PHOTO: The Gold Coast’s light rail.
Operators of the Gold Coast’s light rail, Keolis Downer, have been awarded a 10 year contract for Newcastle’s transport network.
The private contract includes the operation and maintenance of buses, ferries, light rail and interchanges.
Meantime, the expanding University of Newcastle is moving into the former heavy rail corridor, in an announcement made by the Baird Government today.
New South Wales Premier, Mike Baird, was in Newcastle this morning and described the agreement as a “game-changer for the Hunter”, with two hectares of land secured for the uni at Honeysuckle and along the rail corridor.
“The NSW Government is investing more than $500-million into revitalising Newcastle with a brand new light rail system that will have two stops within close proximity to the new site, as well as the NeW Space campus and new Innovation Hub”, he said.
“We are committed to transforming Newcastle, which will encourage people to live, stay, work and play in this amazing city.”
The university will develop a master plan for the development of the sites in the next 12 months, while the city’s NeW Space campus will open in the middle of next year.
Construction could commence from late 2018.
Keolis Downer has been awarded a 10 year contract to operate new integrated transport system in Newcastle, includes light rail. @nbnnews
— Mike Lorigan (@mikelorigan) December 12, 2016
10 year #Newcastle transport contract includes operation and maintenance of buses, ferries, light rail and interchanges. @nbnnews #nswpol
— Mike Lorigan (@mikelorigan) December 12, 2016
All operational staff will be offered continuation of employment with Keolis Downer Hunter on current terms and conditions. @nbnnews
— Mike Lorigan (@mikelorigan) December 12, 2016
