Light rail takes charge in best week since COVID

Public transport patronage continues to surge with the week ending October 16 recorded the highest percentage of trips taken since the start of the pandemic.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey celebrated the milestone, marking The G: best in show.

“Across all modes of public transport, we have continued to see steady growth as life returns to normal with patronage across SEQ last week sitting at 78.4 per cent when compared to 2019,” Mr Bailey said.

“But light rail continues to set the benchmark and has hit 100 per cent of pre-COVID levels for a full week – the first time any mode has done this since the pandemic started.

“We’re putting this down to booming tourism, commuters returning to the office and students back in the classroom.

“It’s clear that Gold Coasters love light rail and are continuing to back it week in, week out.”

Mr Bailey said the milestone was a far cry from the height of the pandemic, when patronage was at 20 per cent of pre-COVID levels.

“The last two months have been strong as commuters, students and tourists get back onboard,” he said.

“More than 800,000 trips were taken on G:link trams in August – the first time this many trips had been taken on trams in one month since COVID hit Australian shores

“There were also two days in August during which more than 527,000 trips were taken across all public transport modes in SEQ, marking another first since the start of the pandemic.

"September public transport patronage in SEQ remained above 70 per cent despite a public holiday and extended rail track closures.

“This puts us in good stead to close out the year on a patronage high, before winding down over Christmas.

“I look forward to all our modes getting back up to the 100 per cent mark as we continue to encourage commuters out of their cars and onboard.”

Gold Coast-based Minister and Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon said the data proved just how popular the Gold Coast’s public transport options were.

“Already, 65 million people have hopped on and off The G: as it spans from Helensvale through to Broadbeach,” Minister Scanlon said.

“Gold Coasters and tourists alike are choosing public transport more often, which gets cars off the road and is great for our lifestyle.”

Visit the Translink website, download the MyTranslink App or call 13 12 30 for more information on public transport.

FAST FACTS

• 3,077,280 trips taken in the week ending 16 October 2022
• 199,762 light rail trips in the week ending 16 October 2022
• More than 540,000 trips taken across all modes in SEQ on each day from 11-13 October 2022
• 13.2 million trips taken in August 2022
• 11.8 million trips taken in September 2022.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACTS

Joe Ogilvie (Minister Bailey) - 0423 184 412

Francis Dela Cruz (Minister Scanlon) - 0420 592 078