“Faster Rail” supports the 45 minute Regional Connectivity Vision for SEQ. The “Faster Rail” system concept will deliver services with travel times of 45 minute or less between Brisbane – Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) via Moreton Bay Region, Brisbane – Gold Coast (Southport at the Gold Coast University Hospital) via Logan, Brisbane – Ipswich; and from Brisbane – the base of Toowoomba.
The Faster Rail concept between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast (North Coast Connect) is currently subject to a business case process in response to the Federal Government’s request for proposals for “Faster Rail” schemes as part of a market-led proposal process. This business case will be complete in 2019.
The Faster Rail system would leverage off both current and future investments such as the Cross River Rail, Brisbane Metro, Gold Coast Light Rail and Sunshine Coast Light Rail projects, whereby the Faster Rail concept will connect with the Gold Coast Light Rail and Sunshine Coast Light Rail in the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast respectively providing for direct transfer of passengers to the local urban rail systems in these centres; and it will leverage the Cross River Rail line through Brisbane to minimise travel times and will utilise existing corridors and infrastructure (including track and stations) where appropriate to limit costs. All of these projects are included in the Transport Strategy within the Base Scenario.
The Faster Rail system will provide a higher speed mass transit service connecting the major centres with limited stops at major activity centres only. The maximum operating speed is anticipated to be between 200 to 250km/h with an average running speed up to about 150-160km/h (including dwell time allowance).
The intent for this system is for it to be similar to those systems currently operating in Europe, such as the Réseau Express Régional in France (connects regional centres to Paris), the InterCity in the United Kingdom (connects regional centres across the UK as well as London) and the InterCity Express in Germany (connects city centres). The SEQ “faster rail” system is not proposed to be a top tier High Speed Rail (HSR) with top speeds of 350km/h plus.
The Faster Rail train type may, for example, deliver a 500+ seat capacity with a total train length of up to 200m for a 6 car-set, or a dual 6-car set of about 400m.
Various “classes” of passenger service levels could be considered for a service of this nature. For example, the service could provide an enhanced level of comfort including tables between rows of seats, different standards of seat quality and leg room variations could be available. International Faster Rail services demonstrate that an Economy, First Class and Business Class fare structure are typical. The fare structure and ticketing system would enable seamless transfers between the Faster Rail service and the urban passenger rail, bus and light rail networks.
To be consistent with the other existing rail network elements, the track could be narrow gauge with the motive power provided through electrification. Further analysis and planning is required to define the actual running standard (including track gauge) and rolling stock type, some of which will be addressed in the North Coast Connect business case when completed in 2019.
The stopping and service patterns for Faster Rail will be designed to maximise value-capture at stations. Alternative funding model outcomes (market led proposals and / or other Public Private Partnership structures) for the infrastructure and services would also be considered.
The Value and Benefits of Faster Rail
The population and employment that would be serviced by Faster Rail and the resulting stronger regional connectivity is demonstrated in Figure 4?16.
The relative speed difference between the existing urban rail, the private vehicle and faster rail is highlighted in Figure 4?17. The SEQ Faster Rail system will reduce travel times by half when compared to the existing Citytrain service or travel by private vehicle.
Faster Rail services will also provide travel time reliability whereby services will not be impacted by road congestion or other external factors like vehicle accidents and road works, making the service appealing compared to private vehicle use.
Faster Rail will also seemingly shrink the SEQ region, whereby:
- Maroochydore to Brisbane will be the same as travelling from North Lakes in 2018
- Southport to Brisbane will be the same as travelling from Beenleigh
- Ipswich Brisbane will be the same as travelling from Chelmer to Brisbane (see Figure 4?18).

Figure 4-16: Population and employment serviced by Faster Rail providing stronger regional connectivity (Population density and employment data source: TMR, 2018)

Figure 4 17: Travel Time Comparison Estimate – urban rail, private vehicle and faster rail – note travel times in minutes.

Figure 4?18: SEQ closer and better connected with Faster Rail

Figure 4?19: Existing rail network and possible future Faster Rail and Urban Passenger Rail Network operating scenario