The operation of the Gold Coast light rail will lead to changes in bus routes
Bus routes in the Gold Coast will change when the light rail project starts running, to avoid duplicating routes and ensuring the most efficient public transport options.
Queensland’s Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson says rather than duplicate buses along the light rail route, they will be using resources smarter by increasing the number of east west bus routes.
“These changes are all part of our election promise to revitalise frontline services through improving frequency, reliability and affordability of the network.”
The high frequency routes 709, 740 and 777 will run every 15 minutes from Helensvale Station to Griffith University, Surfers Paradise to Nerang and the Airport to Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach.
Fifteen existing routes will also be extended from Pacific Fair to Broadbeach South station providing passengers with an easy connection to light rail services, seven days a week.
Emerson says light rail is on track to commence by mid-year.
When complete, the trams will be able to move more than 300 people, every seven-and-a-half minutes, to Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.
“Testing is underway and services will commence once the safety experts are satisfied and complete their assessment of the system,” he says.
“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 changes include minor timetable adjustments and so the State Government is encouraging all passengers to check the TransLink website for the most up-to-date service information.
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 Gold Coast City Council.