Trams in Melbourne#Patronage

{{See also|Timeline of trams in Melbourne}}

Melbourne's first tram was a horse tram from Fairfield railway station to a real estate development in Thornbury; it opened on 20 December 1884, and was closed by 1890. Seven horse tramlines operated in Melbourne, three were built by the Melbourne Tramway & Omnibus Company (MTOC), while the other four were built by different private companies.{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/horse.htm |title=Hooves and iron: Melbourne's horse trams |author=Russell Jones |year=2003 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=16 January 2012 |archive-date=1 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301111617/http://hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/horse.htm |url-status=live }}

The MTOC's three lines fed their cable tram system: Victoria Bridge cable tram terminus to Kew (Boroondara Cemetery), opened in 1887 and closed in 1915 after its sale to Kew Council for conversion to a Prahran & Malvern Tramways Trust electric line; Hawthorn Bridge cable tram terminus to Auburn Road, via Burwood Road, Power Street and Riversdale Road, opened in 1890 and closed on 31 January 1916 after being sold to the Hawthorn Tramways Trust for conversion to electric traction; and the Zoo line, from the Royal Parade cable line to Melbourne Zoological Gardens, opened on 10 March 1890 and closed in November 1923. The Zoo line was Melbourne's last horse tram and the only line still in operation at the formation of the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB), however it was destroyed by fire during the 1923 police strike; the MMTB took the decision not to reopen it, thus ending Melbourne's horse tram era.

{{Main|Melbourne cable tramway system}}

{{See also|Melbourne Tramway & Omnibus Company}}

File:A tram car passes the Federal Coffee Palace in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.jpg at the south-west corner of Collins and King streets, circa 1890.]]

File:Melbourne cable tram 1905.jpg, circa 1905]]

Melbourne's cable tram system has its origins in the MTOC, started by Francis Boardman Clapp in 1877, with a view to operate a Melbourne tram system. After some initial resistance, he successfully lobbied the government who passed the Melbourne Tramway & Omnibus Company Act 1883 on 10 October 1883, granting the company the right to operate a cable tram system in Melbourne. Although several lines were originally intended to be horse trams, and the MTOC did operate three horse tram lines on the edges of the system, the core of the system was built as cable trams.{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/clapp.htm |title=Francis Boardman Clapp: transport entrepreneur |author=Russell Jones |year=2002 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=10 November 2011 |archive-date=23 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823001828/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/clapp.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.tramway.org.au/runningjournal/rj_vol9_no3.pdf |title=The Melbourne Tramway & Omnibus Company Limited |date=June 1972 |work=Running Journal Vol9 No3 |access-date=10 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512234645/http://www.tramway.org.au/runningjournal/rj_vol9_no3.pdf |archive-date=12 May 2013 }}

The Act established the Melbourne Tramways Trust (MTT), which was made up of the 12 municipalities that the MTOC system would serve. The MTT was responsible for the construction of tracks and engine house, while the MTOC built the depots, offices and arranged for the delivery or construction of the rolling stock. The MTT granted a lease to operate the system until 1 July 1916 to the MTOC, with the MTOC paying 4.5% interest on the debts incurred by the MTT in building the system.

File:Melbourne’s first cable tram.jpg

The first cable tram line opened on 11 November 1885, running from Bourke Street to Hawthorn Bridge, along Spencer Street, Flinders Street, Wellington Parade and Bridge Road, with the last line opening on 27 October 1891. At its height the cable system was one of the largest in the world, with {{convert|75|km}} of double track, 1200 gripcars and trailers and 17 routes covering (103.2 route km or 64.12 route miles).{{cite web |url=http://www.railpage.org.au/tram/cable.html |title=Melbourne's cable trams |author=David Hoadley |date=8 January 1996 |work=Trams of Australia |access-date=10 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121202914/http://www.railpage.org.au/tram/cable.html |archive-date=21 November 2011 |url-status=dead }}

On 18 February 1890, the Northcote tramway was opened by the Clifton Hill to Northcote & Preston Tramway Company. This was Melbourne's only non-MTOC cable tram, built by local land speculators and was operated as an independent line, feeding the Clifton Hill line.{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/northcote.htm |title=Northcote: the on again, off again cable tramway |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |author=Russell Jones |year=2004 |access-date=10 November 2011 |archive-date=22 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822235030/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/northcote.htm |url-status=live }}

