New transport era and new network for Gold Coast

Gold Coast and Brisbane commuters are now in sync with the successful launch of the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage Two seamlessly connecting to the heavy rail network at Helensvale Station.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey and Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development Meaghan Scanlon personally made the connecting journey from the Gold Coast University Hospital to South Bank in Brisbane this morning.

“With a new tram network linking to heavy rail, public transport on the Gold Coast is in best ever shape for the upcoming Commonwealth Games,” Minister Bailey said.

“The Gold Coast will have one of the most integrated public transport networks in the state with some of the most frequent services as well.

“With the expanded Helensvale Station, the transition is seamless, so travelling from the heart of the Gold Coast to the Brisbane CBD or vice versa is a stress free experience.”

“Whether you’re a Gold Coast resident commuting to a Brisbane job or a Brisbane resident heading to the beach for the day, the new Light Rail Stage 2 is a new era for passengers.”

Ms Scanlon said a boosted brand new Gold Coast bus network would also begin in the new year under the Palaszczuk Government thanks to the Light Rail.

“From Monday January 8, 158 weekly bus trips will be added to the Gold Coast network while a number of bus routes will be updated to integrate with the new G:link section and stations,” Ms Scanlon said.

“We’ve been able to boost high frequency services on popular bus routes such as Routes 713 (Southport to Paradise Point via Harbour Town), 719 (Paradise Point to Southport via GCUH) and 765 (The Pines Elanora to Robina Town Centre via Christine Ave) by reinvesting funding from services that duplicate the GCLR Stage 2 corridor.

“Bus timetables across the Gold Coast will also be revised to better reflect traffic conditions.”

Ms Scanlon said that route 720 will be upgraded to route TX7, providing high frequency services departing Helensvale station to the Theme Parks.

“This will allow Gold Coast and Brisbane residents an easy one-transfer journey to the theme parks whether they catch the tram, train or bus.”

For more information on public transport, visit www.translink.com.au, download the MyTransLink app, or phone 13 12 30, anytime.

Media contacts: Minister Bailey – Chris Vernon 0416 800 004 | TransLink Division media unit on 0421 581 803 (24 hours)