RAIL - Back On Track Forum

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QuoteTHE city's public transport system is about to have a major overhaul.

Plans for a rapid bus network to tie in with the Gold Coast's new light rail system have been fast-tracked ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The plans include moving services to the city's west to provide better connectivity with the light rail system, which will run along the coastal strip.

Rapid bus lanes are planned for Nerang-Broadbeach Rd to service Metricon Stadium and Nerang Railway Station, in lieu of another light rail link.

Services are also expected to focus on Helensvale, which has been earmarked for a public transport hub.

Burleigh councillor Greg Betts said introduction of buses would prepare the Gold Coast for new public transport services and cater for residents while the light rail system was being built.

``Brisbane runs a fast bus corridor and I think we could learn a lot from it,'' Cr Betts said.

``Getting the light rail past Burleigh headland will require a new bridge and other works so it will obviously take a while, so we need to get something into place which can assist locals.

``There is no point in extending the heavy rail to the airport yet because the Bombay Express is still packed with people ... so this is the best option while we wait for the light rail.''

The $1.67 billion light rail system's extension to Burleigh and further south is expected to be fast-tracked after the city won the right to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

A northern link to Helensvale will also be realised.

The 13km first stage between Griffith University and Broadbeach is expected to come online in mid-2014.

Coolangatta councillor Chris Robbins said the council had made submissions to the State Government calling for the light rail to be made the priority for infrastructure upgrades.

The submission was backed by local business leaders, Southern Cross University and Gold Coast Airport.

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``There is no point in extending the heavy rail to the airport yet because the Bombay Express is still packed with people ... so this is the best option while we wait for the light rail.''

...because the GC rail line actually has rules that state you can only use it between Brisbane and the GC. I mean it's not like extending it to the GC airport would be of any use to the GC users, its all for those coming down from Brisbane.

Quote from: Golliwog on November 23, 2011, 09:19:30 AM

Quote
``There is no point in extending the heavy rail to the airport yet because the Bombay Express is still packed with people ... so this is the best option while we wait for the light rail.''

...because the GC rail line actually has rules that state you can only use it between Brisbane and the GC. I mean it's not like extending it to the GC airport would be of any use to the GC users, its all for those coming down from Brisbane.

Just fix up the 761.  I'm not across where the benefit of the Coolongatta extension actually comes in.

IMHO, in a post CRR world, and with Coomera - Helensvale duplicated, the Coolangatta heavy rail extension will be very useful as a high capacity inland "spine" for the Gold Coast public transport network.  I expect the southern part of the line, when built, to be more "suburban" in character than the north, with somewhat closer station spacing.

However the priorities need to be LRT along the coast first, and a considerable boost to bus services elsewhere.  The heavy rail to Coolangatta can wait until CRR & Coomera - Helensvale duplication. Although I wouldn't be too upset if an incremental extension to Tallebudgera or Elanora was built, as that would put rail into a relatively public transport poor area.

Quote from: colinw on November 23, 2011, 09:37:22 AM
IMHO, in a post CRR world, and with Coomera - Helensvale duplicated, the Coolangatta heavy rail extension will be very useful as a high capacity inland "spine" for the Gold Coast public transport network.  I expect the southern part of the line, when built, to be more "suburban" in character than the north, with somewhat closer station spacing.

However the priorities need to be LRT along the coast first, and a considerable boost to bus services elsewhere.  The heavy rail to Coolangatta can wait until CRR & Coomera - Helensvale duplication. Although I wouldn't be too upset if an incremental extension to Tallebudgera or Elanora was built, as that would put rail into a relatively public transport poor area.

An Elanora terminus for both LRT and QR wouldn't go astray, although I would prefer LRT all the way to the border first.  Perhaps 2 routes - identical as far as Palm Beach, then one diverts over to and connects to Elanora (very short hop) with the other operating to Coolangatta.

I read the article. It's clear to read the feeling the anti-development councillors Betts & Robbins are not interested in heavy rail but want the at-grade trams extended.

Heavy rail is essential to the border.

Mind you, Jann Stuckey is as hopeless as Merri Rose, anti-everything, so I don't hold out much hope for strong local representation on this.

Quote from: colinw on November 23, 2011, 09:37:22 AM
However the priorities need to be LRT along the coast first, and a considerable boost to bus services elsewhere.  The heavy rail to Coolangatta can wait until CRR & Coomera - Helensvale duplication. Although I wouldn't be too upset if an incremental extension to Tallebudgera or Elanora was built, as that would put rail into a relatively public transport poor area.

Regionwise for the GC I'd put Coolangatta extension well down the list on the priorities.  The Coomera-Helensvale duplication + LRR extensions would be ahead of the HR extensions.  Like Simon said, improve the 761.

Quote from: Simon on November 23, 2011, 09:29:24 AM

Quote from: Golliwog on November 23, 2011, 09:19:30 AM

Quote
``There is no point in extending the heavy rail to the airport yet because the Bombay Express is still packed with people ... so this is the best option while we wait for the light rail.''

...because the GC rail line actually has rules that state you can only use it between Brisbane and the GC. I mean it's not like extending it to the GC airport would be of any use to the GC users, its all for those coming down from Brisbane.

Just fix up the 761.  I'm not across where the benefit of the Coolongatta extension actually comes in.

Access to the airport.

Quote from: Set in train on November 28, 2011, 16:58:43 PM
I read the article. It's clear to read the feeling the anti-development councillors Betts & Robbins are not interested in heavy rail but want the at-grade trams extended.

Heavy rail is essential to the border.

Mind you, Jann Stuckey is as hopeless as Merri Rose, anti-everything, so I don't hold out much hope for strong local representation on this.

Those would be the at grade trams that take people from the airport, Coolangatta, Palm Beach and Burleigh to where they actually need to be along a high-density corridor, rather than whisking them at 140kph to scenic Nerang? 

Quote from: SurfRail on November 28, 2011, 22:46:14 PM

Quote from: Set in train on November 28, 2011, 16:58:43 PM
I read the article. It's clear to read the feeling the anti-development councillors Betts & Robbins are not interested in heavy rail but want the at-grade trams extended.

Heavy rail is essential to the border.

Mind you, Jann Stuckey is as hopeless as Merri Rose, anti-everything, so I don't hold out much hope for strong local representation on this.

Those would be the at grade trams that take people from the airport, Coolangatta, Palm Beach and Burleigh to where they actually need to be along a high-density corridor, rather than whisking them at 140kph to scenic Nerang? 

That's right  some people do want PT to Currumbin, Elanora, Old Coach Rd, Varsity, Robina and Nerang. If I wanted to catch a plane fast from say, Ashmore/Benowa/Southport/Surfers, would prefer a quick trip on the rail via Nerang than a lurching, stop, stop, stop experience on the light rail. Perhaps 5 stops instead of tens.

I do agree that the #1 project before light or heavy rail to the airport is dual track across the Coomera.

Quote from: Gazza on November 28, 2011, 18:18:33 PM

Quote from: Simon on November 23, 2011, 09:29:24 AM
Just fix up the 761.  I'm not across where the benefit of the Coolongatta extension actually comes in.

Access to the airport.

761 already provides access to the airport at a reasonable speed.  Could be better without spending a gazillion dollars on a heavy rail extension.

702 also does provide access for local trips.  Surely it is the local trips which are more important than connecting the airport to Brisbane, which has its own airport.  This is also bourne out in patronage of the bus routes.

Looked in the journey planner.  It would never suggest Surfers-OOL or Southport-OOL trips be done via the train, it always stuck to the Gold Coast Hwy services.  Ashmore-OOL it would always suggest to go via Nerang.