Gold Coast Light Rail

[SurfRail]

^ $50m to widen Smith St for no identifiable reason other than for something to do?  Sure thing.

^ $50m to start funding a public transport project?  Get stuffed.

[dancingmongoose]

I heard on the news last night that it will open next month. First definitive timeframe that I know of other than 'mid 2014' which isn't overly helpful. Although why we don't have any sign of timetables yet is beyond me if it opens in the next 6 weeks

[ozbob]

Another ...

Brisbanetimes --> Motorist 'stuck' after driving on tram section of Gold Coast bridge

[dancingmongoose]

I say these people should lose their license if they get stuck on that bridge.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Investigation launched as workers 'zapped' by Gold Coast tram tracks

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Confusing light rail station names that will confuse tourists won't be changed because they will cost more than $300,000

[ozbob]

The last Light Rail Mail has just been issued ..

Standby ... ding ding!

--> http://ridetheg.com.au/

[dancingmongoose]

The last Light Rail Mail has just been issued ..

Standby ... ding ding!

--> http://ridetheg.com.au/

They have the timetables on there! Not downloadable (that I could find), but if you go onto a station page it tells you how long until each tram. There's one departing Broadbeach South in 9 minutes Using AJAX too, TL could take a leaf out of their book. Well, the site is better the TLs in just about every regard, it just doesn't have journey planner or fares

[Golliwog]

The light rail stations are also findable on the Translink website, though there are no services available yet.

[ozbob]

http://www.scottemerson.com.au/media/media-releases/500-new-tram-officers-have-the-power.html

New tram officers have the power

Passengers using the Gold Coast light rail system will be in safe hands as the new Customer Service Officers in charge of safety and security receive their powers of authority today.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson and Member for Southport Rob Molhoek welcomed 18 new officers to the team and today joined them on a test run of the tram network they will be protecting.

"We are committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and fare evasion on public transport and today's graduation is part of our strong plan for a brighter public transport future," Mr Emerson said.

"These officers will provide the frontline service that passengers on the tram network will recognise and trust on their daily travels."

Member for Southport Rob Molhoek said it is great to see all officers graduating today are from the local area.

"We thank GoldLinQ's commitment to providing local employment," Mr Molhoek said.

"The new officers will be in charge of revenue protection, safety, security as well as a support to passengers during special events."

Mr Emerson said this was an exciting milestone which followed eight months of testing the system including training 50 tram drivers.

"The light rail system is in its final phase, which will have the trams running to the operational timetable of 7.5 minutes on peak and 15 minutes off peak," Mr Emerson said.

"Finishing works for footpaths, landscaping and station fit outs are being completed before passenger services begin.

"The project will revolutionise public transport for the Gold Coast community and get more people out of their cars, easing congestion on the road network."

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 City of Gold Coast.

[ozbob]

Twitter

mXBrisbane ‏@mXBrisbane

RT @GoldCoastBureau: 1st ride on the new Gold Coast light rail http://t.co/Y3zl8oLWbV

[ozbob]

Twitter

Scott Emerson ‏@scottemersonmp

Great to take first ride on Gold Coast Light Rail on a glorious day on the GC. Due to begin services mid-year. http://t.co/ZjwgUxa9Vw

[ozbob]

Photographs

ABC Gold Coast --> Gold Coast light rail ready to roll

[ozbob]

Twitter

GoldLinQ ‏@gclightrail

Congratulations to the 18 G:link Customer Service Officers who received their powers of authority today! http://t.co/1UBOuZMcA2

[red dragin]

At one stage early this year I saw a graphic on the GoldlinQ website saying "services start June 15th".

I found it odd as they like these things to be a secret until days before when they know for months. Should have screen shot it.

[ozbob]

I would say June 9 or June 16 could be official revenue service start dates. Maybe community days on the Sunday proceeding.

I think once all regulatory requirements completed it is go!

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Date for Gold Coast light rail debut still unknown despite the government advertising mid 2014 for the past two years

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Ticketing and timetable info for the Gold Coast light rail revealed

TICKET prices for the light rail have finally been locked in, with the TransLink website showing Gold Coasters will pay between $4.14 and $6.10 to ride the entire 13km route.

The fee structure shows public transport users will get better value out of travelling longer distances on the trams, with a trip from South Broadbeach to Surfers Paradise (3.5km) costing the same as one from Gold Coast University Hospital in Parklands to Main Beach (6km).

In comparison, a trip on just zone 14, from the hospital to Main Beach, or zone 13, from Surfers to Broadbeach, will cost commuters $3.53 with a Go Card or $5.20 paper ticket.

