Gold Coast Light Rail

[SurfRail]

All movements will be occurring around midnight so you would need to be dedicated.

[ozbob]

Welcome to Queensland!



https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=561331970583144&id=175492429167102&set=a.430881110294898.90303.175492429167102&source=46&refid=17

[ozbob]

Twitter

Scott Emerson ‏@scottemersonmp 39s

At Port of Brisbane where first trams for Gold Coast Light Rail - with racks to carry surfboards - just arrived. http://t.co/VbZoQ7iZsW

[ozbob]

Twitter

GoldLinQ ‏@gclightrail 3m

First #goldcoast tram will soon be towed into the #gclightrail Depot with a little help from Heavy Haulage Australia http://t.co/WqZiunp0Ei

[ozbob]

Light rail arrives on GC (00:47)

RAW VISION: The first light rail carriages arrive at Southport on the Gold Coast early Thursday morning.

--> http://media.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/selections/light-rail-arrives-on-gc-4740897.html

[huddo45]

There is a good video from channel 7 on Youtube as well, I don't think it's the 'world's biggest tram' though.



Two galleries from the Gold Coast Bulletin:

Unloading at the port.

http://tools.goldcoast.com.au/photo-gallery/photo_gallery_popup_preview.php?category_id=43720&offset=4

and at Southport.

http://tools.goldcoast.com.au/photo-gallery/photo_gallery_popup_preview.php?category_id=43727

I was down there Wednesday night, definitely worth the trip if you're thinking of going tonight (Friday) the tram looked fantastic but be prepared for a long night, Tram was finally towed to the depot about 4a.m..

[Set in train]

On Saturday, the kerb was installed at the Gold Coast Highway/Surfers Paradise Boulevard/Remembrance Drive intersection. By Thursday, the temporary fencing had been removed. Traffic hopefully soon will be able to turn right to head north at this intersection.

[ozbob]

Twitter

@tomforbes72: Breaking: Here is the new brand name of the GC light rail http://t.co/cdrBAvjXZk

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2013/9/20/light-rail-rolls-out

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson
Friday, September 20, 2013

Light rail rolls out

Two new light rail G:link units are ready for testing after travelling more than 10,000 nautical miles to their new Gold Coast home.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson, Member for Southport Rob Molhoek and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate today inspected the new units.

"The 43m-long, bright yellow and blue trams will now be tested on the system before passenger services begin mid-2014," Mr Emerson said.

"The trams will have the ability to deliver more than 300 people, every seven-and-a-half minutes, to Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

"The Newman Government is committed to getting people out of their cars and on to public transport and the Gold Coast light rail will provide a real alternative for the Gold Coast community.

"The testing of trams, systems and drivers will start from next month and will happen first on the roads in Southport before being rolled out along the entire corridor.

"I hope commuters will embrace the 21st public transport operator to join the South East Queensland network and discover how much time can be saved by taking light rail trams instead of driving."

Mr Molhoek said the arrival of its first two trams and the first look at the G:link brand was an exciting milestone.

"Whether it's used for a daily commute or weekend adventure, I hope riding the 'G' will become part of the fabric of this community," Mr Molhoek said.

"In mid-2014, passengers will have easy access at 16 stations and will be able to jump on the new trams branded with the large G."

City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said not only would the city receive a new public transport system, but the City's funding commitment meant underground services had been upgraded to future proof the Gold Coast for decades to come.

"Investing in public transport reduces congestion on our roadways, helps our environment, and this light rail project has already created thousands of good paying jobs right here on the Gold Coast," Cr Tate said.

"The system will become a part of daily life as many Gold Coasters use it for travel to work, school, the beach and to access the food and entertainment areas the Glitter Strip is famous for."

Stage one of the 13-kilometre, $1.2 billion project will service the new Gold Coast University Hospital, due to open later this year, and Griffith University.

The remaining 12 trams are due to arrive in coming months.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Gold Coast trams unveiled

[Derwan]

The front reminds me of the alien from Predator for some reason.

[red dragin]

Twitter

@tomforbes72: Breaking: Here is the new brand name of the GC light rail http://t.co/cdrBAvjXZk

As Triple M pointed out its a G

and a

Spot


?   

[Derwan]

As Triple M pointed out its a G

and a

Spot


?   

Brisbane Times heading: "They've found it: New 'G' branded light rail arrives on the Coast"

[ozbob]

[STB]

Twitter

@tomforbes72: Breaking: Here is the new brand name of the GC light rail http://t.co/cdrBAvjXZk

As Triple M pointed out its a G

and a

Spot


?   

Ahahahaha, the G Spot has been found! 

