My other major criticism of this project proposal is that it seems like they're trying to do it on the cheap. While linking the Griffith University campus with the Helensvale train station is certainly a good idea, why do we need to choose between a route via Harbour Town (H1) or a faster route via Parkwood (H2)?
Why not spend a couple of extra dollars and do both?
In fact, why not make more of a network out of it, rather than restrict it to a single line? Here's a sketch I submitted to the GCRT project officer. There are a number of shopping centres, retirement homes, hotels and large residential complexes which would benefit from improved public transport services. I can't believe that the Grand Hotel and Aqua have been omitted from QT's plans.
My local member, Peta-Kaye Croft has suggested adding a new bus line to link Runaway Bay shopping centre directly with Helensvale station. Currently, all residents north of Harbour Town must transfer to another bus service (which generally involves another 15 minute wait, exposed to the elements) in order to get to Helensvale.I don't care if the eventual GCRT map looks exactly as per my sketch, but I sure hope it doesn't look as cheap and pathetic as shown in the current proposals. I'm not going to go through all the maths again, but honestly, I think that public transport on the Gold Coast warrants more than 10% of the "main roads and transport" budget...
1 comments:
I concur about a direct service from Runaway to Helensvale (my preference would eb to connect Coomera, Dreamworld, Sanctuary Cove, Paradise Point and Runaway Bay via a single direct route along the M1 and Oxley Drive). However, building a rapid transit system in such low density areas is just balderdash. Build it in areas of high density and let Surfside get on with providing high-quality 15m frequency bus routes to connect the main east west spines of QR and GCRT, which will be possible withou t such long highway services being required once GCRT is built.
Drawing lines on a map is something anybody can do (noticeably the Greens). Delivering such a complex and vital project requires some expertise and knowledge of land planning, not just dreaming out loud.
Far from being 'cheap and pathetic', I consider GCRT to be well thought out, as opposed to your silly squiggling. It logically connects key activity centres instead of meandering all over the place when direct bus routes would be faster, easier to implement and have sufficient capacity to cater for future growth.
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