Frequently asked questions

QHow do I know if I will be directly affected by the construction?
A
If you are to be directly affected by these works the GoldLinQ community engagement team will be in touch with you prior to the works commencing.

If you do have any questions you can call 1800 967 377* to speak with the GoldLinQ Communications and Stakeholder Engagement team.

*Free call within Australia. Call charges may apply from mobile phones and payphones.
QDoes the light rail system benefit people not living on the coastal strip?
A
Yes, because there will be more east-west bus services, extended operating hours, modified routes and reduced travel times to areas not directly serviced by the light rail system.
QHow will the light rail system integrate with existing public transport?
A
The Queensland Rail heavy rail line and the Gold Coast light rail system will be connected by high frequency bus services. There are also works underway to provide priority bus lanes to reduce travel times.
QWhat is a Concept Design and Impact Management Plan (CDIMP)?
A
Two years of detailed planning and a comprehensive process of community and industry consultation by the project team delivered a Concept Design and Impact Management Plan (CDIMP) that the State Government adopted in March 2009.

The CDIMP is made up of:
- Concept Design which contains information on two reference projects, light rail transit and bus rapid transit, including engineering solutions and operation strategies.
- Impact Management Plan which identifies and suggests mitigation strategies for any social, economic and environmental impacts. The plan covers both the construction period and the life of the system.
The CDIMP outlines the design for the corridor between Griffith University and Broadbeach. This design will be used to contract out the work and it is unlikely the route or alignment will vary from the current design.
QHow can I access a copy of the CDIMP?
A
You can view the Concept Design and Impact Management Plan on the project website.
QHow will the light rail system affect the ecosystems/environment?
A
The light rail is a more environmentally friendly option for travel. Light rail vehicles produce less noise than diesel or other fuel-burning buses and much less noise than the equivalent volume of automobile traffic.

A single 43.5m long tram set that will operate on the Gold Coast system is able to carry over 309 passengers safely and has the potential to remove up to 235 cars from the road during peak periods.

Electrified light rail does not pollute near homes or places of work and indications show that retail areas which may have struggled for years, choked with traffic and losing business should see customers return – brought to the main activity centres by an attractive transit system. Non-retail businesses benefit from improved mobility for their workforce.

GoldLinQ is committed to environmental protection and ensuring impact on the environment remains low and as beneficial as possible.
QHow long will construction go for?
A
GoldLinQ has a three-year design and construction program allocated to the project with a 15-year operations and maintenance phase. GoldLinQ took possession of the Stage One corridor on 10 January 2012. Operations and maintenance are scheduled to commence in 2014.

Commissioning will go into the first half of 2014. Commissioning is the testing and acceptance of the tramway for passenger use.
QWill construction affect any major events such as the Armor All Gold Coast 600 and Schoolies?
A
Construction accommodates key major events in the Gold Coast calendar, limiting or halting work where the event is occurring during that time.

GoldLinQ is cooperating with State Government representatives regarding access in and around Cavill Avenue during Schoolies 2012 and 2013.

We do not expect that works on Surfers Paradise Boulevard will result in the cancellation of any Schoolies events, however, there may be changed access points in some locations where construction is taking place.

These will be clearly signposted in accordance with all safety and traffic requirements, and we would ask that you take particular notice of any such instruction.
QHow will the system be constructed?
A
The construction process for the light rail involves several stages. First the underground services such as gas, water and telecommunications have to be mapped. These services are moved out of the rail corridor where they conflict with the new light rail infrastructure. The road is then levelled and widened as required. At this point the stations are built, the concrete pad is laid along with the tracks and finally the overhead wires are put in place. Operations and maintenance are scheduled to commence in 2014.
QHow will I know when and where the construction is happening?
A
GoldLinQ is utilising a combination of communication methods to ensure there is ample notification to the public about the construction. These include: newspaper advertising, letter box drops, door knocking and website updates.

You can keep up to date with the progress of the light rail works through this website or by calling the project hotline on 1800 967 377*.