Rail Back on Track advocacy group spokesman Robert Dow is hoping commuters will not to be deterred by the steep one-zone fares.

To counter the high prices, TransLink is offering incentives for Go Card users such as discount rates, off-peak travel and a free travel for the rest of the week after nine trips.

WHAT IT'S GOING TO COST

TransLink Fare

Go card Off-peak Paper ticket

Zone 1: $3.53 $2.83 $5.20

Zone 2: $4.14 $3.32 $6.10

Concessional Fare

Go card Off-peak Paper ticket

Zone 1: $1.77 $1.42 $2.60

Zone 2: $2.07 $1.66 $3.10

WHEN IT'S GOING TO RUN

Gold Coast Light Rail is anticipated to run from 5:00am to Midnight, from Monday to Friday.

24-hour weekend operations will run from Friday midnight until Sunday midnight.

Weekdays (Mon — Fri.)

Midnight to 5am: No Service

5am to 7am: Every 15 minutes

7am to 7pm: Every 7.5 minutes

7pm to midnight: Every 15 minutes

Weekends (Sat — Sun)

Midnight to 5am: Every 30 minutes

5am to 7am: Every 15 minutes

7am to 7pm: Every 10 minutes

7pm to midnight: Every 15 minutes

[Johnny]

Hi all   My first post here, so it better be a good one.

I may as well update you all in on this issue, as a lot of other selected people in Qld State office, and the GC Bulletin received this email today.
Since I despise attitudes like complacency, near enough, they won't notice, put up or shutup, and that's the way it is...someone's gotta find the guts to lift the bar. So here we go...

Hello Directors-General, Chief Executive Officers and Red Tape Royalty etc. etc., ...but seriously folks

On 2nd May 2014, an on-location rally meeting attended by aprox. 160 local people (living within a short stretch of Commodore Drive) met with the Minister for Education, Training and Employment, John-Paul Langbroek, along with representatives from Rapid Transit Authority and Goldlinq, to discuss concerns of excessive noise levels generated by the Gold Coast Light Rail.
High Tram noise levels adjacent to high density residential is negatively impacting the community's environment, health and quality of life.

Unmitigated noise generated from Gold Coast Light Rail Trams, measured to 81.2 dB at windows of high-density residential 25 meters from Tram, is of urgent prime concern.
Mr Langbroek stated the Qld State Govt. responsible for the Light Rail Specifications, omitted the necessary above-rail noise mitigation barriers/devices.
However, the meeting's noise concerns were met with 'solution confusion' from representatives of Goldlinq and the Rapid Transport Authority. They had no solution. Their 'hands were tied'.
The meeting's efforts were side-stepped by Goldlinq and the RTA, with a 'perpetual sound testing' blanket thrown in, an attempt to placate the meeting.

The Qld State Govt. imported European Trams, but chose to ignore methods introduced by the European Commission to reduce the adverse effects of Light Rail noise pollution in urban areas (a report of significant benefit, details below 'What is Qcity').
The Qld State Govt. Light Rail Specifications have omitted the essential considerations for noise mitigation barriers.
This irresponsible cost cutting is a negligence impacting the citizens greatly.

The community is calling for immediate revision of the Light Rail specifications (reflecting current European methods) to allow temporary low height effective sound barriers, until permanent effective and aesthetic noise reduction barriers can be installed.
Low level noise barriers are tested to drop noise by ≥ 10 dB. That is half the perceived audible volume.

Qcity is 13.5 Million Euros Project. Quiet City, a 4 year study begun in 2005 by the European Commission.
As a result of it's reports, major European cities have introduced legislation for minimization of Urban Light Rail noise
and other excessive noise sources. LDEN ≥ 60 dB(A) is considered excessive noise levels.

Noise Measurements Results - Gold Coast Light Rail:

1).  At residential windows 25 metres from GC Light Rail , Tram noise alone measures 75.5 to 81.2 dB in sound level
      (I am a sound engineer, an SPL dBA measurement device was used).
      In comparison, 70 dB = Freeway traffic at 15 meters or vacuum cleaner at 1 meter.

2).  At the same location, Gold Coast Hwy 4 lane concurrent vehicle Traffic measures 64.5 dB average, at 25 metres.
     * A reduction of 10 dB equates to half the perceived audible noise, ie. this 4 lane Traffic noise is half as noisy as 1 Tram.

3).  Trams have been running & testing at 6-15 Trams per hour, day and night, for the last 3 months.
      When Trams are fully commissioned to public service, 15 Trams per hour will run each way.


