Gold Coast Light Rail

[verbatim9]

Maybe its Ice related? The lady in the video said that they were under the influence of drugs. It would have to be pretty profound to be obvious to a random person to say something like that.

Bizarre! They wouldn't  do very well on Mebourne Streets then with all the tram traffic.

[hU0N]

Maybe its Ice related? The lady in the video said that they were under the influence of drugs. It would have to be pretty profound to be obvious to a random person to say something like that.

Bizarre! They wouldn't  do very well on Mebourne Streets then with all the tram traffic.

So many things present like intoxication. I wouldn't take it as gospel just on the authority of someone who's probably never seen a car accident up close before. I can think of diabetes, shock, concussion right off the top of my head that look like intoxication and are just add likely at an accident.

Personally, I think it keeps happening because people aren't used to Class B ROW. Buses/streetcars are in the traffic so you are used to looking for them. Trains are behind boom gates. But LRT runs in a separate ROW that seems entirely out of your way until it jumps into the main traffic from an unexpected direction at the occasional intersection. I think it's telling that so many of these accidents occur where the line takes an odd path across an intersection, such as here and at the Queen St Nerang St bend.

[SurfRail]

Most of the incidents here have involved intoxication or elderly drivers. 

The driver in this instance was known to police and legged it from the scene.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> A prominent Gold Coast businessman has called for light rail extensions to stop

[#Metro]

Oh dear, maybe SurfRail can crack an MR over this one.

GC LRT is a LONG-TERM investment. With long term investments, the payoff is not immediate, but grows over time (although GC LRT has done this anyway).

LRT is used because busway capacity in Priority A is not physically possible in that corridor.

And 10 million pax per year now, it is very good.

[SurfRail]

Oh dear, maybe SurfRail can crack an MR over this one.

GC LRT is a LONG-TERM investment. With long term investments, the payoff is not immediate, but grows over time (although GC LRT has done this anyway).

LRT is used because busway capacity in Priority A is not physically possible in that corridor.

And 10 million pax per year now, it is very good.

10 million over 18 months of operation.  Still a ways to go before we hit that per annum.  Indications are it may be 7-8 million for 2015/16.

As for this dill, don't take him seriously - he is affiliated with the various anti groups and around 4 in 5 people want it extended.  Any person suggesting it should not be expanded is on a hiding to nothing because the political battle is over.

Not worth a response.

[ozbob]

Yes.  Absolute twaddle ..

[red dragin]

Was it all the buses that where carrying 17,000 per day, or just the routes replaced by the LR?

As a "development consultant" I am sure he is good at using the facts in ways required to gain the necessary result. One thing I was taught at University is "the aim of a report is to find in favor of the reports goals"

[SurfRail]

I have no idea where he got that number from honestly, or what it relates to.

There was very clearly an increase in patronage, and not just on the light rail corridor.

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/4/3/masterplan-unveiled-for-gold-coast-health-and-knowledge-precinct

Media Statements
Deputy Premier, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade and Investment
The Honourable Jackie Trad
Sunday, April 03, 2016

Masterplan unveiled for Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad today joined City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate to unveil the future plans for the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct (GCHKP), which will support more than 20,000 jobs and significantly diversify the city's economy for the future.

In releasing the Precinct's master plan today, Ms Trad said the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct would be the largest urban renewal project ever undertaken on the Gold Coast, and was an exciting step in the Palaszczuk Government's Advance Queensland Initiative.

"Through Advance Queensland, we're focused on ensuring we diversify and future-proof Queensland's economy, particularly in important regional centres like the Gold Coast, by turning to knowledge based industries for the jobs of tomorrow," Ms Trad said.

"The GCHKP is already home to some of Queensland best research and medical facilities and currently supports more than 9,200 jobs, including 5,250 in health and 500 in research.

"Once this 200 hectare precinct is fully developed, we expect to see our Advance Queensland initiative in action, supporting more than 20,000 jobs for the Gold Coast and supercharging its expanding knowledge economy.

"GCHKP is already fast becoming one of the Gold Coast's most vibrant communities, benefiting from more than $5 billion in infrastructure including Griffith University, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast Private Hospital, major road upgrades, Gold Coast Light Rail and the development of the $550 million Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Village.

"The master plan will bring together and activate the full potential of this site, guiding the redevelopment of the Village's legacy benefits to achieve a genuine, well designed and integrated urban community, offering a mix of residential, recreational and commercial facilities, and open space to maximise opportunities for interactions.

"We know Queensland is at the forefront of new ideas and innovation, and this master plan will transform the Precinct into an integrated and collaborative hub for learning, research, knowledge creation and investment, and will help facilitate the commercialisation of newly developed technology.

