Gold Coast Light Rail

[ozbob]

I find it marvellous, particularly in Melbourne.  Each to his own.

Interesting how Brisbane will be left behind though. 

Perth --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10087.msg129059#msg129059

[huddo45]

So much for those stories about derailments

[ozbob]

  --> http://media.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/selections/tram-ride-on-the-gold-coast-4791889.html

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Gold Coast light rail completes first test run

They are calling it "The G".

And what that means is the Gold Coast light rail project is nearing the station.

Australia's newest light rail project had its first trial run on Monday night.

The billion-dollar light rail will eventually run from the Griffith University campus at Parkwood to Broadbeach in stage one, which is set to begin in mid-2014.

On Monday night, it ran through the Southport's Queen and Nerang streets in the first real test of the signals, the tracks and the stations.

When it is finally operating, there will be 14 light rail "trams" each carrying up to 309 people along the 13-kilometre route.

Each light rail tram carries the same number of passengers as six buses.

GoldLinQ CEO Phil Mumford said the first tram test went according to plan.

"This is the first test run of a lengthy, rigorous testing and commissioning phase for The G," Mr Mumford said.

"The first test run was at walking pace and under police escort and I am pleased with the results."

In the next fortnight, "The G" will be tested in daylight hours.

"This is the critical stage," Mr Mumford said.

"We need all Gold Coasters to be alert and follow all road rules and signs along the light rail corridor in Southport."

Mr Mumford said progressive testing would follow Monday night's first run.

The daylight test will mean some traffic changes for Gold Coast residents.

From October 10, Scarborough Street in Southport will become one-way southbound between Nerang Street and Queen Street.

That means detours for northbound traffic along Queen, Garden and Davenport streets at Southport.

The Nerang Street Mall will become one-way westbound to facilitate bus movements through the shared zone.

Pedestrians are advised to take care as buses will be moving through the shared zone.

The taxi rank located on Nerang Street Mall will now travel westbound.

Rail: Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said it was a "transforming event" for the Gold Coast.

"It will make public transport the first choice in the medium term on the coast."

He urged planners to step up efforts to link it to the heavy rail at Helensvale.

"Once the trams start to run through Surfers Paradise we there will be a lot of pressure to get that connection to the heavy rail done, particularly before the Commonwealth Games in 2018,'' he said.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/gold-coast-light-rail-completes-first-test-run-20131001-2upra.html

[ozbob]

The 109 has completely revitalised  Port Melbourne and is quick and frequent.  Spencer St to Port is 12 minutes.  VR timings were Flinders St - Port around 7 minutes.  More stops on the 109.

The 96 is the busiest tram route on the system.  Large part due to the run along on the old VR alignment and the rapid journey between the City to Fitzroy Street.  VR Flinders St - St Kilda 9 minutes, 96 Spencer St - old St Kilda Station 12 minutes (has more stops).

I was on them a week or so ago.

It is wonderful to see such useful and sensible public transport.

Brisbane, will still be choking on conga lines of buses ...  long after the other cities have more good light rail systems. 

Big advantage for Melbourne is street running connects directly with the light rail segments.  This improves utility.

I have little doubt that in time light rail or equivalent will return to Brisbane.

[#Metro]

The "G-SPOT" is what some people are saying because the logo is a big G on a spot 

[ozbob]

Probably part of the marketing plan ..   

[STB]

The "G-SPOT" is what some people are saying because the logo is a big G on a spot 

Well, when it opens, I'll head down there and hit the G Spot and go for a ride!  Can't wait! 

[cartoonbirdhaus]

Looks like a good route, too!

[ozbob]

 

Light rail mail 1st Oct 2013 --> here!

[#Metro]

Well, when it opens, I'll head down there and hit the G Spot and go for a ride!  Can't wait!

Goes with the GC image.

Hey, what do people think of MeterMaids on Trams (Tram Maids?). They could be conductors of sorts. Maybe top up your Go Card if it is running a bit low, LOL.

