Stage 3 of the Gold Coast Light Rail network has entered passenger service, extending the system by 6.7 kilometres and adding eight new stations to one of Australia’s busiest light rail corridors. Alstom has delivered key rail systems for the latest extension, including telecommunications, signalling and control systems. The technology has been integrated with an upgraded Operational Control Centre and a new Disaster Recovery Centre to support reliable and resilient operations across the expanded network.
The Stage 3 extension increases the total Gold Coast Light Rail network to 27 kilometres, connecting Helensvale with Burleigh Heads and extending light rail services into the southern part of the Gold Coast. Eight new stations have opened as part of the project, taking the total number of stations on the network to 27. Five additional Flexity 2 trams manufactured, tested and commissioned by Alstom are supporting the extended route. This takes the total number of Alstom-maintained Flexity 2 trams operating across the network to 23. The trams were developed and manufactured at Alstom’s facility in Vienna, Austria, while fleet maintenance is carried out by Alstom on the Gold Coast.
Guillaume Tritter, Managing Director, Alstom Australia and New Zealand, said the Gold Coast Light Rail network is among the company’s most recognisable projects, combining modern public transport infrastructure with the city’s distinctive coastal environment. He said supporting all three stages through tram maintenance, digital infrastructure and signalling demonstrates both Alstom’s technology capabilities and the expertise of its local Queensland team.
As a long-term partner to GoldlinQ, the delivery consortium for Gold Coast Light Rail, Alstom has supplied the complete light rail fleet and key systems supporting the network. The company is also responsible for maintaining the tram fleet. Alstom said its maintenance operations have supported high levels of fleet availability, with individual trams travelling more than 100,000 kilometres each year. The network carries millions of passengers and tourists, making reliable tram operations an important part of Gold Coast’s transport infrastructure.
For Stage 3, Alstom provided the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of telecommunications, signalling and control systems. These systems connect with the upgraded control centre to support coordinated operation across the enlarged network.
The project supports the Queensland Government’s objective of developing an integrated light rail system for the Gold Coast. The expansion has been funded through contributions from the Australian Government, Queensland Government and local governments.
With the opening of Stage 3, the Gold Coast Light Rail network now provides a continuous 27-kilometre route from Helensvale to Burleigh Heads. The latest extension strengthens public transport connectivity across the region and provides additional capacity for residents and visitors travelling along the Gold Coast.