"It's crucial that we skill our workforce for the future and turn our focus to knowledge-based industries to ensure we build a prosperous, liveable, sustainable and resilient Queensland, and I envision this master plan will help us to do just that for the Gold Coast."

Ms Trad said following GC2018, more than 200,000 m2 of gross floor area within the GCHKP would be made available for public and private development over the next 20 years, which was already attracting significant commercial interest.

"A number of globally competitive allied health and knowledge business opportunities are already being explored for the precinct's future, including 3D/4D printing, medical device development,

design and manufacturing, robotics or artificial intelligence, medical supply chains, nanotechnology development and child and aged care facilities and research centres."

City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said these opportunities showed the value of the partnership council has with the Queensland Government, Griffith University and Gold Coast Hospital & Health Service to attract further investment to the Precinct, with the establishment of a dedicated GCHKP Project Office, and the launch today of a 'GCHKP Business & Investment Attraction' brochure.

"This investment focused brochure will be used by the Project Office to market the GCHKP globally and actively target desirable tenants, businesses and investors to the precinct and region," Mr Tate said.

"The benefits of this precinct to the Gold Coast's economy in the short and long term will be enormous, supporting and creating jobs, attracting investment to the city and stimulating our innovation, health and knowledge industries."

Key features of the GCHKP

      More than $5 billion in infrastructure already benefiting precinct including Gold Coast Light Rail, major road upgrades and the GC2018 Village legacy.

      Expected to be valued at a further $1 billion once fully developed

      5,250 health staff, 500 researchers and 16,500 students currently, with potential to support more than 20,000 jobs once fully developed

      12,000 m2 mixed use retail – 5,700m2 through the GC2018 Village and potential for 6,300m2 more

      1,252 permanent residences, providing housing for 2,500 future residents

      Direct access to City of Gold Coast's network of cycle ways, and 85% of precinct within five minute walk to light rail

      45 minutes to Brisbane CBD via rail and 10 minutes to Gold Coast CBD via light rail

      7ha of new parklands, connecting to another 157ha of sporting fields, reserves, open space and green corridors

      2.2 kilometres of landscaped streets and public access to the Gold Coast University Hospital, the Gold Coast Private Hospital and Griffith University

      Parklands PDA achieves UDIA 5 leaf EnviroDevelopment certification for outstanding ustainability initiatives.\

To view the Master Plan visit www.dilgp.qld.gov.au

For more information on the investment opportunities and the work of the GCHKP Project Office visit www.healthknowledgeprecinct.com.au

[achiruel]

      45 minutes to Brisbane CBD via rail and 10 minutes to Gold Coast CBD via light rail

Who writes this crap?

Helensvale to Roma St is 63 minutes, and it will be around 11 minutes GCUH - Helensvale IIRC.

So how did 74 minutes become 45 minutes? That's a massive travel time saving.

Even to Altandi, the first station in the BCC area (maybe they meant that instead of CBD) is 50 minutes.

And those times don't even include transfer from light to heavy rail. So probably add in another ~5 minutes.

[#Metro]

45 minutes to Brisbane CBD via rail and 10 minutes to Gold Coast CBD via light rail

Clearly its HSR, LOL.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Gold Coast Bulletin ‏@GCBulletin 4h

What are they thinking? #GoldCoast drivers dice with death on #tram network: #video here http://goo.gl/I0D5U8

[ozbob]

Twitter

G:link ‏@gclightrail 3m

Extra trams today to get you to/from #SurfersParadiseLIVE. For more: http://ow.ly/4nm3mC

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast dream of 'green wave' at traffic lights scrapped for trams

[SurfRail]

They seem to have done something to the B light controlling access to Broadbeach South for buses from the west.  It operates a LOT more often now so buses get flushed through a lot more quickly - no more long queues from what I've seen recently.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Northern growth corridor faces long wait for Gold Coast light rail

[ozbob]

ICYMI Gold Coast light rail patronage is surging .. 11% growth yr 15/16 https://t.co/lJC0EZTesU #qldpol #lightrail pic.twitter.com/XTpSdClA52

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) June 16, 2016

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast light rail system celebrates its second anniversary as figures show success

THE Gold Coast light rail has been declared a greater success than ever anticipated, as new figures show more than 14 million people have ridden "the G" in the past two years.

The $1.2 billion system will hit its second anniversary on Wednesday more popular than ever, with operators celebrating increasing patronage.

Since launching on July 20, 2014, the average number of trips each day rose from 18,200 during its first year to 20,973 during its second for a total of 14 million trips.

