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 (GCLR). At the end of 2011, Keolis Downer Gold Coast was signed on to be the operator and maintainer of the system.
Keolis Downer is a joint venture between Keolis and Downer, forming Australia’s largest provider of multi-modal public transport. Keolis Downer commenced it’s Australian operations in 2009 by forming a separate rail operations and maintenance company and winning a competitive tender for the Melbourne Yarra Trams franchise.
Stage 1 construction of the Gold Coast Light Rail commenced early in 2012, comprised of 14 trams, providing a 7.5 minute frequency over 13km of track stopping at 16 stations along the route.
Handover of the Depot to Keolis Downer 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 Operators (LRVO) to be trained ready to commence operations in mid-2014. Stage 1 officially opened on 20 July 2014.
In 2015 the Queensland Government announced a 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 three new stations, two park and ride facilities and four additional trams. Stage 2 officially opened 17 December 2017.
Construction of Stage 3 which is currently underway will see a 6.7km extension from Broadbeach South station to Burleigh Heads including eight new light rail stations and five additional light rail vehicles. Construction of Stage 3 commenced in 2023, taking place across five distinct phases. Learn more on the Department of Transport and Main Roads website or visit the project website.
Planning has begun for Stage 4, a 13km extension linking Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta via the Gold Coast Airport. Stay up to date on Stage 4 by visiting the Department of Transport and Main Roads website.
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.
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.
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.
