Eight tram stations and another 6.7km of rail line have officially joined the Gold Coast light rail (G:link) network.
At 6am on Sunday (August 9), the first passengers boarded a G:link tram from Burleigh Heads bound for Miami, Nobby Beach and Mermaid Beach to Broadbeach and northwards.
The eight new stations are at Mermaid Beach, Mermaid Beach South, Nobby Beach, Miami North, Miami, Christine Avenue, Second Avenue and Burleigh Heads.
Federal Transport Minister Catherine King says the new network is a major milestone for one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities.
“Today is about delivering the infrastructure that the growing community of the Gold Coast needs and ensuring that its residents and visitors have greater transport choices for years to come,” Minister King said.
EIGHT STATION PROJECT ‘FINALLY A REALITY’
State Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg says residents have waited long enough.
“Today is about … finally opening a project that local residents have been waiting far too long for,” he said on Sunday.
“With permanent 50 cent fares, Gold Coasters now have access to an affordable, convenient and connected public transport network that will continue supporting the city’s growth well into the future.”
Federal Senator Murray Watt says that “Gold Coast Light Rail is critical infrastructure required to support the rapid growth over the next two decades".
MP for Burleigh Hermann Vorster predicts the phase-three extension will be a ‘game-changer’ for the southern Gold Coast.
“Burleigh will become one of the best-connected communities in Queensland,” he predicts.
“Best of all, completion of the Broadbeach to Burleigh link will deliver new and improved connecting services that will … protect our lifestyle by easing congestion.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate expects this new stage with its eight stations to be the most popular on the G:link network.
“Gold Coasters and visitors will now have a seamless ride from Helensvale to Burleigh … I am sure this will be the most popular of all. All aboard.”
OTHER TRAM STORIES:
