August 1st, 2023New trams arrive for Gold Coast’s thriving G:link
Five new trams recently arrived on the Gold Coast as construction continues on QLD’s $1.2 billion Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 expansion, the Federal Infrastructure minister and Member for Ballarat Catherine King says.
Ms King issued a media statement as Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last week welcomed five new trams to the Gold Coast, which will be used as the light rail line is extended to Burleigh Heads.
The five new trams take the Light Rail fleet to 23 – putting the $1.2 billion expansion project on track to deliver the high frequency tram services from day one.
It comes as the Gold Coast Light Rail surpassed 73 million paid passenger trips since its opening in 2014.
The Light Rail is the only public transport mode in the state to regularly exceed pre-covid patronage levels, demonstrating strong demand from the community and tourists.
This makes Gold Coast Light Rail the model for post-pandemic bounce-backs, ahead of Sydney and Melbourne public transportation use.
Light Rail has transformed public transport on the Gold Coast, helping to create an integrated network that connects more people to more places in one of Australia’s fastest growing cities.
The five new light rail vehicles made the journey by sea to Port of Brisbane before being transported down the M1 on a 76-wheel trailer.
They will now undergo testing at the Southport depot before being absorbed into the current operational fleet.
The five new trams will feature enhanced accessibility elements, including double accessible spaces, braille signs, 20 priority seats on every tram and vertical handrails have been shifted to create wider passageways for wheelchairs, prams, walkers and other mobility aids.
Major construction for Stage 3 is underway on the Gold Coast Highway as John Holland upgrade and relocate essential underground utilities. Track laying will begin in 2024 for completion in 2025.
Stage 3 construction is expected to directly support more than 760 local jobs.
The Palaszczuk Government, in partnership with the Federal Government and the City of Gold Coast, is delivering the $1.2 billion project.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Member for Ballarat, Catherine King MP: “The demand for public transport on the Gold Coast will only grow as the population does, and it’s clear that light rail has been strongly embraced by the community.
“The arrival of new trams for Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3, plus the incredible milestone of 73 million trips, marks an exciting step for this project, where past success meets future plans.
“With the Gold Coast’s status as a domestic and international tourism must-see, this project is a prime example of the Australian Government’s 10-year $120 billion infrastructure pipeline, delivering nation-shaping projects with national significance.
“I look forward to seeing even more progress in the months to come.”
