Gold Coast Light Rail

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> New Gold Coast tram arrives at Port of Brisbane after 26,000km trip $

The Gold Coast's first new tram in nearly six years has arrived after a nearly 26,000km journey around the world.

The first of five new trams purpose-built for the $1.2bn stage 3 extension was craned off a ship at the Port of Brisbane on Friday afternoon.

The blue and gold four-carrige vehicle will be trucked down to the Gold Coast over the weekend via the Gateway Motorway, M1 and Smith Street. ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1633965808786329602

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsGoldCoast/status/1634068990158045184

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Crime and the light rail: Statistics paint a curious story $

Some Gold Coast residents fear trams bring trouble. Here's what the statistics say.

There are a number of online sites keeping lists of some of the more unlikely things blamed on climate change.

On the very lengthy list are problems such as heroin addiction, shark attacks and shrinking sheep.

The idea, of course, is to lampoon those who say climate change is an existential crisis as being somewhat over the top in their claims.

Whatever your views on the matter, you've got to appreciate the humour.

This column is wondering if it may be possible to soon compile a similar list regarding the light rail.

The building of the humble tram system has been variously linked by campaigners against it to traffic congestion, homelessness, the construction of high-rise buildings, destruction of wildlife, algae and sharks in waterways (yes, really), the closure of businesses and a lack of parking.

These are all matters of concern, but is a single tram line really to blame?

In fact, at least in relation to congestion, parking and business activity, there are plausible counter-arguments that the light rail can do a lot to help. ...

[RowBro]

The tram increases congestion      . Some people just dont understand.

[ozbob]

Train on a road train! Before it could join the Light Rail fleet, Gold Coast's newest light rail tram was loaded onto a 40-wheel trailer and chauffeured down the M1 🚆

Posted by Transport and Main Roads Queensland on Monday, 26 June 2023

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets with tourism leaders in Burleigh, promises to help boost sector $

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has revealed what he really thinks of the Gold Coast light rail after taking a ride on the tram through LNP heartland.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese got a rock-star welcome in LNP heartland as he campaigned to win votes on the Gold Coast.

Mr Albanese met voters and took selfies galore while riding on the Gold Coast light rail system he helped fund the first stage of more than a decade ago.

Mr Albanese was riding the tram while campaigning in the safe LNP seat of Fadden on Tuesday, which Labor is hoping to win in an "against the odds" contest. ..."

We have a ' Minister for the Gold Coast ' now we have a ' Prime Minister for the Gold Coast ' ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/gclightrail/status/1680716766589358080

[ozbob]

I am hearing GC Light Rail patronage has recently been at 115% of pre covid.

Expect some media later today ..

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/98284

New trams arrive for Gold Coast's thriving G:link
Published Today at 11:49 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Minister for Housing
The Honourable Meaghan Scanlon

Five new trams arrive on the Gold Coast as construction continues on $1.2 billion Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 expansion.

Their arrival comes as the G: hits a patronage milestone of 73 million paid trips.
The Light Rail is the only public transport mode in the state to exceed pre-covid patronage levels, demonstrating strong demand from Gold Coast locals and tourists.
The new trams bring the G:link fleet to a total of 23.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has today welcomed five new trams to the Gold Coast, which will be used as the light rail line is extended to Burleigh Heads.

The five new trams take the Light Rail fleet to 23 – putting the $1.2 billion expansion project on track to deliver the high frequency tram services from day one.

It comes as the Gold Coast Light Rail surpassed 73 million paid passenger trips since its opening in 2014.

The Light Rail is the only public transport mode in the state to regularly exceed pre-covid patronage levels, demonstrating strong demand from the community and tourists.

This makes Gold Coast Light Rail the model for post-pandemic bounce-backs, ahead of Sydney and Melbourne public transportation use.

Light Rail has transformed public transport on the Gold Coast, helping to create an integrated network that connects more people to more places in one of Australia's fastest growing cities.

The five new light rail vehicles made the journey by sea to Port of Brisbane before being transported down the M1 on a 76-wheel trailer.

They will now undergo testing at the Southport depot before being absorbed into the current operational fleet.

The five new trams will feature enhanced accessibility elements, including double accessible spaces, braille signs, 20 priority seats on every tram and vertical handrails have been shifted to create wider passageways for wheelchairs, prams, walkers and other mobility aids.

Major construction for Stage 3 is underway on the Gold Coast Highway as John Holland upgrade and relocate essential underground utilities. Track laying will begin in 2024 for completion in 2025.