TL would have to make an exemption re: marketing on PT but this could be possible. It would further raise the status of the LRT.

[Set in train]

Drove across Queen St at Wardoo around 3:45am yesterday, no testing in sight then.

Must also add that passing under the now powered tram lines, there was no impact to AM radio reception at that location.

[taskerish]

"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)."

I realise that the math gets them well over 50k passengers per day and I have no doubt the demand is there but I think they're really overestimating how many of those people are going to be "hop-on, hop-off" riders and maybe they're assuming too assuredly that people will be going in both directions in equal numbers at all times of day.   

I rode a good portion of the route today (by bicycle) and after seeing Surfers and Southport the first thing that came to mind was - those cars are going to be crush load at the peak hour within the first couple of months. A few new major developments in Surfers or Southport get built, an extension and/or connection to one of the heavy rail stations and forget it.  The line is going to be overwhelmed.

It's a good problem to have I suppose but how quickly can they order new trains and how tight can they really get the schedule?  All the platforms appeared to be built to one tram and from what I understand the cars can't be coupled anyway.

[ozbob]

Twitter

GoldLinQ ‏@gclightrail

G:Link safety video launched today to educate #GoldCoast locals & visitors about trams now in the road network http://ow.ly/ptYFs  Pls RT

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

G:Link safety video

[SurfRail]

"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)."

I realise that the math gets them well over 50k passengers per day and I have no doubt the demand is there but I think they're really overestimating how many of those people are going to be "hop-on, hop-off" riders and maybe they're assuming too assuredly that people will be going in both directions in equal numbers at all times of day.   

I rode a good portion of the route today (by bicycle) and after seeing Surfers and Southport the first thing that came to mind was - those cars are going to be crush load at the peak hour within the first couple of months. A few new major developments in Surfers or Southport get built, an extension and/or connection to one of the heavy rail stations and forget it.  The line is going to be overwhelmed.

It's a good problem to have I suppose but how quickly can they order new trains and how tight can they really get the schedule?  All the platforms appeared to be built to one tram and from what I understand the cars can't be coupled anyway.

They can do better than 7.5m headways but not over a prolonged period of time - only bursts for periods of high intensity.  Fleet utilisation will be 12 of 14 under normal weekday circumstances so coupling trams is not something that was ever considered.

I agree that they will seriously need to look at procurement of the next few, particularly if they come to a deal on extensions.

[ozbob]

Twitter

GoldLinQ ‏@gclightrail 2m

#theG testing in #Southport on its #first daytime run. Stay alert and watch for #trams http://t.co/e54xOVFcLv

[ozbob]

Twitter

Informa Transport ‏@transportseries

Spotlight on @gclightrail CEO Phil Mumford prior to the Queensland Transport Infrastructure Summit! http://ow.ly/pu7dB

[ozbob]

Gold Coast light rail progress --> http://www.flickr.com/photos/gclightrail/sets/72157636604069223/

[ozbob]

Had a quick trip to Surfers Paradise earlier today,  light rail progress .. .



















Photographs R Dow 17th October 2013

[ozbob]

The last remaining visible tram tracks in Brisbane as they were in 2009 ...

Some photographs of the tram tracks still visible on Old Cleveland Road Carina.









Photographs R Dow 17th October 2009

[ozbob]

Twitter

GoldLinQ ‏@gclightrail

Track laying over Cypress Ave/SP Blvd intersection marks the last of the 52 intersections completed across 13km! http://t.co/yYV3TgDFkW

[SurfRail]

I was wondering when they were going to get around to that one.

[Set in train]

Great photos Bob.

Goldlinq's tweet needs clarifying, might be the last of 52 intersections crossed by rail laying but plenty more intersections remain closed/will be closed as construction plods along.