In March this year, the 13km route had its best month, with an average of around 22,560 people using it each day.

Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the system had increased the overall use of public transport on the Coast and "transformed" the city.

"Light rail has become the backbone of the public transport network on the Coast and has provided a new way to experience the city and driven massive patronage growth across the city," he said.

"After only two years the light rail is carrying the equivalent of the city's population each and every month which is a fantastic achievement."

The tram system has also cut the number of cars driving through some of the city's busiest streets.

Gold Coast City Council traffic data shows cars on the Gold Coast Highway through Surfers Paradise annually dropped by more than 500 a day between 2011 when construction began and 2015.

GoldLinQ chairman John Witheriff travelled on the system on Thursday and said he was not surprised it had taken cars off the city's roads.

"It is so pleasing to see the trams remain fresh, clean and almost as they were when they first launched just two years ago," he said.

As celebrations begin for stage one, work is starting on stage two and planning has begun for a third stage to Gold Coast Airport and ­Coolangatta.

Light Rail by the numbers:

Launched: July 20, 2014.

Passenger journeys: 14 million.

Average passenger trips per month: 639,699.

Trips per day: 18,200 during year one, 20,973 in year two.

Busiest month: March 2016 — 22,560 on average rode daily.

[ozbob]

Media Statement
Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe

G: that's successful

Gold Coast Light Rail notches up almost 640,000 passengers a month for second anniversary celebration

As Gold Coast Light Rail marks its second anniversary today, the G: continues to break new milestones with the average number of passengers trips on the G: each month now surpassing the city's permanent population.

Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe said the average number of passenger trips per month on Gold Coast Light Rail has climbed to 639,699 for the last financial year.

"Locals and visitors are continuing to embrace the G: ­and on the second anniversary of passenger services it is fantastic to say the system is even more popular today than when it launched in 2014," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"Gold Coast Light Rail is a transformative piece of infrastructure that has helped to change the way people move and get around the Coast.

"Light rail has become the backbone of the public transport network on the Coast and has provided a new way to experience the city and driven massive patronage growth across the city.

"When we compare the last 11 months of operations to last year, patronage on the G: has increased by 970,000 trips or 16 per cent, evidence of its continuing popularity.

"After only two years the light rail carrying the equivalent of the city's population each and every month which is a fantastic achievement.

"It is a very exciting time for the Gold Coast with construction of the second stage of the light rail now underway and the Commonwealth Games set to shine a global spotlight on the city in 2018."

Mr Hinchliffe said CPB Contractors started construction on Stage 2 which will run from Helensvale heavy rail station adjacent to the Gold Coast Rail Line, then adjacent to the Smith Street Motorway will connect with Stage 1 at the Gold Coast University Hospital light rail station.

"When complete, Stage 2 will provide a vital connection linking tram to train and deliver a seamless, one-transfer journey between the CBDs of Queensland's two largest cities, Brisbane and the Gold Coast," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"This extension is a gold medal project for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and it's fantastic that it will be built in time for the Commonwealth Games with construction and testing occurring over the coming 18 months to ensure there will be trams carrying passengers to and from Helensvale come Games time."

Mr Hinchliffe said light rail had also increased the overall use of public transport on the Gold Coast since operations commenced.

"Almost 21,000 passengers on average now ride the light rail each day with around 14 million trips achieved up to 30 June this year," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"Investment in light rail as part of an integrated public transport network has increased the use of buses and other modes in the city while also serving to create jobs and encourage urban renewal in key activity centres.

"We expect these benefits to continue for the long-term with construction of the second stage underway and passengers continuing to embrace light rail as a transport option."

GoldlinQ Chairman John Witheriff said patronage on Gold Light Rail had exceeded all expectations.

"Trams provide a safe and reliable transport option for the Gold Coast and it is encouraging to see our most successful months are often achieved outside of peak holiday periods," he said.

"Not only has the G: opened up new areas of the Gold Coast for tourists, it has also become a key transport option used by thousands of locals that live and work along the city's coastal strip.

"When Stage 2 is operational in 2018 it will service even more of the Gold Coast's population and will play a key role in supporting sustainable growth into the future.

"We are incredibly happy with the way passengers have embraced the G: and the high level of satisfaction they have with the service, however the thing we are most proud of is that light rail has proven itself to be a safe and reliable mode of transport for the Gold Coast during the first two years of operations."

For more information on G:link services and public transport visit ridetheg.com.au, the My G: app, http://www.translink.com.au, the MyTransLink app or call 13 12 30.

