On 6 May 2011, the Queensland Government announced the GoldlinQ Consortium as the successful proponent to operate Queensland’s first light rail system on the Gold Coast. Keolis and Downer were part of the Consortium that was put together to respond to the complete package of designing, building, financing, operating and maintaining the Gold Coast Light Rail. At the end of 2011, Keolis Downer Gold Coast was signed on to be the operator and maintainer of the system.
In December 2025 Keolis and Downer signed an agreement for Keolis to buy Downer’s shares in the Keolis Downer joint venture. The Keolis Group, who was already the majority shareholder in the joint venture, become sole shareholder of its Australian activities.
Keolis is a leading operator and integrator of public transport in Australia, enabling over 100 million passenger journeys each year. With more than 3,500 employees across five states and our head office in Melbourne, we deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable mobility solutions that connect communities and enhance everyday journeys.
Stage 1 construction of the Gold Coast Light Rail commenced early in 2012, and comprised of 14 trams, 13km of track and 16 stations along the route. The first stage was officially launched on 20 July 2014.
In 2015 the Queensland Government announced the preferred route for Stage 2, running from Helensvale station to connect with Stage 1 at the Gold Coast University Hospital station, delivering a seamless connection with heavy rail. Stage 2 construction commenced in 2016, extending the network by 7.3km with 3 new stations, 2 park and ride facilities and 4 additional trams. Stage 2 officially opened 17 December 2017.
Construction of Stage 3 commenced in 2023, with a 6.7km extension from Broadbeach South station to Burleigh Heads, and included 8 new stations and 5 additional trams. Stage 3 officially opened 9 August 2026.
In June 2026, the Queensland Government announced plans to extend Gold Coast Light Rail to connect Harbour Town at Biggera Waters with Gold Coast University Hospital.
Timeline
Keolis and Downer form a joint venture transport operations company.
The GoldlinQ consortium submitted a tender for the Gold Coast Light Rail (GCLR).
In June 2011, GoldlinQ was awarded the contract to design, build, operate and maintain Stage 1 of the light rail system.
Construction of the Gold Coast Light Rail commences.
Keolis Downer Gold Coast moves into Depot and first trams arrive.
Gold Coast Light Rail officially launches its first service.
Construction of Stage 2 extension to Helensvale commences.
Stage 2 officially launches connecting light rail to heavy rail at Helensvale station.
Successful delivery of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games moving over 1.1 million passengers.
G:link celebrates 5th birthday.
Construction commences for Stage 3 extension to Burleigh Heads.
Stage 3 officially launches, connecting Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads.
Keolis and Downer form a joint venture transport operations company.
The GoldlinQ consortium submitted a tender for the Gold Coast Light Rail (GCLR).
In June 2011, GoldlinQ was awarded the contract to design, build, operate and maintain Stage 1 of the light rail system.
Construction of the Gold Coast Light Rail commences.
Keolis Downer Gold Coast moves into Depot and first trams arrive.
Gold Coast Light Rail officially launches its first service.
Construction of Stage 2 extension to Helensvale commences.
Stage 2 officially launches connecting light rail to heavy rail at Helensvale station.
Successful delivery of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games moving over 1.1 million passengers.
G:link celebrates 5th birthday.
Construction commences for Stage 3 extension to Burleigh Heads.
Stage 3 officially launches, connecting Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads.