As well as doubts over SC Rail, it sounds like Stage 4 of Light Rail is in danger as well…
Gold Coast light rail stage four to the airport up in air as bus centre on agenda for Burleigh
Futuristic buses and a giant transit centre in Burleigh are on the agenda to connect light rail to Gold Coast Airport as the tram’s future extension south is increasingly unclear.
Paul Weston
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3 min read
January 29, 2025 - 8:56AM
Mayor Tom Tate says he’s “open and persuadable” to using buses instead of trams between Burleigh and Gold Coast Airport as light rail’s Stage 4 extension faces an unclear future.
Asked about alternatives to the tram extension, Mr Tate - who remains steadfast in working with state government on a Stage 4 business case - confirmed in a transport bombshell on Tuesday that buses were on the agenda.
“If it has to be buses it will have to be like the Brisbane Metro and look like light rail. I understand what their thoughts are. I have an open and persuadable mind.
“As long as you walk across the platform and you don’t feel like you have changed your mode. The only concern I will be looking at is the detail on people with mobility issues and luggage.
“How do we ensure we make it seamless - do we have enough people to help?”
Mr Tate said State Government, leading the project, would need to resolve how to create a large transit centre in Burleigh’s heart if light rail was to link to airport buses.
“The key is our public transport system getting to the airport,” he said.
Mr Tate added any workable alternative to trams would need “dedicated bus lanes” on Gold Coast Highway and “be similar to the Brisbane Metro”. The Brisbane Metro, which started on Tuesday, is a turn-up-and-go service using electric 25-metre bendy buses for up to 170 passengers.
Mayor Tom Tate arrives by tram to Broadbeach. A stage four extension from Burleigh to Gold Coast Airport is facing an increasingly unclear future. Picture Glenn Hampson
Mr Tate said: “I’m not concerned at all (that the Government could opt for buses).”
But political sources say the Crisafulli Government’s preferred southern Gold Coast public transport option is high-speed buses with their own lanes from the airport and a Burleigh transport interchange.
Full article:
https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/gold-coast-light-rail-stage-four-to-the-airport-up-in-air-as-bus-centre-on-agenda-for-burleigh/news-story/7d769920f3a0227d41373f62e5060fba