Let me state this is not against development of the Light Rail. This is part of urgently needed infrastructure here.
However, over half this Rail's length (from Sundale Bridge to Broadbeach) runs directly past high-density premium residential and retail property,
with sound levels hitting windows up to 81.2 dB, effecting thousands of people's health and quality of life.

It's not unacceptable to have a B-Grade 'she'll be right mate' mentality on this project's budget, a significantly impacting rail system through Surfers Paradise.

European cities (details below) have applied legislation to eliminate harmful effects of noise exposure and decrease noise levels of transport and urban Light Rail.
Queensland Govt. has ignored valuable, extensive research into critical urban noise by not applying these noise reduction measures to this Light Rail project.

Of significant benefit and reference is the 2013 Qcity report, a comprehensive Project by the European Commission, and it's results of researching efficient control of urban road and rail ambient noise, and action plans.
Eleven cities are involved.
Amsterdam, Antwerp, Athens,
Augsburg, Brussels, Göteborg,
Malmö, Nieuwpoort, Ostend,
Stockholm, Stuttgart.

You will find the Qcity briefs, relevant summaries and report documents at this dedicated site - www.qcity.org
There are very effective and aesthetic methods devised to reduce Light Rail noise, by over 10dB .
These methods surveyed are detailed within these documents on the Qcity Home Page:
'Quiet City Transport Brochure'
'Leaflet Qcity'
'1st Newsletter Qcity'
'2nd Newsletter Qcity'
'Newsletter Qcity/Silence'

eg.

'What is Qcity?

'Qcity, a four-year 13.5 Million Euros research project co-funded by the European Commission, under the 6th Framework Programme has developed an integrated technology infrastructure for the efficient control of road and rail ambient noise by considering the attenuation of noise generation at source at both vehicle/infrastructure levels.
The activities support European noise policy to eliminate harmful effects of noise exposure and decrease levels of transport noise creation, especially in urban areas, deriving solutions that will ensure compliance with the constraints of legislative limits.
Community noise is one of today´s most severe environmental pollutants, which makes noise induced annoyance an essential problem in our modern and complex society.

Our transportation systems constitute one of the major noise sources adversely influencing nearby residents.
Only road and rail traffic noise will expose 20-30 % of European population to excessive noise levels [LDEN = 60 dB(A)].
In terms of people affected and considering its total adverse effects, these forms in our opinion are of the more severe environmental problems of today'.

-------------------------------

I hope you find this informative in helping develop a solution for this critical and urgent issue.
Please feel free to forward the content of this email to colleagues who may contribute.

Kind regards

[ozbob]

Welcome. Thanks for your information.  Freeways are around 70dBA, my limited experience with the GC trams is that they are relatively quiet. Melbourne trams don't present issues either.

Have your measurements been verified?   If they are, it does seem reasonable for some noise mitigation to occur.  I am surprised that this was not considered during the development process. 

State Governments are not always pro-active with noise issues.  Darra  - Darra West being another good example.

Good luck with your efforts!

[Jonno]

I am sorry but I find that very hard to take serooudly.  A rock concert is around 85db so a tram is not going to be anywhere near that.  Good to see they "I hate GCLR" campaign will continue well after it is benefiting the Gold Coast and tax payers generally.

[STB]

I'd recommend that this gets verified by someone independent outside of your circle to measure the sound levels and for it to be done properly, perhaps contact a university and ask them if sound level testing can be done.  I find it very surprising that noise tests haven't been done by GoldLinQ and/or TMR, as I believe this is usually standard for any major infrastructure like this.  What type of noise is it in relation to the trams? Is it wheel squeal, the bells, or just generally, and how does this compare to general traffic noise?

Also if noise is a problem, how and why is Melbourne coping?  What have they done, compared to up here, or are people down there used to it given that Melbourne has had the tram system for a very long time?

[red dragin]

iPhone sound meter perhaps?

Independent verification is certainly handy to have.

[SurfRail]

I view this with no credibility whatsoever unless an independent assessment can be produced. 

The ambient noise from the Gold Coast Highway or adjacent roads is much louder at all points of the route.

[James]

This seriously needs to be independently verified. G: in fact makes an explicit mention that trams can be quiet and that you might not hear them until they slam on the breaks to avoid hitting a pedestrian crossing the tracks. I find trams being as loud as it is said they are to be an outlandish claim.

[dancingmongoose]

I find that incredibly difficult to believe. When you stand on Brisbane Road at Goodna, the highway traffic is louder than a coal train. Am I expected to believe trams are louder than coal trains?

[SurfRail]

I will concede that Paradise Waters is probably the loudest stretch given it is the highest speed section (I think there is a delicious irony in that given the locals' activities over the last few years), but the noise is hardly on the scale of what the highway puts out nearly every second.

