Melbourne Trams - Brief Background

In the early 1970's, no Melbourne tram was built later than 1956 and there had been no major extensions to the system since the mid-1950's.

By 2002, the Melbourne tramway scene had changed dramatically. One hundred and thirty two articulated trams (B series) and three hundred rigid bogie trams (Z and A series) had been introduced since the mid-1970's. Also, by that time, all other regular service "W" series trams were fitted with power-operated doors. All W2 class trams and many of the later W5, SW6, W6 and W7 trams had been withdrawn from service.

There had also been significant route extensions to East Burwood, Airport West, and Bundoora. In addition, the St Kilda and Port Melbourne heavy railway lines had been converted to light rail during the 1980's and the City-Circle tram line had been built and opened in 1994.

The tramways had been divided into two separate companies, Yarra Trams and M>Tram (originally known as Swanston Trams), which were to be privately operated on a long term franchise basis, with the tracks leased out to the companies.

In early 2003, the Mont Albert tram line was extended to Box Hill. In mid-2005, the extension of the East Burwood line to Vermont South along the median of the Burwood Highway was opened. Over a period of some years, there have been various extensions of tramway operations into the area known as Docklands, just west of Melbourne's Central Business District.

As part of the conditions in the private operators contracts, some 90 low floor trams have been purchased. All of the 3-section C (Citadis) and both the 3-section D-1 class and five-section D-2 (Siemens Combino) trams have now been delivered.

In April 2004, the Melbourne tramway system once again became run by one operator, Yarra Trams. This occurred after the owner of M>Tram abandoned the operating contracts in late 2002. For a time, M>Tram was run by receiver/managers before Yarra Trams assumed control of the full system.

Following a period when the remaining "W" series trams were withdrawn from service due to safety concerns, some "W" series trams are now back in service, having had improved braking systems installed to enhance safety. These trams have also had pantographs installed to replace trolley poles.

Current projects include enhancing passenger access to trams through the installation of superstops and improving tram travel times through various traffic engineering works. It is also understood that the A-2 class trams are to be refurbished and have air-conditioning units installed.

In May 2006, the State Government released a transport strategy for the next few years, which indicated that more new trams are to be purchased by around 2010. It is possible that this will lead to further withdrawals of Z1,Z2 and Z3 type trams.

So, plenty is happening in Melbourne to maintain the interest of tram buffs !

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