GOLDOC Supports GC2018 Traffic Measures Announced Today

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chairman Peter Beattie AC says everyone should have confidence that the Gold Coast’s road network – including the M1 (Pacific Motorway) – will function reliably during the 4-15 April 2018 event.

His comments follow today’s announcement by the Palaszczuk Government of a number of measures to keep the M1 and Gold Coast City flowing at Games time.

"The GC2018 transport consultation has been extensive and today’s announcement proves that the transport partners have listened and taken action," Mr Beattie said.

"We have consulted with all the peak bodies, including the RACQ and Queensland Trucking Association and many others.

"Initiatives such as the speed reductions proposed, freight lane restrictions, greater policing and measures designed to clear the roadway of obstructions faster have been proven in similar situations in Australia and overseas to work.

"As a result, people can have a high level of faith in the measures that will be implemented to keep cars and freight moving, the public transport system and the dedicated Games transport services," Mr Beattie said.

Mr Beattie said he hoped many people would also use the heavy and light rail systems as their preferred way of travelling to and from the Gold Coast.

"A heavy rail train of 750 people takes about 468 cars off the road," Mr Beattie said.

"The Coomera to Helensvale duplication will enable the number of services to be increased in each direction, supporting the service uplift required for the games.

"There are 1,800 cars an hour on one lane of the M1 which equals 2,000 people an hour.

"A light rail tram carries over 309 people safely, equivalent to six standard buses (80 seated).

"In fact, 40 buses taking spectators back to Brisbane would take the same capacity as one entire lane of the M1," he said.

Mr Beattie said the launch of the comprehensive GC2018 Transport Operations Plan in the coming weeks will instil even more confidence in residents and those locals and visitors looking to purchase tickets and attend the Games.

GOLDOC CEO Mark Peters said the recently-released GC2018 Ticketing Guide offers valuable travel tips to ticket buyers who will travel the Brisbane-Gold Coast corridor.

"The measures announced today are great, but people should also consider staying on the Gold Coast for an extended amount of time," Mr Peters said.

"There will be plenty to do with the 18 sports and all the Festival 2018 events and it’s really worth planning a longer stay to take it all in.

"GC2018 is going to be an incredible experience over its 11 days – something the Gold Coast and Queensland will have never experienced before," he said.

Ticket requests open this Monday (24 April) at noon at gc2018.com/tickets

The ticket price includes all ticket fees and free public transport on event day within the South East Queensland TransLink public transport network, the Cairns TransLink bus network and on the Townsville qconnect bus network when a valid event ticket is presented.

For more information, please contact:

Wayne Hickson - +61 407 028 917

Program Manager Communications and Media

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC)

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