Today Premier Rob Borbidge announced that $200 million would be spent
on re-introducing trams (Some based on 400 series - FM's others new
design) to Brisbane through facilitation by State Government.
The 15 km route is partly that originally proposed by Brisbane
Transport research Group in 1970's, 1985, and again in early nineties.
Part of that was based on a 1925 proposal revised again after the war.
(See Wanted- Brisbane Dead or Alive published for Brisbane Transport
Research Group and National Party of Australia, 2nd edition, by GRF
Media in 1993.)
The route will be from University of Queensland to Newfarm/Newstead
with a branch to Royal Brisbane Hospital. A city loop will also
operate along the lines of the old City Circle bus route but extended
to Roma Street Station.
As usual it appears Lord Mayor Soorley is again claiming credit for
something he has had nothing to do with. He scrapped his tram plans
soon after it was shown the National Party had thought up the idea
first. Now he wants to say he thought up the idea first again. He's
losing credibility fast. If he spent the time improving the bus
service instead of grandstanding, he would have something to be proud
of. Co-incidentally, the bus workers are at loggerheads with him at
the same time Premier Rob is launching the initiative.
First trams will run in 2001.
I will post full details of brochures etc as soon as they are scanned
in.
It is intended private enterprise will find it an attractive
investment. Some funds will come from the Commonwealth's 1 billion
(centenary of) Federation Fund.
An integrated ticket system will be introduced with the trams.
The Brisbane Tramway Museum fleet will be able to operate on the
system at weekends as was first proposed for Expo 88 by Brisbane
Transport reseach Group.
Further details may be found at http://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/
Garry R. Ford
Chairman
Brisbane Transport Research Group.