[Johnny]

Thanks for some interesting comments.

Yes it is rather unbelievable. How could State engineers constrain the specifications?
"We will just buy quiet trams ok, then we can cross off the list extra noise reduction costs".
Generally a (tram) company has a sales pitch, and most people would take the pitch facts as verified, under all variables.

Let me clarify again. We generally are not against the concept, nor asking them to rip it up. Gold Coast needs 10 more Tram lines.

I am the independent noise verifier. Others are welcome to test, at this location 25-30 meters from track, after 7pm with no car traffic running from red light further down.
An expensive, dedicated Sound Pressure Level dBA measurement instrument was used (results 75.5 to 81.2 dB). No not a phone app (wow that cracks me)

But what are we testing really? Testing for public over-reactions? Testing they'll get over it and fade away. They're playing Slow-Hand!!

The guidelines are shifting with the times. We are living in a busier, compact world. New projects that add environmental noise require new guidelines that reduce the accumulated cacophony, not vintage yardsticks!!

You just have to stand here at Kings Row, Commodore Drive to clearly know it's over the top for a high density residential area.

Statements that these trams are quiet are lies & propaganda...not at 70 km/hr. There are plenty of media victims willing to lap up anything they're told, even the Qld State Govt.

Trams are travelling at 70 km/hr between Sundale bridge to Admiralty drive. It's not just the wheel squeal, brakes, high pitched whining electric motors or bells. It is their inherent general rolling noise, akin to a jet plane landing 150 meters away.

Goldlinq have been sound measuring for 3 months, nothing has developed. That seems to be their solution...'we're on it, we're testing'. As usual, the wheels of motion are half asleep on their feet.

I've been here 8 years, from Sydney near Kings Cross, the city bustle don't scare me. I've chilled out but I'm not mellowing.
But this is a kick in the face, and an insult to residents not to apply noise mitigation. But they will, just a matter of awareness.

[red dragin]

Now that you've qualified the source of the data and your role, not a problem with your statement about the sound level.

Too many keyboard warriors out there making unsubstantiated claims these days. The people that email was originally addressed to know who you are, but from some of the replies you received I don't think anyone on here does know you.

Used to live on the north western side of the Merrivale bridge about 3 floors above the train deck. Nothing worse than the freight drivers opening the throttles southbound at the end of the arch (60 sign), with the end of the train probably still on the Ekka loop (20-40 section)  Would be interested to know those dB levels at 5 am.

[SurfRail]

What are the readings from general traffic along the highway outside of the 8 instances per hour when a tram is going past after 7pm?  How does this compare to buses with 12L engines taking off from a stop at the Admiralty Drive intersection (which now won't operate through this stretch at all)?

What specific noise mitigation measures are being proposed?

What proportion of residents in Kings Row etc actually experience noticeable noise and have their residences been tested?

And the big one - even assuming there is a case for noise mitigation, how is that an issue for us?

[ozbob]

Some pics from Surfers Paradise today ..















Photographs I Dow 6th June 2014

[dancingmongoose]

^ Nice pics

Here we go again: http://www.news.com.au/national/here-we-go-again-another-driver-stuck-on-tram-track-at-notorious-queen-street-and-ada-bell-way-intersection-at-southport/story-e6frfkp9-1226945749637

Another driver has found themselves stuck on the tram tracks at the notorious Queen Street and Ada Bell Way intersection.
A resident of the nearby Shores high-rise building said the car stopped before it reached the tram station.
The driver reversed off the track before reaching the station. Picture: Jardine Mathieson
The driver reversed off the track before reaching the station. Source: Supplied
"They made it a fair way down the track but there was a worker helping them reverse out," he said.
"This is the first time I've witnessed it myself but I've heard of it happening a lot which is a bit concerning."
The witness said he often drives through the intersection, and while he was not confused by it he understood how some people could be.
The driver made it back on to the road after coming off the tracks at the Ada Bell Way in
The driver made it back on to the road after coming off the tracks at the Ada Bell Way intersection. Source: Supplied
"I haven't had a problem with it to be honest, but I can definitely see how it would be possible for people to get confused there," he said.
"I think it is a big issue, especially if it is still happening after they have been trialling the trams for so long."
The incident is the sixth time a car has become stuck on the tracks at the same intersection.
Most recently light rail workers had to help a woman remove her car from the area after she drove about 200 metres along the tracks on May 21.
GoldLinQ CEO Phil Mumford said the motorist ignored multiple signs, road markings and other safety measures prior to driving on the tracks.
"Current signs and lines installed at the intersection are compliant with the approved design," he said.
"Additional signage including a large 'Wrong Way Go Back" sign will soon be installed in the area following an ongoing review of light rail intersections.

