Gold Coast light rail, Qld

The Gold Coast is Australia's fastest growing city. This creates an ongoing challenge for the region's public transport systems.

The Government will invest $365 million in the development of a light rail transit system for the Gold Coast. The construction of a 13‑kilometre light rail system will link key activity centres. The new rail system will run from Griffith University (Gold Coast Campus) to Broadbeach via Southport.

An effective public transport system is needed to meet the future needs of the Gold Coast and provide a boost to the vital tourism industry.

The Gold Coast is currently highly dependent on car transport for its mobile population. Current estimates suggest that the completion of this project will remove up to 40,000 cars from the road network — lowering traffic congestion and saving on road maintenance costs.

Reduced traffic congestion will deliver real and substantial benefits to businesses and households, enhancing the amenity of those living in and visiting the Gold Coast region.

Shorter travel times mean it will be easier for people to move around the Gold Coast region. The light rail system will provide rapid access to key strategic locations, such as education and medical facilities, major retail centres, tourism precincts and business and employment areas along the Gold Coast strip.