When the lease expired on 1 July 1916, all the assets of the MTT and MTOC cable network were taken over by the Melbourne Tramways Board (MTB). The MMTB was formed on 1 November 1919, taking over the MTB cable tram network, with the Northcote tramway and the tramway trusts transferred to the MMTB on 20 February 1920.{{cite web | url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/our-history/trams-in-melbourne/ | work=Yarra Trams | title=Trams in Melbourne | access-date=26 January 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927162949/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/our-history/trams-in-melbourne/ | archive-date=27 September 2016 | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/our-history/tramway-milestones/the-early-days/ | work=Yarra Trams | title=The early days | access-date=26 January 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318134537/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/our-history/tramway-milestones/the-early-days/ | archive-date=18 March 2012 | url-status=dead }}

From 1924 the cable tram lines were progressively converted to electric trams, or abandoned in favour of buses, with the last Melbourne cable tram operating on 26 October 1940.{{cite web | url=http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/managing-victoria-s-public-transport-network/history-and-heritage/early-history-of-public-transport/ | work=Public Transport Victoria | title=Early history of public transport | access-date=9 July 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807063057/http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/managing-victoria-s-public-transport-network/history-and-heritage/early-history-of-public-transport/ | archive-date=7 August 2012 | url-status=dead }}

File:Box Hill to Doncaster tram.jpg to Doncaster tram]]

The first electric tram in Melbourne was built in 1889 by the Box Hill and Doncaster Tramway Company Limited—an enterprise formed by a group of land developers—and ran from Box Hill railway station along what is now Station Street and Tram Road to Doncaster, using equipment left over from the Centennial International Exhibition of 1888 at the Royal Exhibition Building. The venture was marred with disputes and operational problems, and ultimately failed, with the service ceasing in 1896.{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/boxhill.htm |title=Australia's first electric tram: the Box Hill to Doncaster tramway |author=Robert Green |date=October 1989 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=23 October 2011 |archive-date=23 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823002339/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/boxhill.htm |url-status=live }}

After this venture failed, electric trams returned on 5 May 1906, with the opening of the Victorian Railways Electric Street Railway from St Kilda to Brighton, and was followed on 11 October 1906 with the opening of the North Melbourne Electric Tramway & Lighting Company (NMETL) system, which opened two lines from the cable tram terminus at Flemington Bridge to Essendon and Saltwater River (now Maribyrnong River).

File:Two Victorian Railway trams.jpg trams]]

The Victorian Railways line came about when Thomas Bent became Premier. A leading land boomer, he stood to benefit from construction of the line, through the increased value of his large land holdings in the area, and pushed through the legislation to enable to building of the line by the VR in 1904.{{Cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/bent.htm |title=Bent by name, Bent by nature |author=Russell Jones |year=2003 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=23 October 2011 |archive-date=22 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822235125/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/bent.htm |url-status=live }}

The VR tram was called a "Street Railway" and was built using the Victorian Railways {{Track gauge|5ft3in}} broad gauge instead of the cable tramway standard gauge of {{Track gauge|impsg}}, and connected it with the St Kilda railway station, which would allow trams to be moved along the St Kilda railway line for servicing at Jolimont Yard.{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/vrtram.htm |title=VR electric street railways |author=Russell Jones |year=2003 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=23 October 2011 |archive-date=22 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822235824/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/vrtram.htm |url-status=live }} The line was opened in two stages, from St Kilda railway station to Middle Brighton on 5 May 1906 and to Brighton Beach terminus on 22 December 1906.

A fire at the Elwood tram depot on 7 March 1907 destroyed the depot and all the trams. Services resumed on 17 March 1907 using four C-class trams and three D-class trams from Sydney, which were altered to run on VR trucks salvaged from the fire. These trams sufficed until Newport Workshops built 14 new trams. The St Kilda to Brighton Beach Electric Street Railway closed on 28 February 1959 and was replaced by buses.{{cite web |url=http://www.tramway.org.au/reflections.php?p=vr_tramway_reminisences |title=V.R. Tramway "Reminisences." |author=Paul Nicholson |date=June–July 1969 |work=Running Journal |access-date=28 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220032730/http://www.tramway.org.au/reflections.php?p=vr_tramway_reminisences |archive-date=20 February 2011 }}