[ozbob]

Not a bad marketing hook.  Generated a lot of media ... 

Even made it down here (Melbourne) ...

[ozbob]

Click to enlarge (new window)

[IMGT]http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/GCLRT/2013-09-20141719_zps36b61f48.jpg[/IMGT]

[IMGT]http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/GCLRT/2013-09-20141711_zps0ba2c65b.jpg[/IMGT]

[IMGT]http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/GCLRT/2013-09-20140748_zpsb43dab53.jpg[/IMGT]

[IMGT]http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/GCLRT/2013-09-20140631_zps204af19f.jpg[/IMGT]

[IMGT]http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/GCLRT/2013-09-20135320_zps1abffc1d.jpg[/IMGT]

[IMGT]http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/GCLRT/2013-09-20135151_zps75a35d27.jpg[/IMGT]

[IMGT]http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/GCLRT/2013-09-20135033_zps781b636c.jpg[/IMGT]

[IMGT]http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/GCLRT/2013-09-20133553_zpsbac6ca2a.jpg[/IMGT]

[IMGT]http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/GCLRT/2013-09-20133524_zpse0956805.jpg[/IMGT]

[IMGT]http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/GCLRT/2013-09-20132551_zps55c62794.jpg[/IMGT]

[IMGT]http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/GCLRT/2013-09-20131502_zps38abe16e.jpg[/IMGT]

[IMGT]http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/GCLRT/2013-09-20131140_zpsd39ae966.jpg[/IMGT]

[IMGT]http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/GCLRT/2013-09-20131127_zpseb1cc802.jpg[/IMGT]

[IMGT]http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/GCLRT/2013-09-20131116_zps4de0c49a.jpg[/IMGT]

[IMGT]http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/GCLRT/2013-09-20131029_zpsfbc0b535.jpg[/IMGT]

[IMGT]http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/GCLRT/2013-09-20125614_zps0647155b.jpg[/IMGT]

[IMGT]http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/GCLRT/2013-09-20123538_zps2b90299d.jpg[/IMGT]

[ozbob]

Links to videos- Interior

Event Speeches

Opening

[ozbob]

Feedback received ..

I was surprised to hear on televison the other night that the Minister for Transport was talking about not funding stage two and three of the Gold Coast light rail because of passenger numbers.  It probably will not reach it's full potential for the simple reason it is not linked to the main railway line.  That needs to be stage two.  After it is  joined to  the  main railway line  the problem it would have is copeing with the number of passengers.  The existing rail bus connection can not cope with the passenger numbers now. In the future the railway line from Beenleigh to the Gold Coast will probably not be able to cope with the passenger numbers because as far as I know part of it is still single track.  People that are interested in  public transport need to get in touch with the Minister for Transport and their local Member of Parliament and tell them that the main Gold Coast Railway line needs to be linked to the Light Rail. 

Sent to all outlets:

26th July 2013

Re: SEQ: Gold Coast Light Rail

Greetings,

Still waiting for the Minister to outline the assumptions and methodology for his claim.

Meanwhile:  Some basic number crunching

To achieve 50K passengers per day ...

Proposed weekday 124 journeys each direction, total of 248 journeys.

Each journey only has to have 50,000/248 to make 50,0000  which is around 200 boardings on average per trip.

16 stations average needed is 200/16 = 13 pax per station ....

What a disgrace this beat up is ...

The Gold Coast Light Rail will be a culture transforming event for the Gold Coast.  Soon Brisbane will be the only mainland capital without light rail.

Such is the transport failure here in Brisbane.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 25th July 2013



SEQ: Gold Coast Light Rail

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 said the Minister for Transport needs to back up the claims that patronage forecasts for the Gold Coast Light Railway are not correct.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Today in the Transport and Main Roads Budget estimates Minister Emerson said that Labor had it wrong and the daily passenger trip projection for the Gold Coast Light rail is 20,000 trips daily not the 45,000 originally projected in 2009."

"We disagree with this latest projection.  The Gold Coast Light rail will be a frequent high capacity service."

"During the weekdays service frequency will be every 7.5 minutes with 15 minutes outside the 7am to 7pm period. The trams can comfortably carry over 300 passengers (1)."

"As has been clearly shown with the BUZ network, frequency drives patronage, the Gold Coast Light Rail will be no different."

"We ask the Minister for Transport to make public the assumptions and methodology behind these latest passenger projections."

"Our estimate would be at least 50,000 passengers daily.  Road congestion is a nightmare on the Gold Coast and the light rail will be very welcome and strongly supported.  Particularly with the bus network being geared up to also support the light rail.  In fact the TransLink SEQ bus review has already positioned the Gold Coast bus system in a form to allow this to occur."

