Have you ever used light rail? Tell us your experiences.

I estimate that I have used light rail/tram systems in about 50 cities around the world, both as an interested traveller and a profession transport planner (including a number of study tours). They provide an excellent spine for public transport systems but this comes at a significant financial cost both in initial construction costs and subsequent operating costs. On the other hand, Busway systems (which I've used in about eight cities), offer more advantages at lower cost.

I have experienced light rail transport in many cities around the world.

Most impressive was an excellent modern system serving Portland OR. and surrounding areas. As mentioned in the notes the "spine system" is supported by bus and tram systems feeding it and also park & ride stations at most locations.

The spine system running North/South would be ideally suited to the Sunshine Coast/

Portland transport is provided by Tri-Met, a regional body controlling the light rail (MAX) system, street cars, buses and some community transport. The MAX is a most impressive light rail system running East-West from communities approx 30 km either side of the city, through the city centre. It also serves Portland International Airport. This system is supplemented by both street cars (trams) and buses running on mainly North-South routes. A substantial section of the city is a “fare free” zone, again in an effort to encourage use of public transport. From outer areas, including Hillsboro, it is relatively easy to access any area of the central city.

Jim Irwin

I have used the light rail system in San Diego, which, due to the sprawling nature of the city, is used as a Park and Ride system from a lot of the suburban areas into the city. It was easy to use, and cheap to travel on, but needs to be well integrated with other forms of transport.

I used the Sydney Light rail system for 2 years as a daily commuter, not as a visitor to the city. Although I am not aware of the statistics associated with the ratio of tourists and commuters, it was clearly evident that the Pyrmont entertainment precinct was a major contributing factor in providing paying customers with stops at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, Convention Centre, Darling Harbour and StarCity Casino direct from NSW Rail's Sydney Central Station. The Light Rail route then wove it's way around the Pyrmont peninsula to the Fishmarkets and Wentworth Park, where it terminated in it's early more…

I accessed light rail in Melbourne & found it substantially quicker than trams, although less frequent. I Wasn't sure at first what the difference between the two was, but i was surprised at the speed and the minimal stops on my journey. Who knows if this system could be replicated on the Sunshine Coast; perhaps a busway infrastructure would be less of a financial drain and more popular? Only an in-depth feasibility study or Survey Monkey could answer these public transport questions. I'm impressed by the forward thinking approach of a light rail system to solving our public transport issues - it's time we thought outside the box.

Two systems which I favour and have used.

Horses for courses is the logical solution. Melbourne has an effective light rail system in the form of trams. When other cities removed trams, Melbourne persevered. However, building a new system is far more complex due to commercial constraints during the [population] development period.

Another useful system is a line which runs from Heidelberg to Mannheim (Germany). In the built-up area the vehicles operate like a tram (at street level) and in the open country it picks up speed and connects the various villages (on track with ballast). There is no technical reason for light rail not operating at speeds greater than 100kph. The German model is worth considering for the Sunshine Coast and in the fullness of time meet future needs..

I've used the light rail in Melbourne. Worked fine for me.

Have also used the tram system in Melbourne, this is a great urban commute method. And, as a school boy, used the tram system in Brisbane - Stafford to the City - seemed to be a worthwhile method of travel.

I've only ever used the light rail in Sydney , but every time I go there (for business) I use it . It is absolutely fantastic because I fly to Sydney , catch a cab to my accomodation and after that - I mainly walk around the convention centre / Darling harbour etc , but then jump on to get somewhere else in the CBD quickly or to my accomodation nearby , no need for cars etc - it's brilliant !

I use light rail in Manchester UK. Good because:

- direct, fast - much faster than car so also convenient

- route is clear, stops are obvious ( particularly helpful for tourists who find buses muddling)

- use straight line rail track into city, then shares road for a loop though centre of city

- frequent all day so no need to worry about timetables

I have utilised light rail in many countries and canal/river ferries.

May I suggest a canal/river electric (solarpowered) ferry system for the Sunshine coast. A more suitable light transport system with respect to rising sea levels and ocean surges. The additional canals would assist in flood mitigation.

Andrew venning (Researcher/Educator)