Stage 3 construction is expected to directly support more than 760 local jobs.

The Palaszczuk Government, in partnership with the Federal Albanese Government and the City of Gold Coast, is delivering the $1.2 billion project.

Quotes attributable to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:

"Light rail on the growing Gold Coast has been a roaring success, so it's an exciting time to see the new trams in action.

"Four of the trams have arrived, with the fifth set to make the voyage down the M1 this week.

"It has always been a Labor government that has driven construction of the light rail and the outstanding patronage figures show how much Gold Coasters love it.

"The light rail is a key piece in the Gold Coast's transport puzzle in providing a quick and convenient travel to study, health and shopping hubs.

"As the network continues to grow and connect to even more iconic Gold Coast destinations, we are confident more people will get onboard."

Quote attributed to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King MP:

"The demand for public transport on the Gold Coast will only grow as the population does, and it's clear that light rail has been strongly embraced by the community.

"The arrival of new trams for Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3, plus the incredible milestone of 73 million trips, marks an exciting step for this project, where past success meets future plans.

"With the Gold Coast's status as a domestic and international tourism must-see, this project is a prime example of the Australian Government's 10-year $120 billion infrastructure pipeline, delivering nation-shaping projects with national significance.

"I look forward to seeing even more progress in the months to come."

Quotes attributable to Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

"The Palaszczuk Government has backed light rail from the very beginning, it's a one of kind public transport system for our state and has been a huge success for the Gold Coast.

"With more than 73 million trips across the network, this just demonstrates that our continued investment into expanding the service is the right move.

"Once the stage 3 extension from Broadbeach top Burleigh is complete, we will no doubt see more and more people choosing to catch the tram.

"We're continuing to work on a business case for light rail stage 4 to continue growing the network with a connection to the airport".

Quotes attributable to Gold Coast-based Palaszczuk Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon:

"Light rail has continued to go from strength to strength here on the Gold Coast, clocking in more than 73 million trips since it opened.

"As our city grows, we need to make sure it keeps moving – whether that's via heavy rail, light rail, buses or on the road.

"We've seen massive strides on our M1 upgrades and works moving full steam ahead on three new stations.

"Building more trams now means that as we expand light rail, we'll be able to deliver higher frequency services."

Quotes attributable to GoldlinQ CEO Phil Mumford:

"All five trams will be incorporated in the network later this year, allowing for testing and training before Stage 3 opens.

"The G:link has been embraced by the Gold Coast and visitors to the city. We are confident it will be the same with Stage 3 when passengers are able to travel on the trams all the way to Burleigh."

ENDS

[#Metro]

Despite not manufacturing them here, GC LRT seems to be largely free of the vehicle issues that have plagued rail and tram operation elsewhere.

[Jonno]

"As our city grows, we need to make sure it keeps moving – whether that's via heavy rail, light rail, buses or on the road.

"We need to balance transport modes" - aka business as usual prioritisation of driving

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1683360237422796801

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Gold Coast light rail smashes records - but Sunshine Coast stuck at the station

Passengers have been so quick to reboard light rail at the Gold Coast, it has become the fastest-recovering public transport network in Australia since the pandemic.

But further north at the Sunshine Coast, it appears commuters are stuck at the station, so to speak, for two years.

The Gold Coast has recorded more than 73 million trips on their G:link light rail, and patronage was now 15 per cent higher than before COVID-19, Transport Minister Mark Bailey revealed. ...

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

Government Statement: New trams arrive for Gold Coast's thriving G:link 24th July...

Posted by RAIL - Back On Track on Monday, 24 July 2023

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railmaps/status/1687367885143040000

[#Metro]

Travelled on the GC light rail on the weekend recently, it is absolutely packed during the weekend daytime between GCUH/Southport and Broadbeach.

The big let down of course is that you have a tram running on a 10-minute cycle connecting to a train running on a 30 minute cycle. Some of the bus connections to northern parts of the GC like Hope Island are not great either - 60 minute frequency for Bus 711 to Hope Island, for example.

There might be a case to increase weekend tram frequency, or at least for Saturdays, to match weekday service levels. Option exists to go from 10 minute frequency to 7.5 minute frequency. Or perhaps short-run services between GCUH and Broadbeach (using the spur after GCUH).

[achiruel]

Travelled on the GC light rail on the weekend recently, it is absolutely packed during the weekend daytime between GCUH/Southport and Broadbeach.

