With Victoria growing and changing more rapidly than at any point in its history, understanding changing patterns of movement is critical to meeting future transport demand. The 17 million trips taken across all forms of transport a day in Melbourne could be more than 30 million a day by 2050.
The pace of growth has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. However, the predicted population increase is still expected over the next 25 years. The added challenge of recovery from the pandemic creates additional considerations in transport planning and operations, especially for the tram network.
Route 58 infrastructure upgrade
Bigger, more accessible E-Class trams are now running on Route 58.
The busy route between West Coburg and Toorak serves key employment areas, including the Parkville medical precinct, CBD, and South Yarra, and services population growth areas.
E-class trams are larger than other trams operating on Route 58 and can accommodate more than 200 passengers.
As well as increasing capacity, reducing overcrowding, and improving accessibility, E-Class trams have better passenger amenities, with dedicated spaces for passengers who use mobility aids or prams, audio, and visual passenger information, more myki readers, and air-conditioning.
Find out more about Route 58 improvements(opens in a new window).
William Street tram stop upgrade
We're upgrading Stop 4, William/Collins Street to improve accessibility on the tram network.
As our fleet of low-floor trams expands, the new raised side platform at this stop will improve safety and provide level-access boarding for passengers on Route 58.
Better facilities at Stop 4
The platforms will feature new shelters, seating, improved lighting, and new audio and visual passenger information displays.
The upgrade to Stop 4 will also enhance safety by separating passengers from traffic, cyclists, and trams with more pedestrian crossing points, new collision barriers, and fencing.
Improved connections for passengers
Stop 4 is a popular stop within the CBD, allowing passengers to connect to tram routes 11, 12, 48, and 109.
The upgrade will create more accessible interchanges for passengers requiring these other low-floor tram services from nearby Stop 3.
The introduction of E-Class trams on Route 58 will also provide better level-access connectivity to key destinations, including South Yarra Station, Queen Victoria Market, and Melbourne Zoo.
Power supply upgrades
We’re increasing the power supply across the tram network to improve services and meet increased passenger demand.
To allow larger trams and more frequent services to run, we need to increase the tram power supply to resolve current power deficiencies across the network.
New substations will ensure there is enough power to keep the network operating smoothly, reliably, and safely.
Reynard Street, Pascoe Vale South
We’re building new substations on Route 58 to provide more reliable power for E-Class trams.
Our modelling shows that additional electrical power supply is needed for this part of the tram network in Pascoe Vale South.
This will help us to run larger trams and keep services running smoothly for the 3000 people who catch Route 58 in the area every weekday.
Learn more on the Engage Vic website(opens in a new window).
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