The Gold Coast light rail system has been in full swing for one year to the delight of locals
Gold Coasters have celebrated the first anniversary of light rail which has seen more than 6.5 million passenger trips in its first year.
The new bus routes whichalso started in July last year have provided improved connections between trams, buses and trains to create a more integrated public transport network on the Gold Coast.
Tourism and commonwealth games minister Kate Jones says the light rail system has revolutionised public transport on the Gold Coast.
“Gold Coast residents and visitors alike have embraced the G:,” she says.
“We’ve created jobs, reduced congestion, boosted urban renewal, serviced major events, and given locals and tourists a new way to experience the Gold Coast.
“Gold Coast Light Rail patronage continues to exceed expectations, with an average of more than 18,200 trips made on the G: each day.”
Jones says the trams have now travelled more than 1 million kilometres and they continue to provide a reliable, safe mode of public transport for the Gold Coast.
“What the Gold Coast trams have created is a measurable and real global increase in the use of public transport across the tram and bus network as people embrace their new tram service,” she says.
“The Gold has experienced a very significant global increase in public transport patronage of more than 25 per cent in the first 11 months since the G: and the bus network changes started.
“The G: is now the spine of TransLink’s public transport network on the Gold Coast.”
The Gold Coast Light Rail opened on July 20, 2014.