Fortunately about 3 weeks ago, the right hand turn from SP Blvd onto the GC Hwy between Thornton and Aubrey Sts was reopened. This intersection remained closed for much longer than originally planned due to the monumental stuff up of early works/early failings by Baulderstone Hornibrook that then set Goldlinq behind scheduled.

No sooner was the right hand turn open, Thornton St next door to this intersection was closed, preventing the easy loop of the block to access this intersection. Why this couldn't be done perhaps 4 weeks ago to be ready for reopening is beyond me and typical of many of the scheduling problems throughout this project.

Twitter

GoldLinQ ‏@gclightrail

Track laying over Cypress Ave/SP Blvd intersection marks the last of the 52 intersections completed across 13km! http://t.co/yYV3TgDFkW

[huddo45]

After a long voyage from Germany via East Africa the Good Ship Rubina has finally arrived with three trams and is anchored off the Sunshine Coast. She is due to dock at the Port of Brisbane, Fisherman Islands on Tues 29.10 at 8pm.

Link to pic is below:

http://ow.ly/i/2OoD1

[ozbob]

Report on 5pm  ABC News Bulletin to the effect that discussions taking place next week about extension of the light rail to the heavy rail.

[ozbob]

From the Gold Coast Bulletin click here!

Tram to `nowhere' to link with Brisbane

Tram to `nowhere' to link with Brisbane

Shannon Willoughby, chief reporter   |  12:01am November 1, 2013

The State Government is investigating the best option to connect the Gold Coast's light rail tram system to heavy rail up to Brisbane. 

NEGOTIATIONS will start next week on construction of a ''missing link'' to connect the Gold Coast's new tram system to the heavy rail network to Brisbane.

The Bulletin understands the multimillion-dollar extension will be built before the city hosts the 2018 Commonwealth Games and will see a train link from Brisbane to Southport for the first time since 1964, when the South Coast Rail Line was ripped up.

The long-awaited announcement will determine whether GoldLinQ  the contractor charged with delivering Stage One  will build the connecting route and what course it will take.

A connection at the Helensvale heavy rail station has been touted as the preferred option and there are three routes on the table, including building a new heavy rail station at Parkwood.

There is also a proposal to extend light rail to Parkwood and see it hook right and connect to Helensvale.

The 13km route now under construction has been dubbed ''the train to nowhere'', with it failing to link to a heavy rail connection point.

Stage One is from the Gold Coast University Hospital at Parkwood with 16 stops to Broadbeach.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said he was behind a connection to the heavy rail and would proceed if it was a ''value for money'' deal.

Speaking exclusively to the Bulletin, Mr Emerson said: ''I've asked the department to start speaking with the possible proponents for stage two of Gold Coast light rail.''

Mr Emerson said the Government was behind a connection as long as the contractor GoldLinQ has first refusal stumped up a reasonable deal.
''I believe stage two should extend from the northern end stage one to the Gold Coast line, with a connection being considered at either Helensvale station or a new station at Parkwood,'' said Mr Emerson.

''I've also asked the department to speak to the Gold Coast City Council about continuing their contribution if the next stage is going to be considered.''

GoldLinQ boss Phil Mumford yesterday said the consortium would be ''very interested'' in negotiations.

It is understood the consortium, made up of a group companies including McConnell Dowell Constructors Pty Ltd, Bombardier Transportation Australia Pty Ltd and KDR Gold Coast Pty Ltd, has offered a proposal to build it, with its funding partners  national and international parties  already laying out the dollars to fund the next stage.

It is believed the State Government will put the project out to tender if GoldLinQ fails to deliver a value-for-money proposal.

The deal for stage one, signed by Labor in 2009, was based on data that was three years out of date.

That deal is projected to cost Queenslanders an additional $300 million over 15 years.

[ozbob]

http://www.goldlinq.com.au/project-updates/news/read/?entryid=7282&key=8c12e5a1b91010a204690798718e969a13a6e3f8

4 November, 2013
More trams arrive for the Gold Coast

GoldLinQ's next three trams have arrived on the Gold Coast, marking 30% of the fleet now available for testing the light rail system.

