The Brumby Government today announced plans to improve tram route 96 in Nicholson Street, Melbourne’s second-busiest route on the metropolitan
The Brumby Government today announced plans to improve tram route 96 in Nicholson Street, Melbourne’s second-busiest route on the metropolitan tram network with 13.1 million passenger trips a year.
Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky and Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas today announced tram priority measures will be installed on Nicholson Street from Victoria Parade to Blyth Street in East Brunswick to increase tram speeds.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to improve on time running for trams in the inner city and deliver a world-class transport system,” Kosky says.
“We’re aiming to improve the flow of trams through our busy streets and provide a reliable service. With up to 240 passengers on board each ‘bumblebee’ tram, it’s equivalent to replacing a queue of cars more than a kilometre long.”
The upgrade to the Nicholson Street tram route is part of the Brumby Government’s $113 million Keeping Melbourne Moving strategy.
Pallas says consultation with the local community for the first stage of the proposal will start this month.
“Tram priority treatments will be developed for Nicholson Street, from Victoria Parade and Melbourne to Blyth Street, East Brunswick with works expected to start in July,” he says.
“We are committed to keeping Melbourne moving by providing more accessible travel options for Victorians and building a sustainable transport system today for the future. Delivering a more efficient and reliable tram network is a key priority as highlighted in our $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan.”
Keeping Melbourne Moving and the Think Tram program are part of the Brumby Labor Government’s approach to reducing congestion and delays to public transport on the busiest parts of Melbourne’s network.
For more information about the Think Tram program and proposals for route 96, visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/thinktram or phone the Think Tram information line on 1300 309 571.