Tram services have begun in the Gold Coast, marking the completion of the $1.2 billion light rail project.
Passengers were able to ride the G:link for free on July 20 to celebrate the opening of the tram network following two years of construction.
The system consists of 14 trams, 16 stations across a new 13-kilometre light rail route around the city.
The project has been funded through an 18-year PPP between the Queensland State Government, the Australian Government, the Gold Coast City Council and GoldLinQ – a consortium comprising Bombardier Transportation, Keolis, Downer Rail, McConnell Dowell and the Plenary Group.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson, who attended the network’s inauguration, said: “With the G20 and 2018 Commonwealth Games just around the corner, the Gold Coast is now in a good position to show off one of Queensland’s best holiday destinations.
“The light rail will give local residents far more than a world-class public transport network. Light rail has a proven track record for revitalising cities by connecting people and places, and attracting investment.”
The coastal city’s new fleet of 14 yellow trams are the only trams in the world with a built-in surfboard rack.
Making travelling around cities easier, faster and more economical, this tram service is a great advert for light rail. In the UK the use of trams has resulted in the reduction of around 22 million car journeys and city traffic by up to 14% so it certainly seems to be a sensible way of moving people around whilst limiting the environmental impact of transport.