7 July 2009: SEQ: Gold Coast light rail rapid transit is the way forward

[ozbob]

Media Release 7 July 2009

SEQ: Gold Coast light rail rapid transit is the way forward

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport has welcomed the announcement of the commencement of works for the Gold Coast light rail rapid transit network.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The confirmation that the light rail project on the Gold Coast is under way is great news for the coast, Queensland and the Nation.  Light rail will become an iconic feature of Australia's playground."

"This marks a significant turning point in our sustainable transport future."

"Once the utility, capacity and practicality of the light rail system is demonstrated when operations commence, we predict that this will be the driver for a light rail network in inner Brisbane.  Other states will also sit up and take notice. Light rail is going to be around for the long haul."

"It is easy to discern with the 'retrospectroscope' the sheer folly of the removal of Brisbane's trams in 1969 (1).  This ranks as one of the great public transport failures along side the line  closure and sale of the original rail corridors to the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads."

"Let's learn from these disastrous outcomes and continue to put in place transport for the future!"

"Congratulations to all concerned with the project, particularly the Gold Coast City Council, TransLink, Queensland Transport and the Queensland Government."

Reference:

1.  Brisbane:  Forty years since the trams went silent ? http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2117.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org