Emma Trueman

$250 Million Rail Upgrade:

The Queensland State government’s $250 million rail upgrade was completed in January 2008; it’s purpose being to address the over-crowded trains, and service frequency between Brisbane and The Gold Coast. Since the completion of it this year, was the project successful and beneficial to commuters? Or was it a government spending blow out?

As well as the upgrade including improvements to stations disability services and access, better footbridges and shelter were added to stations as well as increased security and information services. An additional track line was built in order to facilitate for extra trains and increase service frequency between Beenleigh and the Gold Coast.

As well as these new rail developments, plans for the new Varsity Lakes station are underway. This station will be the first eco friendly station which will use recycled materials and solar energy.

By the sounds of it, the Gold Coast are in for some exciting new changes to the public transport system which will hopefully address the problem of growing population numbers and climate change.