Gold Coast Light Rail Reaches Burleigh Heads in Stage 3

Gold Coast Light Rail has opened its third stage, extending the network by 6.7 km to Burleigh Heads and adding eight new stations. Alstom supplied the signalling, telecommunications and control systems for the extension and continues to maintain the network’s 23 trams.

Alstom has completed the signalling, telecommunications and control systems needed to bring Stage 3 of the Gold Coast Light Rail into passenger service. The work included the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the new systems. They are connected to an upgraded Operational Control Centre, which is now backed by a new Disaster Recovery Centre.

Stage 3 adds 6.7 km of new track, taking the Gold Coast Light Rail network to a total length of 27 km. Passengers can now travel by light rail from Helensvale to Burleigh Heads, extending the system further into the southern part of the Gold Coast. Eight new stations have opened with the extension, bringing the total number of stops across the network to 27.

Alstom Supplied Signalling and Control Systems for Stage 3

Alstom has worked with GoldlinQ, the delivery consortium behind Gold Coast Light Rail, across all three stages of the project. For the latest extension, the company supplied the telecommunications, signalling and control systems required to connect the new section with the existing network.

The upgraded systems feed into the network’s Operational Control Centre, while the new Disaster Recovery Centre provides additional backup for control operations. Alstom has also supplied the entire tram fleet used on the route.

23 Alstom Trams Now Operate on the Gold Coast

As of now, 23 trams are currently in operation on the Gold Coast Light Rail network. The vehicles were developed and built at Alstom’s site in Vienna, Austria, while maintenance is carried out locally on the Gold Coast.

According to Alstom, each tram travels more than 100,000 km per year. The company says it has maintained a near-perfect level of fleet availability while supporting the service. The route is one of Australia’s busiest light rail systems and carries both local passengers and visitors along the Gold Coast.

Guillaume Tritter, Managing Director of Alstom Australia and New Zealand, said: "The Gold Coast Light Rail fleet, with its surfboard racks and picturesque vistas is certainly one of the most iconic networks in the world. To have supported all three stages with tram maintenance, digital infrastructure and signalling technology that makes the network operate, is testament both to the global technology leadership of Alstom, and the local expertise of our team in Queensland."

Alstom worked on the project as a subcontractor to the GoldlinQ consortium. Its role has covered both the rolling stock and key railway systems needed to operate the route, while fleet maintenance has continued throughout the network’s expansion.

Stage 3 Completes the Current Gold Coast Light Rail Extension

The Gold Coast Light Rail was developed with funding from the Australian, Queensland and local governments as part of plans to expand rapid public transport along the coastal corridor. With Stage 3 now open, the network reaches 27 km and 27 stations, linking Helensvale with Burleigh Heads.