G:link
A Flexity 2 leaving the Broadwater Parklands stop
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Overview | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Locale | Gold Coast, Australia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transit type | Light rail | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of lines | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of stations | 16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief executive | Phil Mumford | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Headquarters | Southport | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Began operation | 20 July 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operator(s) | Keolis Downer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of vehicles | 14 Flexity 2 trams | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Train length | 43.5 m (143 ft) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Headway | 7-30 minutes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Technical | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
System length | 13 km (8.1 mi) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average speed | 23 km/h (14 mph) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Top speed | 70 km/h (43 mph) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
G:link, also known as the Gold Coast Light Rail, is a light rail system serving the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. The system consists of a single 13-kilometre (8.1 mi), 16-station standard gauge line between Gold Coast University Hospital and Broadbeach. Construction began in July 2010. On 20 July 2014 the line was open to the public.
A 7.3-kilometre (4.5 mi) northern extension from the hospital to Helensvale railway station was announced in 2015.
Contents
History
Background
The Gold Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, with an annual population growth of 2 - 3%.[1] The project was first proposed in the Gold Coast City Council Transport Plan 1996 after some years of consideration and review. In 2002 the Queensland and Federal Governments each contributed $650,000 to fund the Gold Coast Light Rail Feasibility Study.[2][3] In 2004 the draft summary report was released.[4]
Political process
The proposed system had significant impact on property both directly and indirectly in the corridor. In 2009 $16.5 million was spent on property resumptions. A total of $170 million was allocated for all resumptions. The Queens Park Tennis Club and Southport Croquet Club were both relocated.[5]
In 2009 the Queensland Government committed $464 million to the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project, supplementing $365 million committed by the Australian Government and $120 million provided by Gold Coast City Council.[6]
In June 2011 the GoldLinq consortium comprising Bombardier Transportation, Downer EDI, Keolis, McConnell Dowell and Plenary Group was awarded the contract to build and operate the Gold Coast light rail line for 18 years under a Public Private Partnership.[7][8][9]
Construction
In August 2012 the cost of the 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) light rail was estimated at $1.6 billion.[10]
Construction began on the Gold Coast University Hospital station shell in July 2010.[11] In late 2010, early roadworks began in Broadbeach and Southport.[12]
By November 2013 much of the work was complete with the southern section at Broadbeach being the only section of trackwork to be completed. Testing commenced on the northern section of the line in October 2013. The line opened on 20 July 2014, with a free travel day, before normal operations began on 21 July.[13][14][15]
Operation
Services are operated by Keolis Downer, a joint venture between Keolis and Downer Rail. Keolis Downer has operated Yarra Trams in Melbourne since November 2009. It is claimed that the system can move up to 10,000 people an hour. The system forms part of the South East Queensland public transport network. Fares are set by TransLink with all stations fitted with go card readers.[16]
Service frequencies (in minutes) from 21 July 2014:[17]
Weekdays | Weekends | |
---|---|---|
23:30 to 05:00 | - | 30 |
05:00 to 07:00 | 15 | 15 |
07:00 to 19:00 | 7.5 | 10 |
19:00 to 23:30 | 15 | 15 |
On Monday to Friday mornings (midnight to 5am), the light rail is replaced by Surfside Buslines route 700.[18]
The system uses standard gauge tracks with 750 V DC overhead catenary. It primarily operates in a centre running configuration. The depot is located in Southport, between Griffith University and Queen Street stations.