Key facts:

    The G: took its first customers on a free open day on Sunday 20 July 2014
    However paid services commenced on 21 July 2014
    There were 6.5 million passenger trips in the first year alone with around 14 million passengers trips completed as of 30th June, 2016.
    In the first year of operations an average of 18,200 passengers trips were completed each day – the average number of passengers each day in 2015-16 financial year was 20,973
    The highest average trips per day occurred in March 2016 – when 22,560 rode the G:
    An average of more than 639,699 trips per month has been achieved in 2015-16 financial year.

[SurfRail]

Giddy up     

Now for those buses Stirlo...

[#Metro]

"Investment in light rail as part of an integrated public transport network has increased the use of buses and other modes in the city while also serving to create jobs and encourage urban renewal in key activity centres.

LM Graham Quirk is PROVEN wrong about buses and interchange, on the ground, in Queensland.

[ozbob]

They say the ' words ' but do nothing in the end ...

[ozbob]

Well  well ...

Beautiful day at Goldy. Ready to catch the G. pic.twitter.com/6JfyyAulSl

— Tim Nicholls MP (@TimNichollsMP) July 25, 2016

[#Metro]

Would have been better if it read "Nice day, ready to fund the G"

Highly doubtful this project would have got up under Blue Team.

They would have spent their whole time talking about Red Team's debt.

Indeed, I don't think Blue Team can claim they build any PT infrastructure for the last 20 years.

[James]

Would have been better if it read "Nice day, ready to fund the G"

Highly doubtful this project would have got up under Blue Team.

They would have spent their whole time talking about Red Team's debt.

Indeed, I don't think Blue Team can claim they build any PT infrastructure for the last 20 years.

With due respect LDT, they were pledging to fund numerous projects under Strong Choices. GCLRT Stage 2 was one, likewise SC duplication.

They did the usual thing a government does - spend the first term softening people up for something big, go to the election with a large majority (and hope you don't lose), and then spend the second term executing it. What the LNP didn't count on (and what a lot of people didn't expect) was getting booted out in 2015.

[#Metro]

With due respect LDT, they were pledging to fund numerous projects under Strong Choices. GCLRT Stage 2 was one, likewise SC duplication.

Perfect truth and certainty only exists in the present and the past.

Projections are neither true nor false- but they are inherently unreliable.

Would have, could have, should have ... didn't. Anyone can promise anything - HSR, Metro, flying cars... at one point it was admitted that BaT was a concoction.

You don't get points for something that never actually existed. They had three years to sign on to major projects, didn't do it.

Bus reform and fares - completely incapable of delivering. At least red team has delivered fare reform, I can give point for that.

The only real plus blue team can claim is the fact that they did introduce frequent trains to select parts of the QR network, beenleigh - ferny grove and cleveland-CBD.

[achiruel]

The only real plus blue team can claim is the fact that they did introduce frequent trains to select parts of the QR network, beenleigh - ferny grove and cleveland-CBD.

Say what now? Frequent services don't go to Beenleigh (Coopers Plains is the terminus) or Cleveland (terminus is Cannon Hill).

Also, the only reason FG is possible is because of the duplication, which was undertaken by the Bligh Government.

Conclusion: Red Team have a poor record, but Blue Team has a woeful one.

[#Metro]

Say what now? Frequent services don't go to Beenleigh (Coopers Plains is the terminus)

Yo. Wasn't precise with my language - Beenleigh Line, Cleveland Line

Conclusion: Red Team have a poor record, but Blue Team has a woeful one.

Small chance that a few greens might make it in the next round, particularly South Brisbane. Might change things.

[dancingmongoose]

Wedding party on a tram: https://www.instagram.com/p/BIbYySBDJ6L/

[ozbob]

On the Gold Coast Light Rail with executives of Keolis Downer & GoldLinQ pic.twitter.com/ycgKt9Iv6M

— Paul Fletcher (@PaulFletcherMP) August 5, 2016

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> 'Idiotic' ban on food and drink on Gold Coast Light Rail blamed for kiosk closures

FIVE controversial light rail cafe kiosks have been dormant all year, with a local operator calling it "idiotic" to ban eating and drinking on trams.

The majority of the cafe kiosks at seven stations on the Gold Coast light rail line have not been operating for about six months, tram operator GoldLinQ has confirmed.

Just two are running — at Gold Coast University Hospital and Broadbeach.

The cafe kiosks, included in original $1 billion business plans for the public transport network, caused an outcry when they first opened, with some rival business operators fearing they would steal ­business.

However, in bad news for those critics, a GoldLinQ spokesman has told the ­Bulletin the kiosk closures were not expected to be permanent.