*Free call within Australia. Call charges may apply from mobile phones and payphones.
QWhat happens if GoldLinQ hit a water pipe, power or telephone cables?
A
GoldLinQ has conducted a detailed risk analysis of the construction corridor. We realise there are many services that traverse the corridor and hitting services, which are spread out in an octopus like fashion from set points, may be one of the major risks on this job. GoldLinQ is undertaking early investigations to locate these services to minimise the risk as much as possible.

Should a service be hit, GoldLinQ’s D&C Contractor incident response plan will be put into action. This includes letting the service provider know immediately so we can start fixing the problem.

Immediate community consultation will also occur with the most affected areas.
QWhat will the vehicles look like?
A
The Bombardier Flexity2 will be 43.5 meters long, 2.65 meters wide and 3.4 meters high. The trams will be bi-directional with a cab at each end. Tram features include comfortable seating, air conditioning, wheelchair and multipurpose areas and surf board racks.

The trams will have 80 seats with capacity for 309 passengers in total.

The final design for the look of the trams can be seen here.
QWill there be level crossings or boom gates along the corridor?
A
The light rail track will only cross a roadway at a signalised intersection. Crossing priority and phasing is integrated with the current road signalling system. Road and pedestrian users will still follow the current rules once light rail comes into service.
QWhat planning studies were undertaken before commencing this project?
A
The idea for a better public transport system for the Gold Coast is not new. Proposal for a new Rapid Transit system were developed as part of Gold Coast City Council’s Transport Plan released in 1998. In 2004, a joint Queensland Transport and Gold Coast City Council feasibility study developed plans for a possible light rail or bus rapid transit system.
QWhy is the project being delivered using this model?
A
The Gold Coast light rail project was the first PPP undertaken in Australia following the height of the Global Financial Crisis. As a result, a two-stream delivery model was structured, providing the market with the large PPP it desired and a government funded early works package. This was underpinned by a series of smaller works contracts that could be rolled out more immediately to deliver a kick-start to the local construction industry and inject some much needed capital into the local Gold Coast economy.
QFuture stages: Griffith University to Helensvale
A
The proposed light rail route to Helensvale will link with Stage One at Griffith University (Parklands Drive, Southport) and travel along Olsen Avenue to Harbour Town Shopping centre, and then along Brisbane Road to Helensvale Rail Station.

There is no intention or requirement to construct the Helensvale corridor before 2016.

Investigations and forecasts have shown that the existing road network and public transport system will sufficiently cater to medium term population growth in the area.

Funds for the potential future stages of the project have not yet been committed.

Planning activity that has been undertaken for these stages is preliminary only.
QFuture stages: Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads
A
To date, only high-level conceptual planning has been undertaken for the potential Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads corridor.

Funds for the potential future stages of the project have not yet been committed. Planning activity that has been undertaken for these stages is preliminary only.
QWill there be a spur-line to Carrara given the city will host the 2018 Commonwealth Games?
A
As part of the initial planning phase, the project explored a number of potential route options. The planning work confirmed that the best solution for the city would be a mass-transit system operating down the coastal spine, connecting east-west via high-frequency bus services. The corridor connecting Nerang to the coast via Carrara was identified in the TransLink Network Plan as a high-growth, secondary network suited to progressive implementation of high occupancy vehicle lanes to support high frequency bus services.

Despite the project not linking directly with the Carrara Stadium precinct, we would anticipate a high degree of use for the light rail system during the Commonwealth Games. The light rail system will provide spectators with a direct connection between the large accommodation precincts of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach it will also link the athletes village at Parklands to a number of venues earmarked to host events including the Gold Coast Convention Centre, the Southport Aquatic Centre and the Broadwater Parklands.