Rolling stock
The Gold Coast Rapid Transit fleet consists of 14 Flexity 2 trams built by Bombardier Transportation in Bautzen, Germany.[19] The trams feature low floors and have dedicated spaces for wheelchairs, prams and surfboards.[20] They have a top speed of 70 km/h and room for 309 passengers with seating for 80.[21] Four additional trams of the same design were ordered in November 2015 to service the Helensvale extension.[22] Delivery of these trams is due to begin in August 2017.[23]
Patronage
Over 1.74 million passengers used the Gold Coast Light Rail in its first 100 days after opening. More than five million paid trips were made in the first nine months of operation - an average 17,800 trips per day.[24] 6.6 million passengers were carried on the line in its first year - an average 18,200 trips per day. Total public transport usage on the Gold Coast increased by 25 percent during the period. In the second year of operations - to the beginning of October 2015 - the average number of daily trips was 20,281.[25]
Stations
The first stage of the system comprises a 13-kilometre (8.1 mi) line along a corridor between Griffith University and Broadbeach connecting the key activity centres of Southport and Surfers Paradise. The line has 16 stations:[26]
Image | Station | Station code |
Translink Zone | Distance (km) | Location | Locations served |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gold Coast University Hospital | UNH | 13 | 0 | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | Underground station to service the Gold Coast University Hospital and the western end of Griffith University's Gold Coast campus, GCUH bus station, bus connection available to Harbour Town and Helensvale railway station | |
Griffith University | GRU | 13 | 0.40 | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | Griffith University's Gold Coast campus and the 2018 Commonwealth Games Athletes Village at Parklands, bus interchange available | |
Depot Platform | DSP | N/A | 1.60 | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | Staff use only - not publicly accessible | |
Queen Street | QUS | 13 | 1.85 | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | Services the residential area. | |
Nerang Street | NES | 13 | 3.30 | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | Allamanda and Pacific Private Hospitals | |
Southport | SOU | 13 | 3.85 | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | Australia Fair Shopping Centre, Southport Mall, Gold Coast Court House, northern end of Southport Broadwater Parklands, Central Queensland University Gold Coast campus, Southport Library, Gold Coast Institute of TAFE Southport campus and Southport bus station | |
Southport South | SPS | 13 | 4.50 | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | Marine Parade, Queens Park Tennis Centre, services residential area | |
Broadwater Parklands | BRP | 13 | 4.85 | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | Southern end of Southport Broadwater Parklands | |
Main Beach | MAB | 13 | 5.55 | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | Tedder Avenue, McIntosh Island, Paradise Waters, The Spit | |
Surfers Paradise North | SPN | 14 | 7.35 | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | Budds Beach, Narrowneck | |
Cypress Avenue | CYP | 14 | 7.80 | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | Adrenalin Park, Chevron Island, bus connections available | |
Cavill Avenue | CAA | 14 | 8.32 | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | Cavill Avenue shopping and nightclub area of Surfers Paradise, Nerang River Terminal, Surfers Paradise Transit Centre, Hilton Hotel, Surfers Paradise beach | |
Surfers Paradise | SUP | 14 | 8.85 | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | Q1, Paradise Island | |
Northcliffe | NOR | 14 | 9.31 | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | Northcliffe Surf Club, Isle of Capri | |
Florida Gardens | FLG | 14 | 10.05 | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | Cascade Gardens | |
Broadbeach North | BRN | 14 | 11.30 | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach Mall, Jupiters Casino, Kurrawa Park, Oasis Shopping Centre | |
Broadbeach South | BBS | 14/15 | 12.18 | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach Library, Broadbeach South bus station, Broadbeach beach |
Planned extension to Helensvale
A planned 7.3 km extension would run from the current northern terminus at Gold Coast University Hospital to Helensvale railway station, where interchange would be provided with Queensland Rail services to and from Brisbane. Intermediate stops would be provided at Parkwood East and Parkwood. Additional car parking would be provided at Helensvale and a new car park would be included at Parkwood. Four new trams have been ordered to service the extension. The end-to-end journey time on the extension would be 11 min.[27][28][22]
In March 2015, the Queensland Government indicated its support for a northern extension to meet the Gold Coast railway line, subject to the Australian Government and Gold Coast City Council agreeing to help fund the extension. The Gold Coast City Council was supportive and proposed a route from Griffith University to Parkwood and Helensvale.[29] Despite no funding from the Australian Government being forthcoming, Expressions of Interest to construct a northern extension were called in August 2015.[30] Six submissions were received.[28] The potential for the Australian Government to make a contribution towards funding the project increased following a leadership spill in September that saw Malcolm Turnbull replace Tony Abbott as Australian Prime Minister. Resulting discussions between the state and federal governments led the Queensland Government to believe they were "very close" to securing a federal contribution. In October, the Queensland Government requested GoldLinQ proceed to the Request for Tender stage of the procurement process.[31][32] The three parties invited to tender are:[28]
