KDR Gold Coast was borne out of the opportunity to develop an iconic city transport system for the Gold Coast that would meet future transport needs.
As a leading global tram operator, Keolis Downer commenced it’s Australian operations in 2008 by forming a separate rail operations and maintenance company and winning a competitive tender for the Melbourne Yarra Trams franchise.
Keolis is a large privately owned company and one of the world’s leading tram operators across 12 countries. Downer EDI Ltd provides comprehensive design engineering, infrastructure and asset management services to the transport, energy and resources sectors across Australia , New Zealand, UK and Asia Pacific.
In 2010, the operator–led GoldLinQ consortium tendered for the Gold Coast light rail project. On signing the contract at the end of 2011, KDR Gold Coast was signed on to be the operator and maintainer of the system, along with McConnell Dowell and Bombardier Transport who jointly delivered the design and construction of the system.
KDR Gold Coast is part of a consortium put together to respond to the complete package of design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Gold Coast light rail system. Construction of the light rail system commenced early in 2012 and in February 2012 Vivienne King was appointed as Managing Director of KDR Gold Coast. From 2012 the business grew as management expertise was obtained both internationally and locally.
Handover of the Depot to KDR Gold Coast and delivery of the first trams occurred in 2013. The balance of the trams were delivered early in 2014 enabling the team of light rail vehicle drivers to be trained ready to commence operations in mid-2014. Today there are more than 150 employees of whom the majority are LRV drivers and customer facing employees.
We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this area, including the Yugambeh people and family groups within, and recognise their connection to the land, waters and resources in the area now known as the Gold Coast. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