"Due to a restructuring of the franchisor a majority of the kiosks temporarily ceased operating around six months ago.

"(They) will soon progressively come back online," the spokesman said.

But local owner-operator Charlie Salerno, who a month ago opened his Butchery Cafe near the Q1 light rail station, said he doubted anyone would be interested in running the light rail kiosks unless a ban on on-board food and drink was lifted.

Mr Salerno, who sells coffee and fast food, said he had been approached last February to run some of the kiosks but declined.

"Initially I said I'd love to but when I did some research I found out you are not allowed to take food and drink on the tram.

"How idiotic is that? What was I going to do — sell them a cup of fresh air? I walked away from it," Mr Salerno said. "They are just sitting idle and I believe no one is going to touch them with a long pole.

"It just doesn't make any sense. If you go on the trams in Melbourne you can take KFC if you want to."

The GoldLinQ spokesman said the trams were operated under TransLink's "Conditions of Travel" which required passengers not to eat or drink on public transport.

GoldLinQ had a master lease agreement with a franchisor for the kiosks' installation and operation including any associated costs, so there had been no cost to the Government, he said.

Ray White Commercial currently has the vacant kiosks listed for lease.

[#Metro]

The GoldLinQ spokesman said the trams were operated under TransLink's "Conditions of Travel" which required passengers not to eat or drink on public transport.

Here is a radical, mind-blowing suggestion: alter the conditions of travel to permit food and drink consumption on the tram. Continue to make it an offence to leave behind a mess.

In Melbourne, you can eat on the train, and in Europe you can take your dog on the train.

Yes, there may be some mess made from time to time. Easy - use the rent to pay for cleaners / attendants that can also double as information officer staff. Maybe even bring back the Meter Maids for this task.

Where is the initiative to solve problems??

[ozbob]

^ one can take woofer on trains in Melbourne too by the way ... #justsaying 

Dogs on leads are permitted to travel on metropolitan trains, but only if they are muzzled. It is strongly advised that passengers with dogs do not travel during weekdays between 7am and 9am and between 4pm and 6pm. Dogs are not allowed on seats, are not allowed to block doorways or gangways and must be controlled by their owner at all times. Owners must clean up any mess created by their dogs. Small animals can travel on metropolitan trains, trams and buses, but they must be in a suitable container. For more information, about travelling with animals, visit ptv.vic.gov.au

http://www.metrotrains.com.au/new-to-metro/

[ozbob]

Queensland is a back-water, on so many levels I am afraid.

The shambolic public transport network in Brisbane is testament alone 

[verbatim9]

Other states allow pet dogs, food and drink on trains/trams. I can see an issue with coffee as Trams can stop suddenly. Jolts, risk of spilling hot coffee on oneself OHAS etc... The G will also be constantly steam cleaning seats I guess. They would
prefer to keep costs down.

[SurfRail]

The main issue with these outlets is not about whether you can take food on board - that is an absolute furphy. 

The issue is that the retailers' product probably wasn't especially good.

There was some "fusion pie" place with outlets at Broadbeach South and GCUH, and a lot of Charlie Lovett coffee places.  Coffee is cheaper than water in some places along the route, so it has to be half-decent.

The vendors still trading are the newstand/convenience shop operations which provide something useful.

[ozbob]

Cameron Murray concludes @GC_LightRail increased adjoining land value by $300M or 25% of project capital cost. pic.twitter.com/xpIQa77QCq

— Stephen Moore (@StephenDMoore) September 8, 2016

[ozbob]

Land value gains following the opening of stage 1 of the Gold Coast light rail were worth around 25% of its cost. https://t.co/STtPq67ufT

— The Conversation (@ConversationEDU) September 19, 2016

[#Metro]

Overall, the land value gains from the Gold Coast light rail were around 25% of the capital cost. One of the simplest ways to capture these land value gains is to expand the existing state land tax system to remove exemptions. That would automatically capture 17-26% of the potential revenue from the value gains.

That is INSANE! 

The Queensland Government is just letting hundreds and hundreds of millions walk out the back door while they cry poor! They can't manage money, even if people threw it at them!

Gold Coast City Council will be laughing all the way to the bank - literally. There aren't major exemptions with the property-owning class
at the local level, therefore much of this benefit will be captured by Gold Coast City Council (after private landholders take their cut).

State Gov't will capture some of the gains when properties are sold through stamp duties, but that would be spread out over decades.

There is a clear case for Gold Coast City Council to contribute to LRT extensions, and by analogy, Brisbane City Council to Cross River Rail (Logan and GC can chip in too).