VR opened a second, standard gauge, electric tramway from Sandringham railway station to Black Rock on 10 March 1919, it was extended to Beaumaris on 2 September 1926. The service was withdrawn on 5 November 1956 and replaced with buses.{{cite web |url=http://www.tramway.org.au/reflections.php?p=the_sandringham_tramway |title=The Sandringham Tramway |author=Arthur Stone |date=October–November 1969 |work=Running Journal |access-date=3 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706130417/http://www.tramway.org.au/reflections.php?p=the_sandringham_tramway |archive-date=6 July 2011 }}{{cite web |url=http://localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au/htm/article/237.htm |work=City of Kingston |title=Did You Know?: Trams |access-date=3 June 2011 |archive-date=6 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706122730/http://localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au/htm/article/237.htm |url-status=live }}

File:NMETL first tram.jpg

The North Melbourne Electric Tramway & Lighting Company (NMETL) was an electricity and tramway company that operated from 1906 to 1922.{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/nmetl.htm |title=A brief history of the North Melbourne Electric Tramway & Lighting Company |author=Russell Jones |year=2005 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=4 January 2012 |archive-date=24 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424231907/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/nmetl.htm |url-status=live }} The tramway section was taken over by the MMTB on 1 August 1922 and the electricity section taken over by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria in 1922.{{cite web |url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/our-history/tramway-milestones/between-the-wars/ |work=Yarra Trams |title=Between the Wars |access-date=26 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102235108/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/our-history/tramway-milestones/between-the-wars/ |archive-date=2 November 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/component/daPublicBaseContainer?component=daViewAgency&entityId=1002# |work=Public Record Office Victoria |title=State Electricity Commission of Victoria (previously known as the Electricity Commissioners) |access-date=4 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091006194727/http://www.access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/component/daPublicBaseContainer?component=daViewAgency&entityId=1002 |archive-date=6 October 2009 }}

The Victorian Government of Sir Thomas Bent approved an application by Mr Morgan to build a tramway system in the Essendon area on 29 March 1904, with a poll of ratepayers overwhelming supporting the proposition on 29 July 1904 (2874 votes to 146). Mr Morgan transferred the concession to the NMETL, which had been formed to build the system and provide electricity to the area. Under the concession the NMETL was to construct a tramway and provide electricity within the municipalities of Essendon and Flemington for 30 years, it also mandated a service at least every 20 minutes and had provisions for the undertaking to become property of the municipalities involved earlier than the prescribed 30 years.{{cite web |url=http://www.tramway.org.au/reflections.php?p=a_brief_history_of_the_north_melbourne_electric_tramways_and_lighting_company_limited |title=A Brief History of... The North Melbourne Electric Tramways and Lighting Company Limited |author=K. S. Kings |date=October 1966 |work=TMSV Running Journal |access-date=4 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424011139/http://www.tramway.org.au/reflections.php?p=a_brief_history_of_the_north_melbourne_electric_tramways_and_lighting_company_limited |archive-date=24 April 2012 }}

The NMETL bought land on Mount Alexander Road for its offices, car barn and power house, with the foundation stone laid by the Mayors of Essendon and Flemington on 24 May 1905, and the first rail laid a month later by Premier Bent. The system opened on 11 October 1906 operating two routes from Flemington Bridge—one to Essendon via Mount Alexander Road, Pascoe Vale Road, Fletcher Street and onto Mount Alexander Road again (with a short branch line along Puckle Street), and the second to Saltwater River via Mount Alexander Road, Victoria Street, Racecourse Road, Epsom Road, Union Road and Maribyrnong Road. The system was approximately {{convert|7|mi|km|1|abbr=on}} and was operated by 25 motor cars and 10 trailers.

File:Bourke St East by George Hyde Pownall 1912.jpg

Due to demand for better public transport in Melbourne's inner suburbs of Prahran and Malvern the Prahran & Malvern Tramways Trust Act 1907 was enacted. Councillor Alex Cameron of Malvern, who led the push for a municipal tramway service, was elected chairman of the trust by both Malvern and Prahran councils. Construction began on its first tram line in 1909 with the first passenger service commencing on 30 May 1910. Using overhead wires to feed electricity to the trams, the network continued to expand greatly and profitably.{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/pmtt.htm |title=Steady as she goes: the Prahran & Malvern Tramways Trust |author=Russell Jones |year=2008 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=23 October 2011 |archive-date=8 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008025649/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/pmtt.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/cameron.htm |title=Alex Cameron: father of Melbourne's electric trams |author=Russell Jones |year=2009 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=23 October 2011 |archive-date=22 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822235533/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/cameron.htm |url-status=live }} In 1913, the region covered by the PMTT was extended and, thus, representatives of the Hawthorn and Kew councils were also included on the board. In 1916 Camberwell council representatives were also included.