"Rather than attempt to score political points, we would expect the Transport Minister to be promoting the wonderful opportunity for improved public transport for the Gold Coast."

Reference:

1. http://goldlinq.com.au/operating-light-rail/your-journey/

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow now

Is @scottemersonmp anti-public transport? Would seem so ... --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=546.msg131880#msg131880 ... #qldpol time you got some decent advisors ...

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Take a ride on the 'G': inside our trams

[Set in train]

Here's $50 million going begging here:

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/S/Smith-Street-Motorway-and-Olsen-Avenue-Labrador-Carrara-Road-Interchange-upgrade.aspx

This wasteful third eastbound lane of Smith Street between the 'old' Smith St onramp and Olsen Av must be stopped.

This project is priced at $50 million. This could be better spent on the tram extension or better yet, the railway station that they claim they have no money to build.

I suggest everyone write to Rob Molhoek, Southport MP and make him aware of this waste and the alternatives for the money.

TMR is one big dept now, this could easily be flicked across to rail instead of road.

Newman and his reps, Molhoek included were elected on the promise of cutting waste, here is an excellent opportunity to lead by example and drive Qld's dollars further.

[Set in train]

Latest puff piece:

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2013/09/25/458843_gold-coast-news.html

[ozbob]

Tram Driver Recruitment day for locals

--> here!

[SurfRail]

GCB: Rail bosses say track measures up
September 27th, 2013

Link - http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2013/09/27/458933_gold-coast-news.html

[Set in train]

GCB: Rail bosses say track measures up
September 27th, 2013

Link - http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2013/09/27/458933_gold-coast-news.html

Surprised no comments on this.

Cannot understand what major mistake there could be, you mean to say there is a problem that someone with a spacer did not check before the concrete was poured? 

[red dragin]

Local trader saw them measuring prior to a tram coming through, jumped to a conclusion on their own perhaps. Chinese whispers amongst the traders until one spoke to the media.

[Derwan]

Twitter:

GoldLinQ ‏@gclightrail
If you want to be a #GoldCoast #tram operator head to @GCCEC today 10am-3pm. #gclightrail driver recruitment day http://ow.ly/pfSms

[huddo45]

Local trader saw them measuring prior to a tram coming through, jumped to a conclusion on their own perhaps. Chinese whispers amongst the traders until one spoke to the media.

Today the BTMS had their AGM at Ferny Grove. We had a guest speaker from GoldlinQ who told us what has happened regarding the track gauge.

The tolerance in the specification for the gauge was 2mm. The gauge is a few mm out of spec. in a some places.

In practice, the trams will have no problems running on the track as built, so the situation has been rather exaggerated.

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Twitter

GoldLinQ ‏@gclightrail 15m

Thanks to the 1000 people who came to the #gclightrail driver recruitment day on Saturday! You can still apply: http://ow.ly/pkqK6

[SurfRail]

GCB: First tram takes to track for test
September 30th, 2013

Link - http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2013/09/30/459088_gold-coast-news.html


http://www.goldcoast.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2013/09/30/image.jpg

[ozbob]

Twitter

GoldLinQ ‏@gclightrail 5h

The G: has its first run into #southport #GoldCoast http://t.co/4x9meQmnjY

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Light Rail - FIRST TRAM RUN

[ozbob]

 

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st October 2013

Ding Ding! Rail returns to Southport

Greetings,

Ding Ding!  Rail has returned to Southport!  Last evening first tram run

-->  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUZNSHNhEjE&feature=youtu.be  Gold Coast Light Rail - FIRST TRAM RUN

Brisbane will soon be the only major mainland state capital without light rail.  Even Canberra is looking seriously at light rail.

Clearly it is time to look at the transport task for future Brisbane.  An already congesting failing bus network is a sure sign that some real vision is needed from here.

Recent visit to Melbourne has again confirmed how far we are behind --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10212.msg131804#msg131804

Best wishes
Robert

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

[STB]

I was down there yesterday checking the construction out.  Felt like I was back in Melbourne.  Very nice!

[ozbob]

I was down there yesterday checking the construction out.  Felt like I was back in Melbourne.  Very nice!

Let's hope the extension to connect to the heavy rail is moved forward with promptly ... 

[somebody]

Brisbane will soon be the only major mainland state capital without light rail.  Even Canberra is looking seriously at light rail.

Perhaps so, if it happens in Perth, but I'm not sold on how LR is a good thing.  I don't like it much in Melbourne and in Sydney and Adelaide it largely depends on its Class A ROW for a large part of the trip to become a reasonable option.  The SE Sydney LR won't have that, so, hmmm.