The state government has revealed three types of vehicles it is assessing for a new public transport system on the Sunshine Coast.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads stated that it is considering the design of ‘metro vehicles’ that could be used between Birtinya and Sunshine Coast Airport.
TMR is looking at examples around the world.
“We’re exploring a range of vehicles and emerging technologies,” the group stated via its project page.
The Irizar ie tram, Brisbane Metro, and lighTram are among the vehicles the department is studying.
Help us deliver more news by registering for our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your email at the bottom of this article.
The Irizar ie tram is an electric, tram-style bus built by a Spanish manufacturer that runs on rubber tyres but is designed to look and feel like light rail, with high capacity and zero tailpipe emissions.
The Brisbane Metro is a high-capacity, electric bus system operating in Brisbane, using long bi-articulated vehicles that run mostly on dedicated busways. It is designed to deliver rail-like capacity and frequency.
The lighTram is a Swiss-designed, multi-section articulated bus that can operate as a standard diesel, hybrid or electric vehicle. It is often used in bus rapid transit systems and offers light-rail-style capacity on roads rather than rails.
A TMR spokesperson said the local metro vehicle system “will meet high sustainability, efficiency and accessibility standards”.
“A dedicated corridor for high‑capacity, rubber‑wheeled vehicles is being investigated to provide a fast, reliable service separated from traffic to reduce congestion.
“Modern metro‑style vehicles offer light‑rail‑level capacity and passenger experience with the flexibility to operate both on a dedicated corridor and alongside general traffic.”
TMR stated that the three vehicles are “examples and not necessarily the preferred vehicle”.
“Vehicle technologies are continually evolving, and we are exploring vehicles from around the globe to shape the new public transport service.”
“At the same time, we’re closely monitoring the market for innovative and emerging technologies to ensure the Sunshine Coast is equipped with the best solution for the future.
“We want to make public transport experience comfortable and enjoyable. We learned from previous community engagement that accessibility and extra room for surfboards and storage for beach gear was important in a vehicle.”
Vehicles being assessed include air conditioning and vehicle accessibility for greater mobility, independence and inclusion for people living with disability.
The route would include stations at Birtinya, Mountain Creek, Maroochydore and the airport.
It represents Stage 3 of The Wave.
Stages 1 and 2 will consist of a new rail line between Beerwah and Birtinya. Stage 3 also includes the the Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade.
The multibillion-dollar project is expected to be completed before the 2032 Games.
