Have Your Say on the Gold Coast’s Transport Future
The future of transport on the Gold Coast has become one of the city’s most contentious debates.
At the centre of that debate is the proposed extension of the light rail system further south. There are strong views on both sides, particularly among people living and working in the southern Gold Coast communities that would be most directly affected.
People from across the Gold Coast use the transport network, while visitors from surrounding areas also rely on it to get around. Further extension has been put on hold but traffic issues remain a problem and that problem is only going to become worse.
That’s why The People Say is launching a research campaign to find out what people actually think.
Team Tram or Team Bus?
We want to hear from supporters of both sides of the debate. If you believe extending the tram is the best solution, you can support Team Tram. If you believe buses, or an improved bus network, offer a better solution, you can support Team Bus. Or, if you think there is a better combination or different alternative, you can vote for Team Alternate when you make a submission.
But this isn’t simply an online vote. We want to understand why people hold their views.
You can make a submission explaining what you think, what experiences have shaped your opinion and what evidence or information you believe should be considered.
You can also contribute information, research, reports, links and other material that you think strengthens the case for either side.
Harnessing the wisdom of the crowd
The aim is to bring together the knowledge, experiences and perspectives of as many people as possible.
Rather than simply asking whether people support or oppose the tram, we want to explore the arguments behind those positions and identify the issues that matter most.
What are the benefits of light rail?
What are its disadvantages?
Could buses provide a better alternative?
Are there other transport solutions that deserve greater consideration?
And do people living closest to the proposed route see the issue differently from people elsewhere on the Gold Coast?
By gathering those perspectives and examining the information people contribute, The People Say aims to build a clearer picture of community opinion and the reasoning behind it.
Ultimately, the objective is simple: harness the wisdom of the crowd to help identify the best transport solution for the Gold Coast.
Have your say
Watch the video above, explore the arguments and then tell us what you think.
Visit the issue post to learn more about the issue and make a detailed contribution.
Or, if you already know where you stand:
Team Tram: TeamTram.com.au
Team Bus: TeamBus.com.au
Team Alternate: Make a submission here
Whichever side you’re on, we want to know not only what you think, but why you think it.
Because when an issue affects the future of the Gold Coast, the people who live in, work in and use the city should be part of the conversation.