Games transport plans successfully put to the test

The transport network is ready to go for the Commonwealth Games after being put through its paces during the two Opening Ceremony dress rehearsals held at Carrara Stadium over the Easter long weekend.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said several years of planning had been put in to action and the results had been pleasing.

‘‘The two dress rehearsals, on Saturday 31 March and Monday 2 April, provided the perfect trial run for our Games-time public transport planning,’’ Mr Bailey said.

‘‘With just one day to go until the start of the Games I am pleased to say the network has performed well and delivered as we expected.

‘‘About 30,000 spectators attended the two rehearsal events from all over South-East Queensland and we were able to respond quickly and effectively to deal with this extra demand.

“The whole precinct was cleared in just over an hour which is a fantastic result when you’re moving that many people.”

Mr Bailey said it was fantastic to see so many people make use of active and public transport to get to the event.

‘‘It was also good to see so many spectators walking from Nerang Station to Carrara Stadium for the event,’’ Mr Bailey said.

‘‘There are significant traffic changes and road closures in place around Games venues and these will impact how spectators travel to and from events.

‘‘I’d like to remind spectators there is no parking available at event venues and it is crucial that all spectators plan their travel ahead of time.’’

Mr Bailey said high-frequency public transport timetables were being rolled out across the Gold Coast during the Games.

‘‘G:Link services began 24/7 operations on Sunday while trains on the Gold Coast line will begin 24 hour service on Thursday with trains set to run on average every 10 minutes or better.

‘‘We’ll also run extra special event train services to support the Opening and Closing Ceremonies on 4 and 15 April.

‘‘By providing more seats and higher frequency services across heavy rail, light rail and Game’s shuttle buses we can help keep spectators moving and provide a seamless end-to-end journey for all commuters.’’

Mr Bailey said the best way to plan travel was via the GC2018 Journey Planner. 

‘‘The planner provides Games-specific information for spectators travelling to and from event venues, Festival 2018 or other locations,’’ Mr Bailey said.

‘‘I encourage everyone to plan their journey through the GC2018 Journey Planner website or through the official GC2018 app.’’

For more information on the journey planner visit jp.gc2018.com or download the Official GC2018 App.

ENDS

Media contact: Brock Taylor – 0427 018 178