Revitalising urban and commercial growth - the potential light rail brings for the Gold CoastLight rail has a proven record in revitalising cities, shifting people out of cars, and encouraging development. The up-front investment required for light rail encourages associated investment to achieve these wider aims. The permanence effect of light rail further encourages follow-up investment. Many cities around the world have successfully combined public transport projects with a policy of revival of its city centre. Well designed public transport such as light rail systems are successful and attractive to passengers, even in car dominated low density US and Canadian cities.
Building 'transit malls' with light rail access, trees and pedestrian zones encourages private investment in city centre office blocks, shops and apartments. Light rail has also integrated into education and health facilities for ease of travel and access such as Portland and Houston.
The first draft Gold Coast Light Rail Feasibility Study Summary Report indicates that "light rail improves urban amenity, especially when associated with car restraint policies, complementary streetscaping and pedestrian facilities." The Report uses Strasbourg, France as an example. The photographs below from the Report show the before and after effects on areas of Strasbourg where light rail has improved the urban amenity.
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