Gold Coast Light Rail has marked its third birthday — chalking up record growth for the third consecutive year and moving almost eight million passengers last financial year.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad said the Gold Coast’s iconic light rail was going from strength to strength with a 27% increase in patronage since 2014/15.

“The G:Link has been a success on so many levels for the Gold Coast and has fundamentally changed the way people move around the Coast,” Ms Trad said.

“Light rail is now such a vital link in our integrated transport network of buses, trains and trams on the Coast with an average of 665,000 people a month travelling on the G:.

“When Light Rail Stage 2 opens, passengers will be able to travel through the Gold Coast University Hospital to Helensvale, which will provide a state-of-the art one-transfer connection to the heart of Brisbane.

“Trams will play an important part in showcasing our world-class transport system during the upcoming Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games where more than six million additional trips are forecast across the Gold Coast transport network.”

GoldlinQ Chairman John Witheriff said patronage of nearly eight million trips in the third year of operations demonstrated that passenger growth had continued in the now established system.

“Each year almost 1.5 million people board the tram at Cavill Avenue station alone and with the Stage 2 extension to come on-line ahead of the Games, we look forward to moving more people each and every day,” Mr Witheriff said.

“The local community and visitors have continued to use light rail to move around the city for business and leisure.

“Light rail is now synonymous with the Gold Coast and I am sure the G: will continue to have a positive impact on the community for many years to come.”

Paid passenger services on G:link commenced on 21 July 2014 following a fare free community day.

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