Passenger Rail, Signalling & Communications

Gold Coast Games gets multi-agency transport centre

Tram stopped at Southport South on the Gold Coast Light Rail. Photo: Creative Commons / David Ansen

The Queensland Government has launched a new centre on the Gold Coast to help the transport system to respond to issues that arise during the Commonwealth Games.

The Transport Coordination Centre (TCC), a multi-agency facility in a location undisclosed to the public for security reasons, will be responsible for monitoring the transport system and responding to issues impacting upon trains, buses, light rail, road traffic and event shuttle buses during the Games.

“At any time, the TCC houses more than 100 experienced operators from the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the City of Gold Coast, GOLDOC, and Roads and Maritime Services for cross border management,” state transport minister Mark Bailey said.

“Representatives from QPS, QFES, QAS and ADF as well as public transport representatives from QR, light rail and bus operations will also play an active role in the centre.”

Along with its role in detecting and managing incidents, the centre is also to work with transport operators to provide the public with real-time travel advice on journey times and alternative routes.

The TCC will be supported by a new incident management system, which is able to log communications, report and tasks related to transport incidents across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns.

Bailey said that the TCC would remain after the completion of the Games and will continue to provide support for the transport network into the future.

“The centre will remain long after the GC2018’s closing ceremony as a legacy building detailing improved, ongoing, real-time advice for commuters, residents and visitors,” he said.

“The Gold Coast’s transport network has enhanced through an investment of almost $1 billion as part of preparedness for the Games, and to leave a lasting legacy.”