The Department of Transport and Main Roads has announced the preferred vehicle option for a major public transport project in the region.
Following a rigorous process, bus rapid transit has been identified as the likely choice for Sunshine Coast Public Transport.
The decision marks a major milestone for the project during its 12-year history and essentially puts to an end to the alternative option, light rail.
Sunshine Coast Public Transport is expected to improve connections from Maroochydore to Caloundra, and link with the proposed Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line service.
The selection of bus rapid transit means rubber-tyred vehicles would operate on a dedicated right-of-way basis that provides an exclusive separated route from other road traffic for the sole use of public transport.
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Technologies are continually evolving with several variations of the bus rapid transit vehicle type emerging within the market, such as trackless trams, which operate on rubber wheels and follow line marking on the road surface.
The move puts to rest an alternative option for light rail, which was also under consideration, and eliminates community concerns about overhead wires, fixed steel tracks and noise.
There was also considerable opposition to the light rail option.
TMR recently released proposed locations for 18 stations and possible design elements for about half of the proposed route.
A total of $15 million has been allocated for the detailed business case, with the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council each contributing $5 million.
Further work to complete the detailed business case will continue including further technical investigations and assessments to refine the design of the corridor for bus rapid transit, including station locations and active transport opportunities.
This government has fast tracked works on planning, with the business case also almost complete for Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line.
State Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said bus rapid transit would help accommodate a growing population.
“The growth on the Sunshine Coast is unparalleled and we need more sustainable ways for people to travel around the region,” he said.
“A rapid bus transit option will be best placed to deliver for the needs of Sunshine Coast locals, based on the details feedback received throughout consultation.
“It is intended that bus transport will integrate with the broader vision for mass transit on the Sunshine Coast, underpinned by the Sunshine Coast Direct line.”
State Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said more work was needed to make it become a reality.
“The next step will be completion of a detailed business case to understand how and when a rapid bus solution could be delivered,” he said.
“We understand the needs of our community and want to deliver the best outcome that will get people where they need to be.
“This bus transit project will work in partnership with the major Bruce Highway, local road and public transport solutions currently being progressed under our government.”
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said a milestone had been reached.
“We have been on this transport planning journey since 2011 and set strong strategic foundations in place that have allowed the project to progress as part of the current Detailed Business Case phase,” he said.
“Council welcomes the state government proceeding with the detailed business case for the Sunshine Coast Public Transport Project and for arriving at a conclusion that will provide an outstanding public transport system for the Sunshine Coast.
“Bus Rapid Transit is an area of amazing technological advancement and offers a standard of service that will attract people to use this comfortable, frequent and reliable public transport system.
“The technological advancements are continuing with vehicles such as the E Tram (trackless tram), which while rubber-tyred like a bus, offer outstanding passenger comfort and ride quality.
“Today marks a new milestone for everyone who has played a key role in the project’s iconic past, especially our local community.
“I would like to acknowledge the cooperative working arrangements with the state and federal government to move forward with this essential infrastructure project for the Sunshine Coast, one which will help shape our future and retain our liveability.”
The Australian Government last month confirmed its support of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail line, with $1.6 billion reserved in the forward Infrastructure Investment Pipeline towards this project, noting costings will be updated post-business case and market engagement.
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