FAST FACTS ON CITY’S RAIL TRACKS

1 The Gold Coast railway service received a significant boost to its capacity in late 2017 with the $163 million duplication of 8.2km of track between Coomera and Helensvale. The project was completed for the Commonwealth Games and included eight new bridges.

2 A study released in 2017 revealed the number of people using the city’s railway was expected to increase significantly in coming decades, with the growth of patronage expected to sit at 6.9 per cent each year until 2026. Queensland Treasury forecasts contained in the study showed the number of Coast residents working in Brisbane will increase from 22,000 in 2010-11 to 45,000 in 2040-41.

3 Of more than 1200 people surveyed by the Gold Coast Bulletin for the Golden Age campaign, 76 per cent say travelling by train is too expensive and 77 per cent would use the service if the fare was reduced to $5 one way.

4 Public transport figures released in 2017 revealed there had been a 30 per cent increase in the number of Gold Coasters using public transport, including trains, buses and the light rail. This number is expected to increase again this year.

5 Three new heavy rail stations will be built on the Gold Coast by the State Government as part of the Cross River Rail project which will increase the network’s capacity.