12 Nov 2011: Gold Coast: Go for transport gold!

[ozbob]

Media release 12th November 2011

Gold Coast: Go for transport gold!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has congratulated the team who put together the successful bid for the 2018 Commonwealth Games (1).  This is now a great opportunity to further improve and accelerate the sustainable public and active transport revolution under way on the Gold Coast.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Public transport must be fast, direct and frequent. The present stage one of the Gold Coast Light rail needs to be extended to include the further stages to connect with the heavy rail at Helensvale, and to further extend south to Burleigh Heads (2).  This will then allow efficient movement of the many thousands of participants, organisers and visitors but importantly put in place the network needed for the Gold Coast now and for the future."

"Consideration needs to be given to increasing the numbers of light rail vehicles from the present 14 to at least 28. This would allow more frequent services and result in an improved passenger carrying capacity."

"The local bus system will also need changes and improvements to feed the high capacity light rail when built.  Bus priority on the roads needs to be extended."

"More attention is needed to establish a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian path network that connects to transit hubs, key trip generator locations and residential areas."

"Cross River Rail needs to be brought back on an immediate construction time line to allow for the necessary train frequency to support the huge crowds travelling to and from Brisbane and the Gold Coast (3, 4), and on the rest of the rail network in south-east Queensland.

"Yes, it is time to go for gold, sustainable transport gold!"

References:

1. http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=77625

2. http://goldcoastrapidtransit.qld.gov.au/the-route/future-stages/

3. 22 May 2011 SEQ: Cross River Rail delays may slow Gold Coast services http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6012.0

4. 25 Apr 2011: SEQ: Cross River Rail should be expedited http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5855.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7057.0