Fancy jumping a trackless tram to Torquay? Community feedback sought on Geelong – Surf Coast mast transit proposal Geelong and Surf Coast communities are being invited to get behind a proposal to build a high frequency, mass transit system between Geelong and Torquay.
The concept is being championed by Bay‐Beach Connection (B2BC), a not‐for‐profit company which has already commenced canvassing key stakeholders, including State and local government, to secure funding for a feasibility study.
B2BC is proposing one of three options ‐ light rail, trackless trams or bus rapid transit (BRT) – to share existing road space along a 20‐kilometre route from Corio Bay to Torquay surf beach (Moorabool Rd, High St/Barwon Heads Rd and Surf Coast Highway).
The concept proposes 18 stops at approximately one‐kilometre intervals, with services potentially running around‐the‐clock, seven days a week, at 15 to 20‐minute intervals.
B2BC Director Alex Iljin says a mass transit solution would fulfil the long‐term vision outlined in the City of Geelong’s 2015 Integrated Comprehensive Transport Plan, which identified the need to reserve a corridor between Geelong and Torquay to support a future high‐capacity public transport link.
“We think the time has come to act on that vision,” Mr Iljin says.
“On average, 30,000 people travel along this route every day – mostly in private cars. Locals and visitors know how congested the road can get, especially in peak and holiday periods, but as yet no one has come up with an attractive alternative to the car.”
Mr Iljin says a dedicated, high‐frequency mass transit system will be a more cost‐effective, long‐term solution than simply expanding existing bus services in Geelong and along the Surf Coast Highway.
“The model we are proposing is a viable alternative to the car for locals and visitors alike,” he says.
“It would integrate Geelong’s southern growth area with central Geelong and the Geelong‐Melbourne rail service, and complete the regional public transport link from Moorabool Street bus terminal and Melbourne and Avalon airports to the Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road.
“For locals, it would deliver a regular, convenient service for the downtown retail precinct, Belmont and Grovedale shopping centres, the arts/heritage and river/sports precincts, Kardinia Park, the health hub, seven schools and Deakin Uni.
“The purpose‐designed transit vehicles ‐ be they tram or BRT ‐ would each accommodate about 100 passengers, with space for luggage, bicycles and surfboards.”
Mr Iljin said B2BC was putting the concept proposal forward to get the community’s buy‐in.
“This can only go ahead if the community wants it. Our concept provides a ‘big picture’ outline; we want the community to fill in the details so we can take a strong case to government and key stakeholders to fund a feasibility study,” he said.