By definition, a mass transit system, also called a rapid transit system, enables the movement of large volumes of people using frequent and efficient group travel vehicles and technologies. It is intended to provide local trips to key areas and destinations, where passengers can also transfer to other connecting public transport services, including the Direct Sunshine Coast (DSC) Rail Line.

The Sunshine Coast is a highly desired place to live, work, play and grow, and is home to 393,000 locals and enjoyed by more than 3.8 million holidaymakers every year. Locals and visitors combined make more than 1.1 million trips each day. Currently, residents in the region have one of the highest private vehicle ownership rates in Australia due to limited competitive transport options. These factors have lead to increased traffic volumes on major arterials and growing congestion throughout the road network.

An improved public transport system will help meet forecast increased demand for public transport services and population growth facing the region, and support more than 500,000 residents, 87,000 more dwellings and 800,000 additional daily trips by 2041.

For more information about the vision for a future public transport system for the southern Sunshine Coast area, view the Southern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy.

TMR acknowledges the significant community engagement previously undertaken by Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) in 2021 and the time taken by members of the community to provide their feedback.

We have captured and are considering the input already provided through SCC's engagement, and further consultations led by TMR.

In line with the Southern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy, which sets out the department's vision for a future public transport system for the southern Sunshine Coast area, the project is identified as a strategic connector to support the Coastal Corridor.

The Coastal Corridor is comprised of several existing state and local roads between Maroochydore and Birtinya, including Aerodrome Road, Alexandra Parade, Brisbane Road, Nicklin Way, Main Drive and Kawana Way.

Through the previous work of the Coast Connect project, the identified corridor is now protected under the provisions of the Transport Planning and Coordination Act 1994.

Planning for Sunshine Coast Public Transport project will continue to utilise the identified corridor, which provides access and connectivity to key destinations and major retail, sporting and business precincts.

The Southern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy sets out a proposed vision and direct for public transport for the southern Sunshine Coast. Planning for the future network includes a western corridor (the North Coast Rail Line), a centre corridor (Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line), a coastal corridor (Sunshine Coast Public Transport project) and the key connectors (connections between the three corridors).

The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line will provide medium and longer distance trips, including to/from the Sunshine Coast and between the region's economic centres, while the Sunshine Coast Public Transport project will enable local travel through short distance public transport trips.

The two services will connect to make it easier for people to travel by public transport.

Heavy passenger rail, as is planned for the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, is not suitable for local travel in and between the coastal suburbs due to the amount of infrastructure required.

The detailed business case is expected to be completed in mid-2025. At this point, the project can be considered for funding for detailed design and construction.

The Australian Government, Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council have each contributed $5 million towards to the detailed business case.

Further funding is required to progress design and delivery of the project. The detailed business case, once complete, will provide greater clarification on the additional funding required to undertake these phases once a preferred option is identified.