The big let down of course is that you have a tram running on a 10-minute cycle connecting to a train running on a 30 minute cycle. Some of the bus connections to northern parts of the GC like Hope Island are not great either - 60 minute frequency for Bus 711 to Hope Island, for example.

There might be a case to increase weekend tram frequency, or at least for Saturdays, to match weekday service levels. Option exists to go from 10 minute frequency to 7.5 minute frequency. Or perhaps short-run services between GCUH and Broadbeach (using the spur after GCUH).

Terminating at GCUH is definitely possible, as there's a couple of evening services that do exactly that. Not sure if it's viable for all-day running, someone else here might know for sure.

So you'd have 4 tph Helensvale-GCUH, and then 8 tph from GCUH to Broadbeach. Combine this with 15-minute Gold Coast HR services, and I think it would be a massive improvement.

As for Hope Island, yes, the service is very poor. The 718 (from Helensvale) also only runs hourly.

[#Metro]

Terminating at GCUH is definitely possible, as there's a couple of evening services that do exactly that.

Not sure if it's viable for all-day running, someone else here might know for sure.

Thanks for this, I didn't know that!

[LRV 018]

To add to this, it would be possible to terminate every second tram at GCUH using either the crossover at the station or the siding on Olsen Ave. On weeknights, every second tram terminates at GCUH around 7pm-8pm back to the depot for the change in headway, then every tram around 12am-1am at end of service. On weekends between 1:30am-5am trams only run GCUH-Broadbeach so GCUH becomes a terminus then too.

That said, the trip to Helensvale isn't really that long (11 min), so you'd only be saving one tram and driver by terminating short. I would guess it to be easier operationally and better for passenger legibility to just keep the extra tram in and run 7.5 min headway the whole line. The theme parks can be busy on weekends so extra trams to Helensvale wouldn't go unused.

[SurfRail]

I think the focus should be on upping the headways to something like:

- 5am-7am, 7pm-midnight - every 12 minutes (every day)
- 7am-7pm - every 6 minutes (weekdays); every 7.5 minutes (weekends); public holidays either headway depending on expected demand
- Midnight-5am Saturday, Sunday and public holidays - every 20 minutes, all the way to Helensvale
- Special event mode - every 3 minutes (reliably, not ad hoc)

Longer term and when the network is ultimately branched (ie at GCUH for Helensvale and Biggera Waters, and at Miami for Robina and Coolangatta), you end up with a core from GCUH to Miami and 2 legs outbound at either end, as follows:

- 5am-7am, 9pm-midnight - every 12 minutes on each leg; every 6 minutes in the core (every day)
- 7am-7pm - every 7-8 minutes on each leg and every 3-4 minutes in the core (weekdays); every 10 minutes on each leg and every 5 minutes in the core (weekends); public holidays either headway depending on expected demand
- Midnight-5am Saturday, Sunday and public holidays - every 30 minutes on each leg, every 15 minutes in the core
- Special event mode - every 2-3 minutes through the core split roughly evenly (reliably, not ad hoc)

There should be enough capacity at the main depot at Southport and the satellite depot at Coolangatta to enable this, just a question of buying enough trams and running them often enough.

[ozbob]

https://x.com/9NewsGoldCoast/status/1730128627352613364?s=20

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast light rail: Tram services threatened by 'unprecedented industrial action' $

Tram services on the Gold Coast are at risk of "imminent" major stoppages by workers threatening unprecedented industrial action over what they call a "substandard" contract offer.

The Bulletin can reveal future strike action is likely on light rail after a breakdown in negotiations with union members and operators KDGC for an enterprise bargaining agreement.

The light rail has never been subject to a strike since the first tram rolled out in 2014.

The Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union late on Tuesday in the Fair Work Commission put forward an application for a "protected action ballot order". ...

[ozbob]

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1735430778476192069?s=20

[ozbob]

     

Short clip of a G:Link tram from the Star Residential by daughter.  16th Dec 2023

[ozbob]

https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/public-transport-and-what-not-to-bring-to-pnk-performing-at-heritage-bank-stadium/news-story/7a781814a21dc01b7e476248dcec26a7

... Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate says he has a solution to the 24-hour tram strike which will coincide with the highly anticipated P!nk concert, which was slammed as "insulting" by the union.

Global superstar Alecia Moore, also known as P!nk, will be performing her Summer Carnival stadium tour to crowds at Heritage Bank Stadium on February 20.

While more than 50,000 fans are getting ready for the concert, the Rail Tram and Bus Union announced they would be holding industrial action for 24 hours from 1pm on February 20.

