Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games partners have released the transport blueprint to deliver safe, secure, reliable and accessible transport services for the Games.
Minister for Commonwealth Games, Kate Jones, said the Transport Operations Plan (TOP) outlined the best way for spectators and thousands more workforce, volunteers, athletes, officials and media to get to venues.
“We want the Commonwealth Games to be a great experience for everyone and that’s why we’ve been working so hard to plan reliable transport options at Games time,” Ms Jones said.
“We also want to minimise the impact on local residents on the Gold Coast and event cities Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville.
“The TOP provides residents and businesses with information they need with changes to transport services and road networks during GC2018.”
Ms Jones said GOLDOC, the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the City of Gold Coast developed the TOP in consultation with the transport industry, business and the local community.
“The TOP details some key improvements to the transport and road networks to support the Games, including a network of park ‘n’ ride sites, Games shuttle buses and additional rail services.
“During the three-month consultation period, we heard from more than 700 transport operators, local businesses and residents,” Ms Jones said.
“Their feedback has been incorporated into our Transport Operations Plan and people can have confidence we will help get spectators to and from the Games on time.”
City of Gold Coast Acting Mayor, Donna Gates, said the TOP included a strong focus on local road network solutions.
“The City and partners are already providing local businesses and residents with specific details about local changes to traffic networks with our travel demand management initiative, Get Set for the Games,” Ms Gates said.
“With the TOP launched, we are outlining our forward plan for engagement with residents and businesses around each venue.
“By making small changes to the way they travel, residents and visitors will keep the city moving and help deliver a great Games.”
GOLDOC Chairman, Peter Beattie AC, said Games transport planning would continue up until April 2018.
“We all know that well planned and efficient transport operations will be critical to the success of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games,” Mr Beattie said.
“Planning has been underway for some time to make sure the transport system can effectively balance the needs of the athletes, officials, spectators, workforce, volunteers and regular commuters during the Games.
“Right across the transport network we are acting on many of the practical suggestions made during the consultation period, such as locating bike racks as close to venues as possible and promoting walking and other forms of active travel.”
GOLDOC CEO, Mark Peters, said the increased demand on traffic networks and transport system had to be managed well to support a successful GC2018.
“The release of the GC2018 Transport Operations Plan details what will be required and allows people to plan early,” Mr Peters said.
“Industry groups have requested ongoing involvement in the transport planning in the lead-up to GC2018 and we are committed to that.”
