Coast will have a world-class public transport option," Mr Emerson said.

"As a government we have a strong plan to get more people on to public transport and light rail provides an easy-to-use, frequent service ensuring a bright future for anyone travelling in and around the Gold Coast.

"Following the day of free travel on Sunday, paid passenger tram services and the new bus timetable will commence on Monday 21 July that will include additional high frequency bus routes and improved connections between trains, buses and trams.

"Trams will run every seven-and-a-half minutes, to Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach and I encourage everyone to jump on board."

From Monday 21 July, visitors and tourists exploring the Gold Coast will be able to purchase the new, affordable all-day travel go explore card.

Mr Emerson said for the past few months Gold Coasters have seen the light rail system testing underway that included running trams to a rigorous time table.

"Final testing and training will continue over the next two weeks," he said.

"I want to thank businesses and residents for their ongoing patience during the construction phase."

All details regarding the free day of tram travel as well as fares and timetable information will be on TransLink website www.translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.

The $1.2 billion project consists of 14 trams, 16 stations servicing a 13-kilometre route and is jointly funded by State and Federal Governments and the City of Gold Coast.

=======================

Excellent news. 

Quote from: SurfRail on July 07, 2014, 09:22:22 AM
Excellent news. 

Indeed. Now for stage 2 ...

Quote from: ozbob on August 22, 2008, 09:54:35 AM
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
22/08/2008

LIGHT RAIL THE FRONTRUNNER TO KEEP GOLD COAST MOVING

Transport Minister John Mickel has today revealed the preliminary business case for the Gold Coast Rapid Transit is recommending light rail as the solution to keep the city moving into the future.

Light rail has been found to offer greater capacity, reliability, and a longer lifespan than buses to cope with future growth. The preliminary business case has confirmed it can be delivered in stages, with Griffith University to Broadbeach being the top priority.

Mr Mickel has welcomed the preliminary business case and said: " This is truly an international solution for an international city that enhances the Gold Coast's reputation as a tourism and lifestyle destination".

"The project has moved a step closer to construction and delivering a public transport solution that the Gold Coast deserves," he said.

Mr Mickel said for the project to move forward it needed to pass several more tests.

"First and foremost we are looking to the Gold Coast City Council delivering on its strong support to date.

"Our partners, the City Councillors have already had the opportunity to view the preliminary business case and this enables Council to make an informed decision on the project."

Mr Mickel said the next test for the feasibility of the project to move it from concept to reality is to embark on 'market sounding' which will commence in October.

"What this means is we will start discussions with private sector construction companies to determine their willingness to partner with the State Government and Gold Coast City Council on the project," he said.

"Up until now, the private sector could not realistically begin planning their bids but with the certainty of the business case these companies can now get to work designing their bids."

Further work is also needed on a corridor planning study, with construction estimated to commence in 2010. This process involves releasing the planning s tudy to the community in October, with the community able to have their say in October and November. This valuable input will help refine the design.

"The Gold Coast is a beautiful city and we want to keep it that way. The community can help us with having a say on traffic, parking and the locations of stations," Mr Mickel said.

Mr Mickel said once the State Government has this information it could make a decision in the first half of 2009.

"Doing nothing is simply not an option," he said.

"Traffic on the city's main roads is estimated to be increasing by an average of 4.3% each year.

"Currently only 4%, or 65,000 trips, are made by the Coast community on public transport, and with rapid transit it is projected to grow to 10% by 2026.

"By making public transport faster, more efficient and more reliable, this project is estimated to take up to 40,000 car trips off the roads - that will have a significant effect on future congest ion and avoiding gridlock."

The Gold Coast Rapid Transit project goes hand in hand with the State Government's Ten Year Network Plan for the Gold Coast.

Features of the network plan include :

? Increase in funding for bus services from $1 million in 2004 to $16 million in 2008

? More bus services travelling from the west on bus priority lanes

? Bus priority lanes worth $12 million are currently being constructed in Frank Street, Smith Street and the Gold Coast Highway between Broadbeach and Miami

? Go card was launched on the Gold Coast in July, marking the beginning of cashless, quick and convenient ticketing for commuters.

"The rapid transit project is a key element of the Queensland Government's plan to address congestion on the Coast," Mr Mickel said.

"It is just one part of a larger, integrated approach we are bringing to the Gold Coast."


Thursday 22 August 2008

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