Funds for the potential futures stages of the project have not yet been committed. Planning activity that is currently being undertaken for future stages is preliminary only with more detailed work required before a decision on future staging can be made.
QWill there be future stages of the light rail system?
A
Potential future stages of the ultimate 40 kilometre route from Helensvale to Coolangatta are:
- the corridor north of Stage One from Griffith University to Helensvale
- the corridor south of Stage One from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads
- the corridor from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta
Funds for the potential future stages of the project have not yet been committed. Planning activity that has been undertaken for these stages is preliminary only.
QHow is the project governed?
A
The Program Executive Group (comprising representatives from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Treasury, TransLink Transit Authority, Gold Coast City Council, Federal Department of Infrastructure and Planning and Local Government) are the governing body for the project.
QWho is paying for this project?
A
The Gold Coast light rail project has secured funding commitments from Gold Coast City Council, the Queensland Government and the Australian Government.

On 6 May 2011 GoldLinQ signed an 18 year $1 billion Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract for Stage One of the project to design, build, finance and operate the light rail.

The PPP includes such things as the assembly of overhead powerlines, track laying, station construction, vehicle supply and commissioning and operations and maintenance for a period of 15 years.
QHow is the project being delivered?
A
The project is being delivered in two streams;
- Government funded early works (Gold Coast University Hospital Station Shell, Southport and Broadbeach)
- Operator Franchise PPP a partnering between government and the private sector
Government funded early works involve moving services such as water, gas, telecommunications and electricity from under the roadway, widening and levelling roads, upgrading intersections and restoring kerbs, paths, driveways and fences so GoldLinQ can build the light rail track and the stations with less community impact. This also allows for access to the services once the light rail system is in place. These works are being funded and managed by the Queensland Government.

Construction of the Gold Coast University Hospital Station shell was completed in July 2011. Early works in Southport and Broadbeach were completed in 2012.

The Operator Franchise PPP includes such things as the assembly of overhead powerlines, track laying, station construction, vehicle commissioning, operations and maintenance. These works are being funded and managed by the GoldLinQ consortium.

GoldLinQ consortia member McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd (MacDow) holds the contractor’s licence to construct the light rail system.

Construction commenced in early 2012.
QWhen was the project approved?
A
The project’s final Concept Design and Impact Management Plan was approved by the Queensland Government in March 2009 while the Business Case was approved in July 2009.

On 6 July 2009, an historic ‘Heads of Agreement’ was signed by the Federal, State and Local Governments to deliver the project.
QWho is GoldLinQ?
A
The GoldLinQ consortium consists of GoldLinQ Pty Ltd, McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd (MacDow), Bombardier Transportation Australia Pty Ltd and KDR Gold Coast Pty Ltd. Collectively the companies have decades of experience delivering and operating rail projects across Australia and around the world.
QWhy does the Gold Coast need the light rail system?
A
Stage One of the Gold Coast light rail and any future stages promise to significantly improve the liveability of the Gold Coast by improving accessibility, while reducing the effects of congestion that comes with a rapidly growing city.

The Gold Coast light rail is one of the most important pieces of transport infrastructure ever undertaken on the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast light rail project will deliver the first light rail system in Queensland and only the third in Australia.
QWas a monorail considered?
A
The GoldLinQ consortium responded to a design in the tender process with the State Government. The design GoldLinQ responded to was light rail. We won the tender and are now delivering Stage One of the Gold Coast light rail project.

In accordance with the State Government’s Value for Money Framework the Preliminary Assessment Report evaluated enhanced bus services, bus lanes, bus rapid, light rail and monorail. It found either a bus rapid or light rail solution would satisfy the required passenger task. Light rail was seen to have a greater potential to encourage economic development and mix with pedestrians in centres. The other solutions including bus lanes and elevated monorail were either too costly or did not satisfy the service requirement.
QWill they be like the trams in Melbourne?
A
Light rail vehicles have similar features to normal trains using steel wheels to run along a fixed track. These modern vehicles should not be confused with the older style trams operating in Melbourne as they are very different.

Light rail vehicles are found in many cities around the world including Paris, London, Dublin, Barcelona and Portland.