CEO Phil Mumford said Bombardier's Flexity2 trams were trucked from the Port of Brisbane during the weekend.

"All trams have now finished production with the last of the 14 being tested in Bombardier's German and Austrian facilities before shipping to Australia," Mr Mumford said.

"The next three are on the high seas and due to arrive in Brisbane in November."

Mr Mumford said it was exciting to receive the completed trams ready for testing on Gold Coast tracks.

He said Gold Coast trams were manufactured in Germany due to the highly specialised expertise and equipment required.

"Stage One of light rail requires 14 trams – this low production volume means building a new production facility in Australia is not economically viable," Mr Mumford said.

Bombardier has supplied more than 4,000 light rail vehicles worldwide.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Griffith University ‏@Griffith_Uni

Gold Coast light rail tests and the trams roll into campus for the first time today. #newgriffith @gclightrail http://ow.ly/i/3DG6L

[HappyTrainGuy]

Was down there earlier in the week and I must say that it's coming along very very nicely now. It's a pitty we couldn't have something similar here running along our busways/innercity.

[ozbob]

Twitter

GoldLinQ ‏@gclightrail

First #tram in 55yrs headed underground in #aus on #GC #gclightrail #history http://t.co/Ol496s47LG

[SurfRail]

A fair whack of the Lilyfield line is underground (tunnel around Glebe or built over in similar fashion to GCUH through the Pyrmont area). 

I suspect they are just going back to whenever the Wynyard tunnels closed.

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Twitter

Evan Davis ‏@EvanD 3m

New @gclightrail poles and lighting being erected in Surfers today http://twitpic.com/dm41my

[ozbob]

Twitter

GoldLinQ ‏@gclightrail 4h

Great pic! Thanks for sharing RT @KrtLane: @gclightrail #lightrail running http://t.co/SRI4AeavJL



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

Nice pic! Thanks for sharing ..

[ozbob]

Gold Coast light rail driver update on Nine News

[ozbob]

ABC News Gold Coast --> Light rail stage one the right track

A golden spike has been set in concrete on the Gold Coast Light Rail line to mark a milestone.

The line for the first stage of the Gold Coast Light Rail system has been completed.

The final piece of track for the $950 million project has been laid at a ceremony in Surfers Paradise.

It's taken more than three years to build the 13 kilometre line from the Gold Coast University Hospital at Parklands to Broadbeach.

GoldLinQ chief executive Phil Mumford says it hasn't been a simple process.

"Over 30,000 individual kilometres of services have gone into this 13 kilometre stretch, you know that's some seven times from Brisbane to Perth," he says.

"A lot of individual services, Telstra services, Energex, gas, water sewerage, storm water all those sort of things have been put in the ground to future proof the city so the city can grow into the future."

Mr Mumford says the focus is now on preparing for passenger services, with 28 drivers due to begin training next month.

A second group will begin training in late January 2014.

Several carriages are already being tested.

"Eight of the 14 trams are already here on the Gold Coast," he says.

"The remaining six are in two shipments so by middle of February we will have all 14 trams here."

Passenger services are expected to begin around the middle of 2014.

[SurfRail]

Yesterday in Southport - was a bit rushed as the bells had already sounded, hence the thumbprint.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201660701453502

[ozbob]

^ 

[Derwan]

Engineering Design and Technical Advisory Services for Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 2

https://secure.publicworks.qld.gov.au/etender/tender/display/tender-details.do?id=11190&action=display-tender-details

The Major Planning Projects Branch of Transport and Main Roads is seeking the services of a pre-qualified multi-disciplined consultant to provide engineering design and technical advisory services for the assessment of future potential stages of the Gold Coast Light Rail (GCLR) Project between Gold Coast University Hospital and Gold Coast heavy rail line.

[Stillwater]

What is the gauge of GCLR?