Gold Coast Light Rail

[ozbob]

Media release 6 May 2011

SEQ: Gold Coast Rapid Transit a shining light!

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 welcomes the news of the appointment of the consortium GoldLinQ to construct and operate the light rail service from the new University Hospital to Broadbeach.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"A shining light on the sustainable transport horizon in south-east Queensland is the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project.  Modern light rail is sustainable, efficient, economical, safe and high capacity."

"The Gold Coast Rapid Transit project will be a turning point in transport not only in south-east Queensland but Australia as well.  Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide all have light rail to varying degrees and Perth and Hobart are now looking at future light rail projects for their transport needs too. Brisbane is the odd one out, and as the bus system now is approaching capacity limits and chronic congestion, it is obvious that it is now the time for modern light rail to also be rolled out in Brisbane on key trunk routes."

"Congratulations to the winning consortium GoldLinQ.  We look forward to going for a ride in a few years!"

Reference:

1. http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2011/05/06/312931_gold-coast-news.html

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Gold Coast light rail on track

Gold Coast light rail on track
Marissa Calligeros
May 6, 2011 - 8:26AM

Construction of the Gold Coast Rapid Transit system will begin later this year following the appointment of a consortium to build and operate the $1 billion service.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk will today announce that GoldLinQ, which includes companies Keolis, Downer EDI, McConnell Dowell, Bombardier and Plenary, has been awarded the tender for the new service.

The light rail system will be the first public passenger transport project to be delivered through a public-private partnership.

Early construction works have begun on stage one of the rapid transit system, which will stretch from Griffith University to Broadbeach, via Southport and Surfers Paradise.

The project has secured funding commitments totalling $949 million from federal, state and local government for stage one, which will include 16 stations.

Potential future stages could see the light rail system extended as far as Coolangatta, on the NSW border.

The light rail system has been touted as the key to combating congestion in and around the tourism hub, where 20 per cent of all residents will live within 800 metres of the proposed line.

However Ron Clarke has previously expressed concern about the new line, saying it could worsen crippling congestion on the glitter strip.

Passenger services are scheduled to start in 2014.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/gold-coast-light-rail-on-track-20110506-1eaqy.html#ixzz1LX5DMSXh

[SurfRail]

I can live with Bombardiers.

As long as they don't come with the appalling air-conditioning originally installed on the Adelaide Flexities, which gave rise to one of the best headlines I've read in a Murdoch paper ("A Streetcar Named Perspire").

[ozbob]

Joint Statement:

Premier and Minister for Reconstruction
The Honourable Anna Bligh

Transport and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
06/05/2011

Successful bidder named to construct and operate Gold Coast light rail

The company which will build and operate the $1 billion traffic-busting Gold Coast Rapid Transit network stretching from the new University Hospital to Broadbeach has today been announced.

Premier Anna Bligh said the successful bidder, GoldlinQ is a consortium which includes companies Keolis, Downer EDI, McConnell Dowell, Bombardier and Plenary - each with a proven track record of transport construction both within Australia and overseas.

Ms Bligh said they were chosen from three consortia shortlisted for Stage One of the project last year.

"Over the last year the government's project team has been pouring through 150 boxes of documents from the final three short listed bidders," Ms Bligh said.

"The end result is a public private partnership with GoldlinQ that will deliver light rail to the Gold Coast and more than 6,300 direct and indirect jobs.

"This is one of the biggest public transport projects in the country - and the first light rail project for Queensland - and when it's completed in 2014, it will give Gold Coast residents and visitors alike easy, hassle free commuting.

"It will transform the face of the Gold Coast City, which will boast the most modern public transport system in the country."

Ms Bligh said following the completion of road works later in the year construction of the light rail corridor will begin in earnest with track expected to be laid in the second half of 2012.

Stage One of the light rail project includes a 13 kilometre light rail corridor that will service the new Gold Coast University Hospital, Griffith University, Southport medical precinct and the fastest growing recreational centres of Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said today's announcement is continuing proof the Gillard Labor Government is delivering on its commitments.

"When it comes to public transport infrastructure, the Gillard Labor Government means what it says and does what it promises," said Mr Albanese.

"What's more, funding for this project was provided as part of our recession-busting, job-creating Economic Stimulus Plan, the very initiative the Federal Coalition voted against and have consistently opposed ever since.

"Indeed if Steve Ciobo, Stuart Robert and their Liberal colleagues had got their way a light rail network on the Gold Coast would still be nothing more than a dream.

"Only the Gillard Labor Government has a plan to move our cities forward, one which recognises the task of renewing and expanding their public transport infrastructure requires a partnership between all the levels of government."

Queensland Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said early works for the project which started in August last year is progressing ahead of schedule despite 30 wet weather delays.