[red dragin]

We where discussing this tonight and came up with installing those tyre spikes that you can drive over one way but if you go the other way = flat tyres.

Installing them so entering by accident doesn't spike you tyres should scare people enough. I know when I had to drive over them in the safe direction I was still paranoid about flats.

Alternatively the bollards that raise and lower. Hook them into the traffic signals/tram signals.

[Johnny]

Positive news! Today I received a phone call and follow up email from the Deputy Premier's office.
(a copy of that email is my first post on page 24 of this topic)

'Thank you for your email regarding the Gold Coast Light Rail. The Deputy Premier appreciates the time you have taken to write.

As discussed, the Gold Coast Light Rail project falls within the portfolio responsibilities of the Honourable Scott Emerson MP, Minister for Transport and Main Roads and I have forwarded your email to his office for their consideration and direct reply.

Should you wish to contact Minister Emerson's office directly, you can do so by phoning 3719 7300 or by emailing TMR@ministerial.qld.gov.au.

Thank you once again for taking the time to write to the Deputy Premier about this matter.

Kind regards,

Brooke'

----------

Well 2 days previously the same office replied with the first email...
'Please be advised that your email has been forwarded to the Deputy Premier for consideration'

Seems the Deputy Premier has obviously had a thorough read up, and saw some substance.

I had already sent Hon Scott Emerson MP and his TMR department the same email, but so much more weight now.
I don't think the Deputy Premier Hon Jeff Seeney MP would want to look trite or trivial in the eyes of his cabinet peers by endorsing a direct response from the Minister for Transport and Main Roads over any fluffy little issue.

Who would want any arrogance to expose them as out of the loop or ignorant now?
We'll see, said the blind man. 


SurfRail, I think the answers to most of your questions are in my first post, and the rest in it's link to http://www.qcity.org/
'how is that an issue for us?' - That depends where you live/walk/sleep, where your business is located or what kind of impression you want to give the tourists that sleep/walk/eat within 60 meters of the light rail.
What specific noise mitigation measures are being proposed? - Trams up to 70 km/hr are kind of new to Qld. In Europe (where these trams come from) one effective method of noise reduction they use is: A Medium Height Transparent Reflective noise barrier in an "inox" steel frame structure encasing transparent AlTUGlAS EX SrD sheets of 20mm thickness is a highly aesthetic mitigation measure that can be easily incorporated in the urban context and can ensure an average insertion loss of approx 9 - 10 dB(A) ± 0,3 dB(A) That is a reduction in real terms of half the perceived audible noise level.

This isn't a selfish indulgence. This is an attempt at empathy with other's vocal concerns on an incomplete project. For a start, you can't rip out 30 full grown trees planted 20 years ago as noise abatement, and make more noise... that's just plain insanity!!

Just have a look at the overkill 18 foot high wall that the Atlantis apartments made Goldlinq construct on cnr of Admiralty drive and Gold Coast Hwy before the trams even started testing. Because they had the nous and clout!!

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Gold Coast light rail cars to feature custom-built surfboard racks

[ozbob]

9 News Tram noise infuriates residents

--> http://media.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/selections/tram-noise-infuriates-residents-5497314.html

[dancingmongoose]

On level 29 they have to deal with this noise all night *sticks microphone next to tram* typical cynical media spin.

[hU0N]

That is the biggest downside of LRT (at least as far as Australian examples go). It's noisy. I remember the first time I went to Melbourne as an adult. I was shocked how noisy the trams were. Not engine noise, of course. That's as quiet as the grave. It's the low frequency rumble as they roll past and the thud of each bogey at every intersection and the screech as the tram rounds a curve. And that's just on the low speed sections. On high speed sections (such as the 96 to St Kilda), I reckon it was close to the loudest bus, train, tram or ferry I'd ever been on.

I think you'd tune it out after a bit, but when I first arrived and was under the impression trams were whisper quiet, it was incredibly noticeable and surprising.

[ozbob]

Indeed hUON, I grew in Melbourne surrounded by trams.  Non issue noise as you get used it and doesn't register. The trams are a bit quieter these days too. Trucks etc are a lot worse.  Had to laugh, some in the Melbourne press are calling the Gold Coast soft re noise yarn ..

Gold Coasters will soon adapt.

[ozbob]

7 News: Surprise results in tram time trials --> http://au.news.yahoo.com/qld/video/watch/24226213/surprise-results-in-tram-time-trials/