G:link facts for kids

Quick facts for kids G:link
GCLR Set 9 at Broadwater Parklands 2014-09-28.jpg
Info
Owner	Translink
Locale	Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Transit type	Light rail
Number of lines	1
Number of stations	19 (27 after stage 3 completion)
Chief executive	Phil Mumford
Headquarters	Southport
Website	www.ridetheg.com.au
Operation
Began operation	20 July 2014
Operator(s)	Keolis Downer
Number of vehicles	18 Bombardier Flexity 2 trams
Train length	43.5 m (143 ft)
Headway	7-30 minutes
Technical
System length	20 km (12 mi) (26 km (16 mi) after stage 3 completion)
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Electrification	750 V DC overhead catenary
Average speed	27 km/h (17 mph)
Top speed	70 km/h (43 mph)

The G:link, also known as the Gold Coast Light Rail or Gold Coast Tram, is a special train system. It serves the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. This is the only light rail system in Queensland.

It's part of Translink's public transport network. The system has one line that is 20 km (12 mi) long. There are nineteen stations along this line. The G:link opened on 20 July 2014. It was later extended to Helensvale in December 2017.

Building the G:link

Why the Gold Coast Needed Trams

The Gold Coast is growing very fast. Its population increases by 2-3% each year. Because of this growth, the city needed better ways for people to travel. The idea for a light rail system came up in 1996.

In 2002, the Queensland and Australian Governments helped. They each gave $650,000 to study if a light rail was possible. A report in 2004 showed it was a good idea.

Starting the First Section

View of the G:link line from the Q1 building

In 2009, the Queensland Government promised $464 million for the project. The Australian Government added $365 million. The Gold Coast City Council also gave $120 million.

In June 2011, a group of companies called GoldLinQ won the contract. They would build and run the G:link for 18 years. This was a "Public Private Partnership." This means private companies work with the government.

Building started in July 2010 at the Gold Coast University Hospital station. By November 2013, most of the work was done. Testing of the trams began in October 2013. The G:link officially opened on 20 July 2014. The first day offered free travel for everyone.

Some properties and clubs had to move for the construction. For example, the Queens Park Tennis Club was relocated.

Extending North to Helensvale

Ramp built for the Gold Coast University Hospital station and for future extensions

An extension of 7.3 km (4.5 mi) was planned. This would take the G:link from Gold Coast University Hospital to Helensvale railway station. At Helensvale, people could switch to trains going to Brisbane.

New stops were built at Parkwood East and Parkwood. More parking spaces were also added. Four new trams were ordered for this extension. The trip on this new section takes about 11 minutes.

In 2015, the Queensland Government supported this extension. The Australian Government and Gold Coast City Council agreed to help pay. The total cost for this part was $420 million. Construction began in July 2016. The extension opened in time for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April 2018.

Future Plans: Stage 3 Extension

The Queensland Government, Gold Coast City Council, and Federal Government are planning more. They want to extend the G:link 6.4 km (4.0 mi) south. This new section will go from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads.

This project faced delays due to funding issues and the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction officially started in July 2022. Major building work, like laying tracks, began in 2023. This extension is expected to be ready by 2025.

New Stations and Route

Eight new stations will be built for Stage 3. The cost of this project is now about $1.2 billion. This is due to rising construction costs.

The new extension will follow the Gold Coast Highway. It will pass through areas like Mermaid Beach, Nobby's Beach, and Miami. This extension aims to make travel easier and reduce traffic.

Future Plans: Stage 4 Extension

The Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031 supports another future extension. This would take the G:link all the way to Coolangatta. It would also connect to the Gold Coast Airport.

This 14 km (8.7 mi) extension would continue south from Burleigh Heads. It would go through Palm Beach and Tugun. This would link the city's international airport to the light rail system. Plans for this stage are still being developed.

G:link Route and Stations

A map showing the G:link route, including future extensions

The single G:link line is 20-kilometre (12 mi) long. It runs from Helensvale railway station to Broadbeach South.

The line starts at Helensvale. It then goes past the Gold Coast University Hospital and Griffith University. It continues south through Southport. In Southport, it serves places like Australia Fair Shopping Centre and Broadwater Parklands.

The G:link crosses the Nerang River to Main Beach. Here, it serves Sea World. It then goes through Surfers Paradise. Stops here include Cavill Avenue, the heart of Surfers Paradise. It also passes the Q1 residential tower and SkyPoint.

Further south, it reaches Broadbeach. Stops here serve the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre and The Star Gold Coast. The line ends at Broadbeach South. This station is near Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. It also connects to buses for southern suburbs and the Gold Coast Airport. A full trip from one end to the other takes about 44 minutes.

There are nineteen stations on the line. Most stations are open-air structures at street level. The Gold Coast University Hospital station is underground. Many stations offer connections to bus services. Helensvale also connects to train services. Some stations have free parking lots. Cavill Avenue is the busiest station.

Trams and How They Work

The Trams (Rolling Stock)

A Bombardier Flexity 2 tram

Inside a G:link tram

The G:link uses 18 Bombardier Flexity 2 trams. These trams were built in Germany. They have low floors, making them easy to get on and off. They also have special spaces for wheelchairs, prams, and even surfboards!

These trams can go up to 70 km/h (43 mph). Each tram can carry 309 passengers, with seats for 80 people. Fourteen trams were first ordered. Four more were added for the Helensvale extension. More trams are being built.

How the System Operates

The G:link services are run by Keolis Downer. This is a company that manages public transport. Fares are set by Translink. All stations have go card readers for tickets. All G:link stations are in Zone 5 of Translink's fare system.

Trams run frequently throughout the day. During weekdays, they come every 7.5 minutes in busy times. On weekends, they come every 10 minutes. Late at night, services are less frequent. Early morning services are sometimes replaced by buses.

How Many People Ride the G:link?

The G:link has been very popular. In its first 100 days, over 1.74 million passengers used it. In its first year, 6.6 million passengers rode the G:link. The total number of public transport users on the Gold Coast increased by 25% after the G:link opened.

By February 2016, ten million passengers had ridden the G:link. Cavill Avenue was the busiest station, with almost 5,000 people boarding each day.

The table below shows how many people have used the G:link each year.

The pie chart shows how many people used different types of public transport on the Gold Coast in 2018–19.

2018–19 Transport patronage in Gold Coast by mode

Bus (46%)     Light rail (35%)     Heavy rail (19%)
	Bus	14 000 000
	Light rail	10 740 000
	Heavy rail	5 800 000

Challenges Faced

When the G:link was first planned, some people had concerns. They worried about the cost and how it would affect traffic. Some also disliked that certain trees had to be removed for construction.

One group even claimed the light rail was dangerous. However, after the G:link opened and became successful, many people changed their minds. Some residents who had opposed it even asked for a tram stop to be added in their area.