Five new trams arrive on the Gold Coast as construction continues on $1.2 billion Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 expansion.
- Their arrival comes as the G: hits a patronage milestone of 73 million paid trips.
- The Light Rail is the only public transport mode in the state to exceed pre-covid patronage levels, demonstrating strong demand from Gold Coast locals and tourists.
- The new trams bring the G:link fleet to a total of 23.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has today 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 Albanese Government and the City of Gold Coast, is delivering the $1.2 billion project.
Quotes attributable to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:
"Light rail on the growing Gold Coast has been a roaring success, so it's an exciting time to see the new trams in action.
"Four of the trams have arrived, with the fifth set to make the voyage down the M1 this week.
"It has always been a Labor government that has driven construction of the light rail and the outstanding patronage figures show how much Gold Coasters love it.
"The light rail is a key piece in the Gold Coast's transport puzzle in providing a quick and convenient travel to study, health and shopping hubs.
"As the network continues to grow and connect to even more iconic Gold Coast destinations, we are confident more people will get onboard."
Quote attributed to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 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."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:
"The Palaszczuk Government has backed light rail from the very beginning, it's a one of kind public transport system for our state and has been a huge success for the Gold Coast.
"With more than 73 million trips across the network, this just demonstrates that our continued investment into expanding the service is the right move.
"Once the stage 3 extension from Broadbeach top Burleigh is complete, we will no doubt see more and more people choosing to catch the tram.
"We're continuing to work on a business case for light rail stage 4 to continue growing the network with a connection to the airport".
Quotes attributable to Gold Coast-based Palaszczuk Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon:
"Light rail has continued to go from strength to strength here on the Gold Coast, clocking in more than 73 million trips since it opened.
"As our city grows, we need to make sure it keeps moving – whether that's via heavy rail, light rail, buses or on the road.
"We've seen massive strides on our M1 upgrades and works moving full steam ahead on three new stations.
"Building more trams now means that as we expand light rail, we'll be able to deliver higher frequency services."
Quotes attributable to GoldlinQ CEO Phil Mumford:
"All five trams will be incorporated in the network later this year, allowing for testing and training before Stage 3 opens.
"The G:link has been embraced by the Gold Coast and visitors to the city. We are confident it will be the same with Stage 3 when passengers are able to travel on the trams all the way to Burleigh."
