Gold Coast’s new light rail system is to open on July 20, the Queensland Government has announced.
The coastal city’s new fleet of 14 yellow trams – the only trams in the world with a built-in surfboard rack – will go live after three years of design, construction and testing in Australia’s Gold Coast.
The $1.2 billion project consists of 14 trams, 16 stations across a new 13-kilometre light rail route around the city.
The project is being funded through an 18-year PPP between the Queensland State Government and GoldLinQ – a consortium comprising Bombardier Transportation, Keolis, Downer Rail, McConnell Dowell and the Plenary Group.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said: “The wait is finally over, and after three years of design and construction works the Gold Coast will have a world-class public transport option,” Mr Emerson said.
“Following the day of free travel on Sunday, paid passenger tram services and the new bus timetable will commence on Monday 21 July that will include additional high frequency bus routes and improved connections between trains, buses and trams.”
Final testing is continuing over the next two weeks.