- GamesLinQ - a joint venture between Downer EDI Works and BMD Constructions
- John Holland Group
- Leighton Contractors
Later in October it was announced that funding agreements had been reached with the Australian Government and Gold Coast City Council. The federal contribution is $95 million and the council contribution $55 million.[33][34] Bids to construct the extension will close in late December 2015. Construction is expected to commence in April 2016 and the Queensland Government is seeking an assurance from bidders that the extension will be operational in time for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games - to be held in April 2018.[31][35]
The Queensland Government is also funding a separate project to duplicate the Gold Cost railway line between Helensvale and Coomera - the last single track section of the line. The second track is expected to be finished in late 2017 and will allow more frequent train services between Helensvale and Brisbane.[36]
Potential extensions
Gold Coast City Council is planning for a third stage of the line. A southern extension of the existing line along the Gold Coast Highway towards Burleigh has attracted some support from the council and state government.[37][38] Both levels of government have released maps that show plans for the trams to eventually connect with the airport.[39][40] However a coastal route from Burleigh to the border is understood to be fraught with engineering challenges, including how to get around Burleigh headland and across both Tallebudgera and Currumbin creeks.[39]
The council released a list of potential routes for stage three in November 2015 and invited public comment.[39] The routes are:[41]
- Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads - southern extension of existing route
- Nobby Beach to Robina Station - two options presented
- Burleigh Heads to Varsity Lakes Station
- Varsity Lakes Station to Gold Coast Airport
- Burleigh Heads to Gold Coast Airport - two options presented
Previous proposals
Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Northern routes
Southport to Parkwood
In late 2012, the Gold Coast City Council released a draft of their Transport Strategy 2031. The document outlined the original line would be extended west to Parkwood and south to the Gold Coast Airport. Additional branches would be added from Griffith University to Harbour Town, from Main Beach to The Spit, from Surfers Paradise to Bundall, and from Nobby Beach to Robina.[42]
Proposed extension to Parkwood | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Western routes
Broadbeach to Nerang
In March 2014, it was suggested that an 11-kilometre (6.8 mi) east-west spur line from Broadbeach to Nerang railway station take the place of other suggested extensions as stage 2 of the light rail line. The Broadbeach-Nerang route would connect to the Carrara Stadium, the main stadium that will be used during the 2018 Commonwealth Games.[43]
Nobby Beach to Robina
In March 2015, Gold Coast City Council commissioned Aurecon Australasia to study a possible route form Nobby Beach to Robina railway station via Robina Town Centre.[44]
Burleigh Heads to Varsity Lakes
In 2014, the state government investigated a possible extension from Burleigh Heads to Varsity Lakes railway station.[44]
Southern routes
Surfers Paradise to Bundall
Proposed extension to Bundall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads
Broadbeach to Coolangatta
Proposed extension to Burleigh Heads | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Proposed extension to Coolangatta | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Corridors heading south from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta via Gold Coast Airport are also being looked at. This would likely be delivered in 2 stages including a segment from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads, followed by a segment from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta.[45]
In October 2015, Gold Coast City Council discussed amending City Plan 2015 to include extending the light rail all the way to Coolangatta in a single stage.[44]
See also
References
<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />
Cite error: Invalid <references>
tag; parameter "group" is allowed only.
<references />
, or <references group="..." />
External links
Media related to Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. at Wikimedia Commons
- G:link (RideTheG) – official site
- G:link FAQ (Translink)
- G:link Service Information (Translink)
- GoldLinQ – consortium that built the line
- ↑ Estimated Resident Population Profile.id
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ All aboard: Gold Coast light rail officially launches with full tram cars for day of free travel Gold Coast Bulletin 20 July 2014
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Route 700 timetable Translink
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 44.0 44.1 44.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- Pages with reference errors
- Use dmy dates from July 2011
- Use Australian English from December 2013
- All Wikipedia articles written in Australian English
- Articles that mention track gauge 1435 mm
- Articles with Geo
- Articles in need of cleanup
- Light rail in Australia
- Public transport on the Gold Coast, Queensland
- Railway lines opened in 2014
- Town tramway systems by city
- 2014 establishments in Australia