Boost to buses on Gold Coast

Passengers will receive a boost to public transport frequency when the Queensland Government adds three more high frequency routes to the Gold Coast, when light rail begins.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said passengers travelling on the Gold Coast will experience improved connections between trains, buses and trams.

“Rather than duplicate buses along the light rail route we will be using our resources smarter by increasing the number of east west bus routes,” Mr Emerson said.

“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.

“These routes will make it easier for passengers to connect with the major light rail hubs at Gold Coast University Hospital/Griffith University, Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach South stations.

“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.

“These changes include minor timetable adjustments and so we encourage all passengers to check the TransLink website for the most up-to-date service information.”

Mr Emerson said light rail was on track to commence by mid-year.

“Testing is underway and services will commence once the safety experts are satisfied and complete their assessment of the system,” he said.

“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.

“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.”

For more information on the changes visit www.translink.com.au r phone 13 12 30.

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.

[ENDS] 16 May 2014

Media Contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625