Internally, the vehicles will be wide and light with plenty of room to move around. There will be space for surfboards, luggage, prams, wheelchairs and the vehicles will have multiple entry/exit doors.
QWill trams be noisy?
A
The noise level will be very low. The light rail tram track is not like a train track. The trams themselves are electrically powered and are very quiet. The track is embedded in concrete and sits on rubber pads and it uses the latest track design technology. The rail has welded joints with no gaps. By way of an example, at 70kph the Gold Coast trams will emit the same amount of noise as general road traffic travelling at 40kph.
QWill it be noisy when turning corners?
A
The track and wheel will be engineered in order to reduce rail wearing and wheel squeal. Furthermore, the wheel design will be the latest possible design in order to achieve high levels of passenger comfort and minimise noise and vibration. The Gold Coast trams will also use lubrication technology to further reduce the possibility of wheel/rail noise.
QCan I walk across the tracks to get to the other side of the road or will the tracks be surrounded by a barrier?
A
The tracks will not be kept separate from the road by barriers and therefore pedestrians will be able to walk across the tracks. Pedestrians should always comply with the Queensland Government’s `road rules for pedestrians’ as outlined in the Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Road Rules) Regulation 1999. This outlines a pedestrian should always use a pedestrian crossing to cross a road if there is one available within 20 metres. If there is no crossing available, cross the road by the shortest and safest route. You should never attempt to cross a road without scanning the traffic first.

Unlike the tram network in Melbourne, vehicles will not be allowed to cross the tracks except at designated crossing points which will be controlled by traffic lights.
QHow can I ensure my safety around the tram?
A
GoldLinQ is confident motorists and pedestrians will abide by safety guidelines. The tram corridor will be clearly delineated from vehicles and roads (asphalt). Through coloured surface treatment, curbing and standard traffic control measures, drivers will be clearly made aware of the difference between road and tram tracks. The two will be physically separated or clearly different in appearance and texture. GoldLinQ will provide the public with consistent safety messages during the full term of construction and operations.

Tailored construction safety messages are already being distributed to stakeholders and the public ahead of GoldLinQ construction activities and operations-focused messages will begin well ahead of any operations. In the next couple of months Gold Coasters will begin to receive messages focused on becoming aware of trams in their environment.
QWho will get priority at the traffic lights - trams or cars?
A
The traffic lights will be programmed to give priority to trams at a number of road junctions along the corridor. GoldLinQ are currently working through the detail of this with the Gold Coast City Council. The lights will only change for the tram when the tram is in the area, and will not be on a set rotational timer. This will reduce delay to other road users.
QHow long will the journey take?
A
The-end-to-end journey time from Gold Coast University Hospital to Broadbeach South will be around 37 minutes. An indication of journey times are:
- Gold Coast University Hospital to Southport – 11 minutes
- Southport to Cavill Avenue – 14 minutes
- Cavill Avenue to Broadbeach South – 12 minutes
- Southport to Broadbeach South – 26 minutes
- Gold Coast University Hospital to Cavill Avenue – 25 minutes
QWill the traffic be one-way through Surfers Paradise Boulevard?
A
During operations in 2014 a one-way vehicle lane the full length of Surfers Paradise Boulevard travelling southbound will be provided. This permanent change is required to accommodate the trams travelling in each direction. In addition, two small northbound to traffic flow accesses will be provided for vehicles:
- Beach Road to Cavill Avenue in a dedicated car lane, segregated from the tracks.
- Elkhorn Avenue to Cypress Avenue in a shared lane with the light rail vehicles.
QHow much will a ticket cost to use the system?
A
Ticketing and prices are managed by Translink, the public transport service provider for South East Queensland. go card and single use paper tickets will be available.

In 2014 the cost to ride the system will be based on Translink's South East Queensland two zone fare structure.
QWhat times and days will the services run?
A
When Stage One begins operation in 2014 it will be an entirely new public transport system, each tram set is able to carry over 309 passengers. The system will have a frequency of 7.5 minutes in peak hour Monday to Friday, and 15 minutes throughout the rest of the day. Weekend services will run at longer intervals, with 30 minute services running on Sundays.
QWhy are solid wooden hoardings not being used during construction?
A
Various forms of braced fencing provides the flexibility required for construction. Concrete panels with fencing on top will also be used. GoldLinQ is working in accordance with our approved traffic control plans, which are implemented following approval from the State (our client) and endorsement by the project’s Traffic Management Liaison Group that includes State, Gold Coast City Council and emergency service groups.

