In a radical plan to speed up Melbourne’s tram network, Yarra Trams has planned to have fewer stops to gain faster speed and more seats for peak-hour passengers.
Currently, The Melbourne tram network is the largest in the world and the slowest as well. Average spacing between shops is 260m while the international standard is stops every 400-500m. Only the Arts Centre and Federation Square stops are about 450m apart.
Yarra Trams has approached Melbourne City Council over the plan. Lord Mayor Robert Doyle wants changes to go further, pushing for trams on shared roads to have right of way and lights designed to allow trams to go through first.
Cr Doyle also put another idea forward to give trams more priority at intersections with further manipulation of traffic lights to get them through first. However, it might not be so popular with drivers caught at the lights.
Relieving congestion on Melbourne’s roads will be welcomed by drivers as well as tram users. Commuters want fast and reliable trams and reducing the number of stops is an efficient way to do it.
But being smart about which stops to take out will decide whether it will work.
Yarra Trams will need to consult closely with the community when deciding which ones to remove.
Source: HeraldSun