Introduction
Benefits
Key Features
Your Say on Platform Tram Stops
Obey the Yellow campaign
More Information
Think Tram is a program to improve tram travel times, reliability, accessibility and safety along the busiest parts of Melbourne's tram network. The program is funded as part of the State Government's
Victorian Transport Plan and
Keeping Melbourne Moving initiative to increase public transport usage.
Under the program, a series of tram improvement initiatives are being implemented including traffic management measures, use of new technology to improve traffic flow, and amendments to road rules.
Many of the projects are focused on key tram routes through the city and on major approaches to the city. These routes run along many of Melbourne's famous shopping strips and are among the most heavily patronised sections on the tram network.
The program is being managed by VicRoads in partnership with the Department of Transport and Yarra Trams, and in consultation with local government and local communities.
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The benefits to passengers and communities along those tram routes that have been improved include:
- Improved tram travel times, frequency and reliability
- Improved safety and accessibility at nominated tram stops through tram stop upgrades, bringing them in line with the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (1992)
- Improved urban design by better integration of public transport facilities within local streetscapes
- A more viable and environmentally responsible alternative to car travel
The project team seeks to understand the needs of all road users, residents, businesses and interest groups in the development of appropriate solutions to manage a balanced approach between public and private transport use.
The Think Tram program is designed to be flexible and is not a one-size-fits-all approach. A range of road-based, technological and road rule options are considered in consultation with local government and communities to ensure the changes are best suited to specific tram routes. Major components of the program include:
- Road-based improvements; including tram stop upgrades, raised dividing strips to separate trams and motorists, right turn bans and adjustments to traffic signals to give trams priority.
- A review of motorists' responsibilities when driving with trams and developing new ways to ensure motorists act safely around trams and have clear indications of when they can and cannot drive on tram tracks
- Improved communication links between VicRoads traffic management centre and Yarra Trams control centre
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Obey The Yellow is a Think Tram campaign reminding drivers to keep Melbourne’s tram lanes clear. Tram lanes help trams run on time and improve road safety. A tram lane has a solid yellow line beside the tram tracks and signs overhead. For more information please view the television and radio advertisements available below or download the brochure. To find out more about rules for driving with trams see the DVD guide to the road rules.
View the television advertisement [MP3, 2.5MB]
Hear the radio advertisement [MP3, 0.9MB]An independent research company surveyed over 500 tram users and 200 retailers in the City and found that there is strong support for the new platform tram stops in the city. Platform tram stops include ramps for wheelchair and pram access and also provide passengers with shelters, lighting and real time tram arrival information. Retailers and passengers alike believe the new stops provide better access and improved safety for passengers and pedestrians. More than 80% of passengers said they would like to see more tram stops in the City upgraded to platform tram stops.
Full report: Retailer Survey [PPT, 1197KB, 36pp]
Full report: Passenger Survey [PPT, 2315KB, 30pp]
Melbourne’s tram service moves people effectively around the city and reduces traffic on the roads. This 5-minute guide about the road rules for driving with trams will help you to keep our roads safe and reduce delays to trams and their passengers.
DVD "Driving with Trams" high speed internet connection (WMV, 10.8MB)
DVD "Driving with Trams" low speed internet connection (WMV, 6.7MB)
Think Tram
Frequently Asked Questions
Telephone: 1300 309 571
Email:
thinktram@roads.vic.gov.au
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