A G:Link statement said they were "deeply sorry" to passengers for the inconvenience.

"G:link will continue to operate during this period of industrial action, however, there may be delays to services at certain times and trams may be operating on a reduced timetable," the statement said. ...

[ozbob]

https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/travel-plans-for-pink-at-heritage-stadium-amid-24hour-tram-strike/news-story/573033a1548744ff625e8aa4496fc445

... Trams services will effectively be halved by a driver strike planned to coincide with the highly-anticipated Gold Coast Pink concert as transport authorities scramble to avoid commuter mayhem.

Global superstar Alecia Moore, better known as Pink, performs her Summer Carnival stadium tour to an anticipated Heritage Bank Stadium sellout in Carrara.

Tram drivers will walk off the job from 1pm on Tuesday for a 24-hour strike as part of an ongoing breakdown in negotiations with union members and operators for an enterprise bargaining agreement. ...

[ozbob]

Updated website:  G:link https://ridetheg.com.au

[ozbob]

https://x.com/GCBulletin/status/1774981136940478827?s=20

[ozbob]

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1800913880505561156

[SurfRail]

10 year anniversary of the system opening this weekend. 

Depends on when you are counting from - the first passenger trips were on Sunday 20 July 2014 (including myself and some others aboard the first ever southbound trip from GCUH), but those were all unpaid.  The first paid passenger trips were on Monday 21 July 2014.

[ozbob]

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.

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

[ozbob]

Twitter

Scott Emerson ‏@scottemersonmp

Fantastic day on the Gold Coast celebrating the official opening of @gclightrail:

[ozbob]

It's the 10th Birthday of the Light Rail 🥳 This iconic piece of transport infrastructure on the Gold Coast has been a...

Posted by Bart Mellish MP on Thursday 18 July 2024

[ozbob]

Front Page Gold Coast Bulletin 20th July 2024

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4: Where trams will go after Burleigh to border extension is completed $

The Gold Coast light rail is tipped to cross the Queensland border by 2034, the same year planning for at least two future extensions in the city's western suburbs ramps up.

The Gold Coast light rail will be linked with a Tweed Heads tram system and future routes on the drawing board by 2034.

That's the view of Light Rail Business Advisory Group head Stephen Harrison who tips the network, which celebrates its 10th anniversary on Saturday, will expand beyond the reaches of the city and coastal route by 2034.

First to Tweed, he says before going out west.

It comes as new data reveals more than 83 million passenger trips have been recorded on the trams during its first decade.

Mr Harrison said the network was a proven success which had the potential to go much further. ...

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast light rail: Inside the tram's first passenger journey on July 20, 2014 $

The sun was still 90 minutes away from rising when the first passengers boarded the Gold Coast's trams for the inaugural journey.

It was 5am on July 20, 2014 at the Broadbeach South station when Tram 12 pulled out heading north with 50 passengers, while another simultaneously departed from Gold Coast University Hospital beginning a new era of public transport.

Cheers erupted aboard the trams at the moment the journey began. ...

[ozbob]

Data from our patronage board at https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?board=91.0



Spreadsheet > https://backontrack.org/docs/patronage/2022_23/lr/lightrail14_15to22_23.ods



State Government has said more than 85 million passengers have ridden on the Gold Coast Light rail.

Total up to FY 22/23 was 73.5 million.  So passengers for FY 23/24 around 11 million plus.  This would be the best year yet for the light rail.

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

Gold Coast Light Rail patronage continues to climb! 22nd July 2024 State Government has said more than 85 million...

Posted by RAIL - Back On Track on Sunday 21 July 2024

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Gold Coast Light Rail patronage continues to climb!

22nd July 2024

State Government has recently said around 85 million passengers have ridden on the Gold Coast Light rail.

We are still waiting for the official publication of FY (financial year) 23/24 patronage data but using our previous records it is possible to approximately determine FY 23/24 patronage.

Total up to FY 22/23 was 73.5 million on light rail.  So light rail passenger trips for FY 23/24 will be around 11 million plus.

This would be the best year yet for the light rail!  This continues the momentum for stage 3 and stage 4 for the light rail on the Gold Coast.

Light rail was the first mode to completely recover patronage following the pandemic setback.

Data from our patronage board at https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=15348.0





images:  https://backontrack.org/docs/patronage/2022_23/an/annualgraphs9_10to22_23lightrail.jpg
         https://backontrack.org/docs/patronage/2022_23/lr/lightrail14_15to22_23.jpg

Best wishes,
Robert

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