Our #HumansOfTranslink series continues this week with Josh, a Senior Planner (Rail Planning and Operations) who started his Translink career as part of the TMR Graduate 🎓 Program.
With a range of diverse rotations, Josh is now a member of our Strategic Rail Branch, working on all things rail between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast/Gympie 🚆🚉
Why did you decide to work for Translink?
In my final year of my Urban and Regional Planning degree, I became interested in connecting people and spaces utilising sustainable, accessible, and efficient public transport modes and got to do work experience in the Translink Service Planning and Integration team.
I was exposed to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games planning and Moreton Bay Rail Line (Redcliffe Peninsula line) launch and worked with a fantastic team who inspired me to apply for TMR's Graduate Program.
What are some of the projects you are working on?
I am fortunate to work on significant rail infrastructure projects including Cross River Rail and Beerburrum to Nambour Stage which investigates a new public transport corridor on the Sunshine Coast.
The project will consider a preferred alignment, station locations, active transport, and broader public transport integration. It will also work to improve public transport opportunities and connections within the Sunshine Coast region, support jobs and increase population growth.
Everyday, I'm involved in a variety of planning studies and strategic documents aiming to shape South East Queensland and its public transport network over the next 10 years.
What do you think public transport will look like in 2030 and what role do you think Translink will play?
While the next ten years seems like a long time, the planning happening now will contribute to our future public transport network.
I'd like to see a greater shift to public transport (all modes inclusive) driven by the significant investment planned in the coming years, as well as more flexible modes incorporated to help customers complete the first and final legs of a journey, such as Mobility as a Service (MAAS) and E-Mobility services.
I believe our industry will play a critical role in leveraging innovation within the technology sector and identifying opportunities to bring them into a transport and infrastructure environment.
