Use of passenger rail rose two per cent per from 2010-2018, as more people chose rail to support their commute or as part of their daily lives. While passenger numbers were impacted by the pandemic, the return to rail has now begun as more people seek sustainable, convenient and easy transport options to support their lives.
AusRAIL 2022 will feature a dedicated passenger and light rail stream to share insights on the latest developments and initiatives in the sector, with a focus on supporting new growth in passenger rail to meet rising populations in cities across Australia and New Zealand. Delegates will have the chance to learn more about the projects that will help shape the future of passenger rail, and the innovation and new approaches that will support an outstanding passenger experience as more people choose rail as part of their daily lives.
The Gold Coast Light Rail has been vital to supporting South East Queensland’s rapid growth. With construction of stage three of the project starting earlier this year, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads Project Director, Peter Papantoniou, will join us at AusRAIL to share an update on the project’s progress. Delegates will hear about the current status of this important project, and the critical role Gold Coast Light Rail will play in supporting the region’s future development.
Mott Macdonald Transport Leader, Dan Caldwell, and Logan to Gold Coast Faster Rail Project Director, Elizabeth Schofield, will also discuss the latest developments for the $2.6 billion Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail Project. With Southeast Queensland’s population rising significantly over the last decade – and expected to grow further in the years ahead – faster rail between Brisbane, Logan and the Gold Coast is set to help meet the region’s future needs. AusRAIL provides a unique opportunity to hear about the project’s progress through the planning and design process, and what the new year holds for this transformative project.
The return of passengers to the rail network following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions is also expected to be a key topic of conversation at AusRAIL, with the industry taking significant steps to support the return to rail in 2022. Keolis Downer Director Passenger Experience, Donna Watson, will share on update on passengers’ return to Melbourne’s tram network and discuss how the industry is responding to changing customer needs. Jacobs Vice President and Global Cross Market Director of Transport, Stephen Rutherford, will also discuss emerging trends impacting the future of passenger rail, with a focus on big data and transport behaviour.
To find out about the latest news and developments in passenger rail, join as at AusRAIL 2022 in Brisbane from 5-7 December. To register, go to ausrail2022.com.