Gold Coast light rail axed, replaced by metro-style buses

Queensland's government is replacing a canceled light rail project on the Gold Coast with a new bus service. The "Gold Coast Surfer" buses will connect Coolangatta to Burleigh Heads and west to Robina, aiming to provide better public transport ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Premier David Crisafulli stated the project reflects community feedback after the stage-four light rail plan was scrapped nine months ago due to opposition and an estimated $10 billion cost. He described the bus service as "generational infrastructure" that will improve public transport from Robina to the Gold Coast Airport, supporting the city's growth and protecting residents' lifestyles.

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We are delivering infrastructure for a growing state to protect the lifestyle of the people already here. This means better public transport from Robina to the Gold Coast airport. That's generational infrastructure, and that's a plan for growth for this city.

Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg highlighted the service's frequency, with buses running every 10 minutes. He called it a "game changer" that offers a genuine alternative to driving. A detailed design process is underway, but the specific costs for the bus service have not yet been announced.

The government also plans to extend the northern leg of the existing light rail from Gold Coast University Hospital to Harbour Town. The state's Transport and Main Roads budget will receive a record $55.9 billion for various transport improvements.

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Metro-style services, 10-minute headways … that will be a game changer. This is about delivering a genuine alternative to getting in the car. This is a game changer for the Gold Coast, and we are getting on with the job of delivering the infrastructure.