When I journey to the big smoke of Brisbane, I almost always drive to Varsity Lakes, park my car in the free parking area and jump on the Gold Coast train.
Throughout the journey I may shut my eyes and listen to some music, have a snack and some coffee, read a book, play on my phone or just sit back and watch the view. Sound relaxing? It certainly is! A lot more relaxing than tackling the frenzied traffic on the M1.
Trains are a great way to commute, and the Byron solar train provides a beautiful little trip from Byron central to North Beach station. Northern Rivers Rail Ltd is aiming to further the trip to include smaller towns along a new route all the way up to Lismore.
How wonderful it would be to be able to jump on the solar train and go for a trip down to the beach and back again, all on renewable energy!
The group had a lovely gathering at the Rails Hotel in Byron Bay a couple of weeks ago with entertainment from the talented Lucy Gallant.
An open mic session followed with guest performers and speakers providing some valuable expert information on the viability of this proposed solar rail extension.
The group trip on the train at the end was certainly a highlight! Informed opinions state that this extension, to Lismore with a bike/walk track beside it, is actually do-able for much less money than was previously estimated.
For more information on this intriguing enterprise please look up Northern Rivers Rail Ltd on Facebook.
While a decent proper commuter service connecting our Lismore area to the capitals would ultimately be a fantastic achievement, this current solar train venture sounds exciting and promising.
