- Published:
- Thursday 31 August 2023
The Andrews Labor Government is making Victoria’s tram network more modern, reliable and accessible – launching a plan to deliver a $3.8 billion investment in new trams, accessible stops and better travel across Melbourne.
Melbourne’s Tram Plan, released today, sets out how the Labor Government will continue to deliver a tram network for the future that puts passengers first and gets them to where they need to go.
The community is invited to help shape plans for tram stop upgrades in Melbourne’s north and west as part of improvements to make sure tram travel is accessible for everyone across the network.
Tram stop upgrades will be carried out along three tram corridors - in Footscray/Maribyrnong, Thornbury/Northcote and Fitzroy/Collingwood which give passengers access to the new Footscray Hospital, Victoria University, Northcote Plaza, Australian Catholic University, schools, and busy cafes bars and restaurants.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has already delivered 83 level access tram stops with a further 12 in progress along Latrobe Street that are due to be completed in 2024 thanks to $68 million in the Victorian Budget 2022/2023.
We’ve invested more than $60 million in the last Budget in infrastructure to enable the first 100 Next Generation Trams to start rolling out on to the network including safety and minor accessibility improvements and a new terminus along routes 57, 59 and 82 in Melbourne’s west.
This is in addition to our $1.85 billion investment in Victorian-made 100 Next Generation Trams and a new tram maintenance facility in Maidstone, the largest ever investment in new trams which will begin their rollout in 2025.
The Tram Plan builds on a track record of investment and sets out our plan to deliver a more accessible and interconnected network, with high frequency trunk corridors providing passengers a turn up and go service and making sure the tram network connects with infrastructure the Labor Government’s Big Build is delivering.
The Tram Plan sets out actions for how we will improve and expand access to our iconic tram network. Along with Victoria’s Bus Plan, it gives communities, industry and government our blueprint for the future of the transport network.
Anyone who lives, works, cycles, walks, drives, or travels by tram along three identified sections of routes 82 and 86 can visit the Engage Victoria website until 15 October to have their say about improvements they want to see. Feedback will help.
To view the Tram Plan, visit the Department of Transport and Planning’s website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll
“We’re getting on with deliver improvements to our iconic tram network to make sure people in Melbourne can continue to get to where they need to go.”
“This plan sets out our vision for a modern tram network and we want to hear from people who travel along these critical tram corridors, to help us plan for improvements that will make the biggest difference to you.”