We believe barriers and fencing, even when perceived to be up without major works commencing or reduce visibility, help to maintain a safe distance between pedestrians, vehicles, machinery and our workforce.

To improve the visual amenity of the corridor and promote precincts during construction, banner mesh will be erected on the inside of fencing to contain work areas where possible. This product will feature full colour project, Love Our City and local images to complement coloured shade cloth, directional and detour signage, and business directories that include visitor friendly icons promoting restaurants and shops to help people navigation around work areas.
QHow was the Stage One route chosen?
A
Stage One of the light rail project will service the new Gold Coast University Hospital and the expected 25,000 plus student population of Griffith University, the Southport medical precinct and the fast growing commercial, retail and recreational centres of Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

From 2006-08, the State project team conducted extensive planning to prepare the Concept Design and Impact Management Plan to determine the suitability for a rapid transit system on the Gold Coast, identify potential impacts and establish effective mitigation strategies.

The Concept Design and Impact Management Plan is correct at the time of publication, and may be subject to change as the project team conducts further research, consultation and design work.
QCan I see the designs?
A
Detailed design development is constantly undertaken on a project and we continue to work closely with the Gold Coast City Council and state government to gain approval of these drawings.

Detailed designs are not always available for external distribution because changes could still be incorporated.

The alignment maps can be found here.
QWhy are you building the trams in Germany?
A
The trams are being manufactured in Germany due to the highly specialised expertise and equipment required. Having supplied more than 2,400 light rail vehicles worldwide, Bombardier possesses a well-proven expertise in the execution of rail Public Private Partnerships.
QCan I take my bike on the tram?
A
There will be facilities at each of the stations for bikes to be secured. Bikes cannot be taken on the tram.
QWhat is the difference between traction power supply and overhead line?
A
Traction power is the electricity supply to the light rail vehicle. The vehicle uses electricity as fuel to run. The electricity can be supplied to the tram in different ways but here on the Gold Coast it is through an overhead line structure.

Light rail systems have their own electricity supply system which ultimately comes from the main grid and is regulated through substations. Trams do not draw power from the same lines that power homes.

Overhead line, in the basic form, is the wire that the electricity is passed through. The tram draws the power from this wire through the pantograph on top of the tram.
QWhat does the overhead wire look like?
A
The overhead wire that supplies the power to the trams is 9mm in diameter. This is about the same size as the thickness of an adult’s little finger.
QWill the stations be accessible for persons with a disability?
A
The system will comply with relevant disability legislation, regulations and guidelines.

All aspects of the system design including vehicles, stations and access to stations are based on compliance with Disability Discrimination Act and Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport requirements.

When the tram pulls into a station the door entry will be virtually level with the platform. The level can alter a few centimetres depending on the number of people on-board the tram. The platform and the tram have been designed to make it as easy as possible for everyone to board and exit the tram at the platform without the need for ramps.
QWill you be replanting and landscaping?
A
Stage one of the Urban Design and Landscape Plan for the whole route was issued to the State, for circulation to Gold Coast City Council, for review and comment in early 2012. Stage two Urban Design is still in development. The Urban Design and Landscape Plan outlines the arrangement, appearance and functionality of the light rail corridor, including trees. We’re working in consultation with the State and Gold Coast City Council to finalise the plan by late 2012.

When clearing does occur, to ensure no clearing occurs outside of designated areas, clearing areas are clearly demarcated.
QWill there be park and ride facilities?
A
Park and ride facilities are not part of GoldLinQ’s Stage One contract deliverables or the light rail solution. Light rail is a real alternative to cars to prevent congestion worsening on the Gold Coast.

Park and ride facilities are not part of the base design that GoldLinQ is delivering for Stage One of the light rail system.

