Re: Gold coast rail extension?

[Matthew Nolan <mnolan@uq.net.au>]

> AFAIA the Gold Coast City Council has dropped all plans to build a monorail
> and has been looking at light rail for the past year or more. Three private
> companies have submitted expressions of interest for the design, constuction
> and operation of a 30km light rail system. Inter-running with the heavy rail
> system along portions of the Gold Coast railway is also under serious
> consideration.
> 
> Rob
> 
> Sydney (Australia)
>
This would be the best option. It would allow for relatively cheap
infrastructure to be built, unlike heavy rail. Also, more stops would be
permissible and they could link up with the Gold Coast Railway. The Gold
Coast railway is not really suited for local commuter traffic, being a
feeder between the Gold Coast and Brisabne. However, a well serviced
light rail system would allow for easy public transport right into the
heart of Surfers/Southport etc, without having to pay HUGE amounts for
land resumption. Any heavy rail system being built right into Surfers
would be impossible, both logistically and ecomonically. A light rail
system would be more advantageous as not only is cheaper, it would allow
more stops. This would be great for tourists, who could get on a tram
right outside their apartment block and travel to such places as Cavill
Mall, Pacific Fair, the Casino and the heavy rail system.