- Bus network improvements to begin from 7 September, helping customers make the most of the newly opened Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 extension.
- This includes a new Route 701, which will deliver frequent connections between The Pines, Elanora, Burleigh Heads, Varsity Lakes and Robina.
- Improved bus network will add 167 weekday services and 112 weekend services across the southern Gold Coast.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment to better connections across the Gold Coast - with bus, light rail and heavy rail services working together to create a more integrated public transport network.
The Crisafulli Government is building on the successful opening of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3, with a revamped bus network to launch on 7 September, delivering more services, better connections and greater public transport choice across the southern Gold Coast.
Since opening, the light rail extension to Burleigh Heads has connected more Queenslanders with jobs, education, entertainment and local businesses, marking a major milestone in the transformation of the Gold Coast's transport network.
The Crisafulli Government has a plan and is delivering a network that the growing region needs after the former Labor Government had no plan for the Gold Coast's future transport.
From 7 September, bus services will be updated to work alongside the new light rail extension, ensuring customers can move seamlessly between buses, light rail and heavy rail while reducing duplicated services and strengthening local connections.
The changes include the introduction of the new Route 701, a frequent service operating every 15 minutes between The Pines and Robina Station via Elanora, Burleigh Heads and Varsity Lakes Station.
The improved network will deliver a 25 per cent increase in weekday services, including an additional 167 bus trips, and a 19 per cent increase in weekend services, including an additional 112 bus trips.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the changes would ensure Gold Coasters received the full benefit of the new light rail extension.
"Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 has already transformed the way people move around the city, connecting Burleigh Heads to the wider public transport network and providing more travel options for residents and visitors," Minister Mickelberg said.
"These bus network improvements are the next step, ensuring buses, light rail and heavy rail work together as one integrated transport network across the southern Gold Coast.
"By reducing duplication between buses and trams, we're able to reinvest services into stronger local connections, more frequent services and better access to key destinations."
Member for Currumbin Laura Gerber said the network changes would be welcomed by Gold Coast locals.
"The new Route 701 will provide an important link between Elanora, Burleigh Heads, Varsity Lakes and Robina, creating better connections to jobs, education and essential services," Ms Gerber said.
"By improving integration between buses, light rail and heavy rail, we're giving people more choice about how they travel and making it easier to leave the car at home."
Member for Burleigh Hermann Vorster said the improvements would deliver a more connected public transport network for the southern Gold Coast.
"Light rail is not the end of our transport journey in Burleigh," Mr Vorster said.
"We are continuing the work to better connect our community and give more people convenient and reliable public transport options ahead of the delivery of the GC Surfer.
"These improvements will make it easier for locals to get where they need to go and deliver a better-connected public transport network across the southern Gold Coast."
The network changes also include updates to Routes 700, 70, 754, 764, 765, 777 and 760, providing improved connections to the new light rail corridor and key destinations across the southern Gold Coast.
Customers are encouraged to plan ahead before the changes commence on 7 September by visiting the Translink website, using the Translink app or calling 13 12 30.