"In the not too distant future we will have a world class public transport system which will change the way people move around the coast," she said.

"I thank people for their patience while this work is continuing.

"To date more than $25 million has been invested in the local community sourcing labour and materials.

"This investment has directly and indirectly assisted a number of the city's major industries including construction and retail trade.

Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke said South East Queensland's population is expected to grow from 2.8 million to 4.4 million people by 2031 - an increase of 57 per cent.

"By that time we expect our population on the Gold Coast to be more than 800,000 people," he said.

"More people means more traffic but light rail is a high quality solution for coping with this growth and influencing the travelling habits of our residents.

"This project will create a lasting legacy for our city and help address key activity and growth in areas such as Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach."

[ozbob]

The government's Gold Coast Rapid Transit project is one step closer -- the successful bidder was announced today.

[ozbob]

==> http://goldlinq.com.au/

[ozbob]

Not sure what the trams will be, but possibly similar to these ..

Bombardier --> The BOMBARDIER FLEXITY 2 tram



Also here --> http://www.flexity2.bombardier.com/swf/index.html  (be warned big flash site, takes a while to download)

[SurfRail]

Not sure what the trams will be, but possibly similar to these ..

One would imagine that some impressive synergies could now be realised with Melbourne's current order for Bombardier trams, especially with Keolis operating both our and their networks.

Take the same design for their body shell and equip with locally specced equipment (seating, interior fitout, better air-con and most importantly 750v DC traction gear), and tack our order onto theirs.

Perhaps we could even save enough to squeeze another (15th) tram out of the budget available.

[Zoiks]

Whats the different in voltages between Gold Coast and Melbourne? Whats superior?

[colinw]

Melbourne and Adelaide, being legacy tramways, are 600V DC.  This was the old standard for trolley-pole based tramways. I believe all the original electric tramways in Australia were 600V DC systems.

Current generation light rail is mostly 750V DC, although other voltages have run. Sydney Light Rail is the only example of a 750V DC light rail system in Australia, Gold Coast will be the second.

As to which is superior - can't say, although I'm sure the transition to 750V DC occurred for a good reason.

EDIT: according to the wikipedia article, Brisbane's trams were originally 500V, later increased to 600V.

[#Metro]

I think it is because with lower voltages you need more substations. Substations are expensive, ugly and bulky.

[SurfRail]

I think it is because with lower voltages you need more substations. Substations are expensive, ugly and bulky.

Basically.  The anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that 600v DC can work just as well performance wise, and that Melbourne's problems with "underpowered" vehicles stem mainly from crumbling infrastructure.  But 750v DC is definitely more efficient.

[Zoiks]

I know that higher voltage AC is more efficient at sending power over long distance, didnt know if it was the same with DC.

[somebody]

I know that higher voltage AC is more efficient at sending power over long distance, didnt know if it was the same with DC.

More voltage = more efficient transmission but less easy application.  Also beefier insulation.  Compare Sydney/Melbourne insulators to Brisbane and it is quite a bit different to the eye.

CityRail rollingstock from pre-inverter (DC to AC transformer) days has 4 motors connected in series at low speed with resistor banks, then 2 way series at medium speed, fully parallel at higher speeds.  On 1.5kV DC electrification.

The Soviets had a go at 6kV DC electrification but they couldn't make it work in the pre-inverter days so stuck with 3kV DC.  Not sure if they have 8-way series at low speed or just bigger resistor banks.  Obviously they have gone with 25kV AC for some lines now.

I think trams with their lower voltages do not require so much complication.

[SurfRail]

I'd like to share a set of responses from the project team to some basic enquiries made over the weekend (and already replied to, to their credit):

What is the anticipated fleet strength of the system as at its commencement in 2014, and what are the general characteristics of the vehicles Bombardier will be supplying? In particular, what is the notional capacity per direction per hour based on the vehicles which are planned to be acquired?

This information is currently unavailable. On Friday 6th May, 2011 the Premier Anna Bligh announced the successful bidder as the Operator Franchise, GoldLinQ. The information you seek would need to come from GoldLinQ. Please bare in mind that due to the recent announcement, GoldLinQ are currently setting up resources and an office on the Gold Coast. Once established, contact details will be made available and your enquiry may be answered. GoldLinQ will not be on board with the project team until after financial year.

What is the anticipated frequency of service on commencement? If this is presently intended to differ at various times or over various stretches of the line, please provide details of all variations.

System capacity: Light rail can carry 10, 000 passengers per hour and over 100, 000 people per day, potential patronage figures which are unachievable with bus rapid transit, and which support initial and future patronage projections.