The existing bus services will be redistributed across the public transport network to link more people to infrastructure, business and light rail, reducing the need for park and ride facilities.
QWill the trams be managed by the State or privately managed?
A
In June 2011 GoldLinQ was awarded the contract to design, build and operate Stage One of the Gold Coast light rail system.

KDR Gold Coast Pty Ltd (KDR) is responsible for operating and maintaining the Gold Coast light rail. KDR is the joint venture between Keolis and Downer EDI, which also currently operates and maintains the Melbourne tram system, Yarra Trams.
QHow do I get a job on the Gold Coast light rail?
A
For design and construction related jobs visit McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd or Bombardier Transportation.

GoldLinQ also encourages local individuals and companies interested in supplying goods and services to the project, to register their interest now via our ICN Gateway portal.

The project is generating so much interest we've had 1200 applications from locals to date. The majority of subcontractors and suppliers currently working on the project are from the region.

KDR Gold Coast Pty Ltd (KDR) will be looking to recruit locals into the roles of Tram Driver, Customer Service personnel, and Controller. KDR will provide training for these roles before the passenger service commences in 2014, including critical customer service and safety requirements.

Recruitment for the various roles will commence at different times over 2013 and 2014. These positions will be advertised nearer to the time of recruitment and will be found on the GoldLinQ website.
QHow can I find out more about the project?
A
If you have any questions about construction you can call 1800 967 377* and select the GoldLinQ option to speak with the GoldLinQ Communications and Stakeholder Engagement team.
QWhy do you need to relocate underground services?
A
Under the roads and footpaths of any modern city are a large number of underground services, such as gas pipes, water and sewerage mains, and telecommunications and electricity cables. Sections of the light rail route go through some of the oldest parts of the Gold Coast and the services may not have been mapped accurately; may be in bad condition; or may need to be completely replaced.

During the Design and Construction Phase McConnell Dowell will be installing more than eight kilometres of stormwater drainage with pipes ranging from 30 centimetres up to 1.8 metres in diameter, 64 kilometres of Telstra conduits, over 50 kilometres of Energex conduits, 7 kilometres of water and sewerage pipes and hundreds of manholes and pits.
QWill you be closing roads?
A
Temporary road closures will occur during construction. If road closures are necessary GoldLinQ will use a combination of communication methods to ensure there is ample notification to the public about road closures. These may include newspaper advertising, letter box drops and door knocking.

Traffic control plans will be implemented when road closures are required, identifying alternative routes to maintain safety and access for both pedestrians and vehicles.
QWhat is Love Our City?
A
In early 2012 the GoldLinQ consortium commenced full construction of the Gold Coast light rail. GoldLinQ understands that small businesses provide the foundation of local economy and is committed to minimising disruption during construction.

To activate our commitment to supporting local businesses, The ‘Love Our City’ campaign was launched in collaboration with the Gold Coast Bulletin in May 2012.

‘Love Our City’ is about reaching out, working together and ensuring businesses not only survive the construction period but thrive, as the city enters a dynamic new period of prosperity. The campaign will support business through consortium driven activities, collaborative initiatives utilising partnerships with external groups and empowering activities allowing businesses to connect with third party organisations.

Examples of GoldLinQ delivered initiatives include the production of marketing materials for the Love Our City campaign and maintaining access and visual amenity of the corridor during construction.

Collaborative initiatives will be preferred solutions developed in partnership with impacted business groups such as precinct awareness campaigns, incentive programs or social media campaigns.

Empowering initiatives will involve connecting third party organisations or agencies with businesses allowing the transfer of knowledge and access to pre-existing support programs and tools. These initiatives may include promoting third party mentoring programs providing advice, networking, funding and support.

A number of local industry participation targets are also in place for the project to create local jobs on top of the direct and indirect benefits a project of this size provides to the local economy.

For businesses wishing to be involved in the Love Our City campaign a range of materials including stickers, posters and badges are available for those wishing to promote they are open for business and offering a great service to their community. These initiatives will also have links to GoldLinQ’s future sponsorship, community grants and schools programs. For more information click here.

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