Our Achievements

Yarra Trams began operations under a franchise agreement in August 1999. The State Government’s Department of Infrastructure manages the company franchise contract and closely monitors the performance of transport operators.

Since 1999, Yarra Trams has made a number of improvements and significant investments within the network. A few of them are listed here:

• A 10% increase in the amount of kilometres travelled.
• Sponsored shuttle trams to and from the Australian Open every three to five minutes allowing free transport to people attending the event.
• Sponsored shuttle trams to and from the Australian Grand Prix providing 9,250 tram trips over four days.
• Reintroduction of services to William Street on Sundays.
• Operating hours extended on Friday and Saturday nights by one hour.
• A 25% increase in punctuality since April 2004, from 67.3% to 83.9%
• An order of magnitude reduction in the number of cancellations from 1.5% to 0.2%
• Innovation through customer communications through real-time, at-stop passenger information

• Passenger Information Display units or PIDS were the “first generation” system of providing real-time tram arrival information to customers. PIDS have a visual display and an audio option to provide tram arrival information to vision impaired customers.
• PIDS are now installed at 124 tram stops in Melbourne, including the platform stops in the CBD.
• Yarra Trams has now introduced new technology which provides real-time tram arrival information for any tram stop on the network, by phone. By calling tramTRACKER on 1300 MY TRAM that’s 1300 69 8726, customers can enter their Tracker Stop ID to hear the voice of tramTRACKER deliver real-time tram arrival information for the next three trams at their nominated stop. The system can also advise customers whether a tram is low floor. The same information is also available on tramTRACKER via SMS. Customers can simply SMS their Tracker Stop ID to 199YARRA. For further information visit the tramTRACKER page of this website.
• Yarra Trams displays passenger information regarding service changes and special events via bulletin boards onboard trams and this website.
• Public notices are published in major metropolitan newspapers to inform passengers about service changes and network improvement works.
• Yarra Trams works closely with Metlink to ensure passenger information is widely distributed.

ROLLING STOCK

• Maintenance and technical assistance provided 24/7 for over 494 trams.
• Introduction of low floor trams
• Completed refurbishment of all 316 Z3, A and B class vehicles.
• A and B class trams and bogies (wheel assemblies) are being overhauled - a once in a million kilometre event.
• Provide maintenance services for one of Melbourne's tourist icons “The Colonial Tram Car Restaurant”.

• The construction of platform stops to improve accessibility and safety for all tram passengers.
• A 2.2 kilometre extension for Route 109 from Union Road in Mont Albert to Market Street, Box Hill.
• Tram Route extension into the Docklands via Flinders Street West, Collins Street, Harbour Esplanade and La Trobe Street.
• A one kilometre extention to Docklands Drive has also been completed.
• Rubber boot technology has been used to reduce vibration and wear of tracks, resulting in less noise, longer durability and an improved ride for passengers.
• An overhead renewal program includes placing certain cables underground and reducing overhead clutter. Two of the most striking examples of this have been at Camberwell Junction and St Vincent’s Plaza.

• CCTV has been installed on selected trams.
• Authorised Officers patrol the network from first to last tram every day.
• Victoria Police Transit Safety Division officers  patrol the tram system with a rapid response unit which also operates on the train and bus networks.
• A partnership with Victoria Police was formed in January 2007 as part of the Love Your Trams campaign, to combat anti-social behaviour on the tram network.  Tram passengers are encouraged to report graffiti, vandalism or anti-social behaviour to the tram driver, by calling 000 for immediate police assistance or by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Information correct as at November 2007.