Travel time: The Gold Coast Rapid Transit system has the ability of operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, on opening of the system it is planned to have 24 hour operation on Friday and Saturday nights with operation hours from 5am to 12.00 midnight on the remaining days of the week. A trip from Gold Coast University Hospital should take approximately 35 minutes passing through 16 stations and 34 signalised intersections. The system is designed to run approximately every seven and a half minutes at peak times (7am to 7pm). At other times the service will run every 15 minutes in the early mornings and evenings and every 30 minutes late on Friday and Saturday nights (12.00 midnight to 5am).

Operational features
   
Operating Hours

• All night Friday and Saturday nights
• 5am to 12 midnight on the remaining days

Sevice frequency

• Every 7- 8 minutes between 7.00am and 7pm
• Every 15 minutes in the early mornings and evenings
• Every 30 minutes late on Friday and Saturday nights (12 midnight to 5am)

 

What arrangements will be effected to ensure there is no degradation in service for passengers which will be located much further from an LRT stop than an existing bus stop between Southport and Broadbeach? Are some bus services still planned to operate adjacent to the line to maintain the "granularity" of service?

Again, this information will be available from GoldLinQ.

Upgrades and service improvements providing direct, high-frequency services are being considered across the network including the introduction of new bus services and modified routes providing more convenient east-west connections. These changes will integrate with the Gold Coast Rapid Transit system to make it easy for people to use public transport.

[Zoiks]

Go card readers will also be on the platform, not in the LRV

[SurfRail]

Go card readers will also be on the platform, not in the LRV

That's the sensible outcome - a lot less margin for system error due to GPS involvement, vehicles can clear pax on/off more quickly and there is less wiring and fitting out required in each vehicle.

[SteelPan]

Melbourne and Adelaide, being legacy tramways, are 600V DC.  This was the old standard for trolley-pole based tramways. I believe all the original electric tramways in Australia were 600V DC systems.

Current generation light rail is mostly 750V DC, although other voltages have run. Sydney Light Rail is the only example of a 750V DC light rail system in Australia, Gold Coast will be the second.

As to which is superior - can't say, although I'm sure the transition to 750V DC occurred for a good reason.

EDIT: according to the wikipedia article, Brisbane's trams were originally 500V, later increased to 600V.

I started to read that article on trams in Brisbane, but before I'd read 3 lines I got a combination of sad and angry - look at that pic, we HAD it ALL      

(even the city looked more interesting than it does now!)

So very, very....very SAD!

[Zoiks]

A trip from Gold Coast University Hospital should take approximately 35 minutes passing through 16 stations and 34 signalised intersections.

So about 36km/h
Is this good for a light rail system?

[somebody]

A trip from Gold Coast University Hospital should take approximately 35 minutes passing through 16 stations and 34 signalised intersections.

So about 36km/h
Is this good for a light rail system?

It doesn't sound that bad to me.  I live about 7km from the CBD, and getting to the CBD at 36km/h would be about 11 2/3 minutes.  Certainly faster than the train does it, and you can only drive that quickly late at night.

[#Metro]

It is better than Melbourne where the speed is 12-16km/hour!
Maybe horse and cart would be faster.

35km/hour av speed is quite good for LRT. Unless you would like to nominate a station to be removed...


less stations spaced further apart = faster speed

[Zoiks]

Without any real knowledge of the area, the only one I could possibly see is either southport south or broadwater parklands

[SurfRail]

It is better than Melbourne where the speed is 12-16km/hour!
Maybe horse and cart would be faster.

35km/hour av speed is quite good for LRT. Unless you would like to nominate a station to be removed...


less stations spaced further apart = faster speed

They've got the balance pretty much bang on I think. 

The only serious reservation I have is about access to public transport in Paradise Waters.  They are at a bit of a remove if you withdraw the bus services from the stops near Admiralty Drive.

The station on Queen St West could have been closer to the primary school, which would have been not only better for students but probably safer as well with trams decelerating and stopping (and without the need to serve the current stop and then travel at school speed limits past the school). There are issues with the corridor here, so I have let this one go - I believe they have preserved 2-way road access because of the current arrangement.

The angle at Nerang and Scarborough St is OK as long as it won't prevent higher capacity vehicles, and apparently it doesn't.

[SurfRail]

Light rail operator secures finance
Lucy Ardern   |  June 8th, 2011

FINANCE has been finalised by the operator of the Gold Coast's $1 billion light-rail project, bringing the transport plan one step closer.

GoldLinQ had to secure $430 million in finance for the project to go ahead.

The deal was finalised on Tuesday afternoon.

The Plenary Group was brought in to handle financial arrangements for the project and company managing director Paul Oppenheim described the turnaround as 'outstanding'.

The light rail system is due to be up and running by 2014.

