M1-beating seaplane is floated

A NEW seaplane service tipped to combat congestion woes for the Gold Coast to Brisbane commute may soon become reality, using what has been described as Australia’s first electric aircraft.

Ambitious plans caused a stir online after one Reddit user made clear their hopes of launching the service, saying they were “fed up of the carpark” between to the two cities.

The post, prompting almost 40 replies and more than 300 votes in two weeks, detailed proposed plans – some of which are likely to present obvious logistical pains.

“We’re looking for feedback if people would use a regular seaplane service departing the Broadwater and landing in Brisbane river CBD (20-minute flight) supported by Uber and electric scooter services,” user PapaJuliet88 wrote.

They said the unique mode of aerotransport would be “green and quiet”.

It follows revelations by chief executive of Victorian transport company Skyportz, Clem Newton-Brown, who said it hoped to launch flying electric taxis over Brisbane in time for the 2032 Olympics.

Though Glitter Strip plans remain in the early stages, return flights – to run each morning and afternoon – come with a proposed price tag of $150 a person each way.

Respondents detailed their views on the service in an accompanying poll, with 126 in favour of the idea, but in agreeance the cost was too high.

A further 22 respondents thought it was a “great idea”, while 55 users said they would “never use” the service.

Just one seaplane operator currently services the Gold Coast, offering scenic flights from the Broadwater area.