In 2021, Sunshine Coast Council endorsed its Mass Transit Options Analysis Report, which considered 5 options for an enhanced public transport connection, including:
The project was then handed to TMR to lead a Detailed Business Case (DBC) for the project. A key component of the DBC has involved undertaking a detailed assessment of each of the above 5 options, so options could be narrowed down and progressed for further consideration.
TMR undertook an analysis of all of SCC's options and assessed each against a set of criteria, to assist in comparing various components for each.
The criteria considered factors including:
This process was undertaken in line with Infrastructure Australia guidelines.
In order to provide a public transport solution that accommodates the needs and growing population of the Sunshine Coast, a dedicated 'right-of way' needs to be provided and protected.
A right-of-way provides an exclusive separated route from the other road traffic, for the sole use of public transport.
A right-of-way delivers on TMR's vision for future public transport. It ensures reliability through services being able to turn up regardless of traffic conditions or congestion, leading to improved frequency, resulting in greater punctuality.
As a result of the process described above, bus rapid transit and light rail have been progressed for further investigation.
Bus rapid transit vehicles run on rubber wheels on the road surface within dedicated lanes.
Bus rapid transit vehicle technologies are continually evolving with several variations of this vehicle type emerging. This includes vehicles like trackless trams, which operate on rubber wheels and follow line marking on the road surface. Technologies like this are rapidly developing and changing. TMR will monitor the market to determine if other variations present a suitable outcome.
Light rail vehicles operate on a fixed track and are typically driven electrically, with power potentially drawn from an overhead electric line.
Wireless light rail vehicle options are being explored, however, the extent to which overhead wires may be required on the corridor will be determined in part by the power requirements for the vehicle between charging locations.
Both bus rapid transit and light rail share several similarities and the same goal of transporting a large number of passengers to key destinations, in a reliable, frequent, sustainable and accessible way that accommodates the region's growing needs well into the future.
Key to these benefits is the provision of a dedicated right-of-way.
While many of the technical specifications between the bus rapid transit and light rail options are comparable, their differences are few.
Bus rapid transit vehicles operate using rubber tyres, while light rail vehicles operate using steel wheels on fixed tracks.
Light rail vehicles often require overhead wires (also called catenary) and other electrical infrastructure to help facilitate power to the vehicle. TMR acknowledges the community’s preference to minimise or eliminate the need for overhead wires and is exploring wireless light rail options as part of the project.
Bus rapid transit vehicles have onboard energy storage systems (batteries) and may require some flash charging devices at major interchange stations.
These specifications are based on reference vehicles used for business case analysis only.
These reference vehicles are similar to those being used for Brisbane Metro (for bus rapid transit) and Gold Coast Light Rail (for light rail).
TMR will examine all vehicle technologies and types available in the market at the time of procurement.
Use the slider below to see some the visual similarities and differences between bus rapid transit and light rail.
Further detailed assessments for each option are continuing to be undertaken, in order to help identify a preferred mode. Community feedback, obtained previously and through this consultation, will be considered as part of this process.
For more project information on what's happening in your region visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects
Other Queensland Government consultations can also be found at www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au