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2011/06/08/322091_gold-coast-business.html

One more hurdle out of the way.

[colinw]

Ministerial media statement:
http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=75213

Interestingly ...

Major projects include:

·$175 million to continue the $1.195 billion Gold Coast Rapid Transit System, a light rail project from Southport to Broadbeach, as well as a three kilometre extension;

Three kilometre extension?

[SurfRail]

Ministerial media statement:
http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=75213

Interestingly ...

Major projects include:

·$175 million to continue the $1.195 billion Gold Coast Rapid Transit System, a light rail project from Southport to Broadbeach, as well as a three kilometre extension;

Three kilometre extension?

Could it be that the Minister is just referring to the Southport-Griffith Uni leg?

[colinw]

No idea.  I was wondering if they had decided to extend to Harbour Town?

Griffith uni to Harbour Town along Olsen Ave would be about 3km wouldn't it?

Although Southport to Griffith is about 3km as well, so maybe it is nothing.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Might be a freight crossing loop 

[colinw]

Thinking about it, I think it is just a tricky way of saying Broadbeach to Southport, then Southport to Griffith Uni.  Southport to Griffith Uni is approximately 3km.

[SurfRail]

Light rail station shell nears completion
Stephanie Bedo   |  June 15th, 2011

CONSTRUCTION of the Gold Coast University Hospital Station shell for the $1 billion light rail service is fast nearing completion.

The station is predicted to be one of the most heavily used on the corridor, providing passengers with a direct link to Griffith University, Gold Coast University Hospital and bus interchange located at the nearby University Station.

The light rail is expected to service more than 20,000 students at Griffith University, along with the thousands of staff, students and visitors who will frequent the new tertiary hospital.

The station shell is being constructed in two stages to integrate with Gold Coast University Hospital construction activities and to avoid major construction disruption when the new 750-bed facility is operational.

Construction of the station shell includes construction of the roof and walls to create the future station structure and associated roadworks in Parklands Drive, Southport.

The concrete roof slab is being poured in stages to maintain traffic flow along Parklands Drive.

Leighton Contractors is now excavating the future station hall under the road and about 40,000 tonnes of spoil has so far been removed.

The station shell is on schedule for early completion by mid 2011. The final station fit-out will be carried out by the Operator Franchise appointed to construct the project and will be completed by 2014.

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2011/06/15/323891_gold-coast-news.html

[Zoiks]

Its been said on another forum that Griffith Uni is still technically in Southport. Thus the extra money could be for shoring up of the route towards harbortown.

I dont get why they dont just go - this is where we the route is likely to go over the next 5/10 years, lets buy the land now, rent the properties back out in the meantime and save some money.

[colinw]

Harbour town would be a very good destination indeed for this system, a major trip generator that would likely attract a different set of passengers to the uni & hospital.

[Zoiks]

which would give it more patronage during the day + on weekends, not just the 9-5 rush.

Apparently we are getting full length 45m vehicles as well.

[SurfRail]

Harbour Town is the only significant advantage to going up Olsen Ave, certainly.  The northern route would serve marginally more walk-up patronage, schools and shops even if it wasn't there, but the western route would be fast enough to justify going that way.

HT gives you an enormous patronage boost - the figures I commonly hear are that about 80% of leisure tourists end up visiting it, and it is a useful commercial centre and bus terminus too.

[mufreight]

A connection to the heavy rail line at Hellensvale would be more useful at this time.

[SurfRail]

A connection to the heavy rail line at Hellensvale would be more useful at this time.

No disagreement from me, but somebody has to pay for it.

[mufreight]

A connection to the heavy rail line at Hellensvale would be more useful at this time.

No disagreement from me, but somebody has to pay for it.

No matter when it is built the taxpayer will pay for it, the sooner it is built the greater will be the numbers of riders using it and the greater its utilisation the lower its effective cost.

[Zoiks]

But then you have debt. And as you may have heard from the last election, Australia is about to go bankrupt, the liberal party both state and federal have whipped the electorate into such a frenzy over debt that I have little doubt that big ticket infrastructure will be few and far between for a while

[Golliwog]

But then you have debt. And as you may have heard from the last election, Australia is about to go bankrupt, the liberal party both state and federal have whipped the electorate into such a frenzy over debt that I have little doubt that big ticket infrastructure will be few and far between for a while

The Libs are doing well on that, the government is keeping on track of hte debt and aiming to return to surplus, so now the Libs are hounding them about "Why aren't you funding this?" "What about working families?" "What about the poor Sydneysiders earning $150k, how can they afford to put food on the table?"

[Zoiks]

Interesting story in today's newspaper. People on 80k consider themselves low income, people on 200k a year consider themselves middle income