Definitely agree, it’s the modern rehash of the CoastConnect bus way proposal utilising Nicklin Way and Brisbane Road. The existing 600/602/611 could also utilise the same corridor as “The Wave” Metrobus originating from the Birtinya interchange.
That’s exactly what I saw as well. If they proposed to build BRT along the main trunk roads (State Route 6), connected with major train stations, then why bother replacing the rail proposal with a lower-passenger-capacity mode if the BRT can feed into the rail line to MCY and Noosa?
At the risk of sounding doom and gloom, I don’t really see a world where the state is willing to demolish/rebuild an existing infrastructure project even if that is to upgrade it to a new mode. Realistically I think what we get here is what we’re going to be stuck with, regardless of if they say otherwise.
Probably correct Ari. Bus rapid transit should replace ’ metro ’ in all discussions. It is not entirely clear if the brt will be up to speed as well.
I think it can be the one and the same infrastructure until you add rail, signalling and OHE. This is the part that requires the testing and accreditation (and takes a lot of time) that a BRT doesn’t have to do. Design station so the BRT rises to the station but underlying it is foundation for rail line.
I do absolutely agree that it’s possible and does make sense, but I can so easily see the “oh let’s just save some money by building this bridge and this viaduct under spec, we can strengthen them later, the stations don’t need to be fancy for now, maybe we can save some money with an on-road segment” value-engineering mindset taking hold until it becomes essentially a rebuild to get any rail down (for a recent example, see the ‘metro’!)
Not to mention the potential political ammo you’re making there. Just picture the “Blue Team Left Our Infrastructure Under-built and Overworked” and “Red Team Wasting Taxpayer Money Rebuilding A Brand New Busway, Taxpayers Foot The Bill” headlines & media releases. It could so easily become a political landmine that neither major party is willing to touch.
Here’s a proposed media release regarding this issue.
Can’t you say anything good about it prior going on a rampage Lol
Is there anything good to say?
Is it possible to add that BTQ supports stage 1 to Birtinya yet questions the BRT portion and future proofing for easy conversion to rail in the mid to late 2030s?
Yes. Good idea to make that explicit.
Also mention that we support the idea of an active travel corridor alongside its entire length similar if not better to what was completed along the Redcliffe line.
But not building rail to Maroochydore long term is the stupidest idea going as is BRT to meet a LRT on the same corridor!
Absolutely with you there, rail is clearly the best choice here. I’m just pushing for rail from day one, because with the current state of PT in Queensland I think that’s the only way we get it at all
Looks good Rowan. Great re-use of the tmr graphics about SCMT to drive home the point about using that corridor.
Do we want to make an explicit point that we are mode agnostic for the leg between Maroochydore and the airport? Or is that far enough in the future not to worry