TRAM TRAFFIC BUSTER

Report: CBD, Chevron Island congestion eased

TRAFFIC has dropped in parts of Southport and Chevron Island since the introduction of the light rail network, according to a new report to the city council.

But if you drive on the Gold Coast Hwy through the heart of Surfers Paradise you’re in trouble.

Overall, tram passenger numbers increased 27 per cent following the opening of the second stage to Helensvale in December 2017.

TRAFFIC has dropped in the Gold Coast CBD and congestion eased on Chevron Island since the introduction of the light rail network, according to a new report to the city council.

But the Gold Coast Hwy through the heart of Surfers Paradise continues to be dogged by substantial increases in traffic.

Councillors were yesterday given several reports prepared by council officers and the Griffith University Cities Research Institute

Those at council’s planning committee meeting were told the trams had been a “resounding success” since light rail began operating on the Coast in July 2014.

Key findings included a 44.6 per cent fewer vehicles in Scarborough St, between Young and Short streets, at Southport. The data covered the years 2015 and 2017.

Traffic also decreased 18.8 per cent on the Gold Coast Hwy south of Ada Bell Way, and 14.4 per cent on Thomas Dr, between the East Bridge and Stanhill Dr, at Chevron Island.

But the number of vehicles on the Gold Coast Hwy between Elkhorn and Cavill avenues spiked 23.4 per cent.

The report also found a net increase at eight pedestrian locations. Pedestrian numbers along Hooker Blvd between the Broadbeach South station and Pacific Fair increased by 104 per cent.

Overall, tram passenger numbers increased 20.1 per cent on average each day, and to 27 per cent following the opening of the second stage to Helensvale in December 2017.

In terms of average daily boardings, the biggest increases were at Broadbeach South station (31 per cent), Gold Coast University Hospital station (16.7 per cent) and Cavill Avenue station (15.9 per cent).

Researchers found that between 2013 and 2017, at least 1600 metres of inactive frontages across the light rail corridor had been replaced with “active” properties. Council data for development applications show 80 projects were approved between January 2016 and December 2017.

“Roadside dining venues overall have increased throughout the corridor,” the report said. “There have been significant increases in Southport and Broadbeach venues, while Surfers Paradise and Chevron Island have seen declines.”

Planning committee chair Cameron Caldwell said light rail had sparked a “reinvigoration of the centre of our city”.

“People are moving around much more easily on the light rail. It has been an outstanding success,” Cr Caldwell said.

Given the boost in population, the council had expected there would be an increase in traffic movements across the city including in Surfers Paradise, he said.

“But the light rail provides a really good alternative for people to get out of their cars and get on to public transport,” he said. “The light rail exceeds all expectations. It delivers wonderful public transport on a day-to-day basis but also services our events.”