THE FIRST LADY OF COAST LIGHT RAIL

CHRISTMAS came early for tram enthusiast Colleen Carey.

Three years after getting her first taste of light rail, the Varsity Lakes resident woke up at 3.30am to catch the G from Broadbeach in the hopes of being aboard the maiden passenger voyage on the Helensvale link.

Ms Carey was aboard the inaugural tram journey on July 20, 2014 and secured her seat as one of the second stage’s first passengers.

But far from the cold and dark morning which saw the iconic blue and gold trams make their first journey, yesterday’s was resplendent in warmth, sunshine and largerthan-expected crowds eager to be part of history.

Decked out in a Christmas-themed outfit, Ms Carey said she was overjoyed to be among the first members of the public to experience both links.

“It has come a long way since the first tram ride three years ago,” she said.

“It was important for me to be on the tram for stage 2’s beginning. I wanted to see all the improvements and how far it has come.

“I am really excited about the idea for stage three to Burleigh. That would be great.”

Ms Carey said she was impressed by the new trams and the new route’s three stations.

“Wow, so far it is excellent, it runs smoothly and it’s very impressive,” she said.

Smiling faces abounded at the opening of stage two of the Gold Coast light rail yesterday (from left) Scanlon, Main Road Minister Mark Bailey, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, Deputy Premier Jackie Trad,

Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS Colleen Carey was one of the first to ride the light rail yesterday and in 2014 and still has her original ticket to prove it.