Following the PMTT, the following municipal trusts were formed:

• Hawthorn Tramways Trust – 1914 (Municipalities of Melbourne, Richmond, Camberwell & Hawthorn)
• Melbourne, Brunswick & Coburg Tramways Trust – 1916 (Municipalities of Brunswick, Coburg & Melbourne)
• Fitzroy, Northcote & Preston Tramways Trust – in process of construction when taken over in 1920 (Municipalities of Fitzroy, Northcote & Preston)
• Footscray Tramway Trust – in process of construction when taken over in 1920 (Municipality of Footscray)

{{Main|Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board}}

File:Flinders Street Station, Melbourne, at the intersection of Swanston Street and Flinders Street, 1927 - Glass plate.jpg and Flinders Streets showing electric and cable trams, 1927]]

The Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB) was formed in July 1919 to take control of Melbourne's cable tram network, six of the seven electric tramway companies, and the last horse tram. By 1940, all cable and horse tram lines had been abandoned or converted to either electric tram or bus operation.

Alex Cameron was its full-time chairman. The tramway network had both cable and electric traction and had been constructed by different bodies without any uniform system. Under Cameron, the MMTB brought these systems under its control, extending the electric lines, and converting the existing cable-system to electric traction.{{Cite Australian Dictionary of Biography |id2=cameron-alexander-5471 |title=

Alexander Cameron (1864–1940) |author=Kathleen Thomson |year=1979 |volume=7 |access-date=4 November 2011 |archive-date=14 April 2011 |url=http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/A070534b.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414134813/http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/A070534b.htm |url-status=dead }} To solve operational and maintenance problem the MMTB introduced in 1923 the iconic W-class tram and phased out the other models.{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/trams/mmtb380.htm |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |title=Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board W Class No 380 |access-date=23 October 2011 |archive-date=5 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130505061117/http://hawthorntramdepot.org.au/trams/mmtb380.htm |url-status=live }} The Preston Workshops were constructed about this time to manufacture and maintain the new tram fleet.{{Cite web |url=http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/heritage/publications-and-research/thematic-and-typological-studies/tram-heritage-study |title=Vines, G. 2010 Melbourne Tramway Heritage Study, report to Heritage Victoria |access-date=8 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501135113/http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/heritage/publications-and-research/thematic-and-typological-studies/tram-heritage-study |archive-date=1 May 2013 |url-status=dead }}

In March 1923 Alex Cameron went overseas to investigate traffic problems. He returned next year, confirmed in his long-held opinions that electric trams were superior to buses and that overhead wires were preferable to the underground conduit (cable) system. Alex Cameron remained chairman there until 1935. He died a few years later in 1940, the same year the last of the cable tram services in Melbourne ended.

The MMTB generated further patronage by developing the enormous Wattle Park in the 1920s and 1930s, it had inherited Wattle Park from the Hawthorn Tramways Trust with the HTTs takeover by the MMTB.{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/wattlepk.htm |title=Wattle Park: a tramway tradition |author=Russell Jones |year=2003 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=23 October 2011 |archive-date=8 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008025144/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/wattlepk.htm |url-status=live }}

After World War II other Australian cities began to replace their trams with buses. However, in Melbourne, the Bourke Street buses were replaced by trams in 1955, and new lines opened to East Preston and Brunswick East.

File:Melbourne tram surf.jpg, 1944]]

Melbourne's tram usage peaked at 260 million trips in 1949, before dropping sharply to 200 million the following year in 1950.Transport Demand Information Atlas, Vol 1 However usage defied the trend and bounced back in 1951, but began a gradual decline in usage which would continue until 1970. During the same period bus use also went into decline and buses have never proved as popular with passengers as trams at any time in Melbourne's history.

By the 1970s Melbourne was the only Australian city with a major tram network.Keenan, David R. "Melbourne's Tramways in 1974." (Transit Press, 1974) Melbourne resisted the trend to shut down the network for three major reasons: partly because the city's wide streets and geometric street pattern made trams more practicable than in many other cities; partly because of resistance from the unions; and partly because the Chairman of the MMTB, Sir Robert Risson, successfully argued that the cost of ripping up the concrete-embedded tram tracks would be prohibitive. Also, the infrastructure and vehicles were relatively new, having replaced Cable Tram equipment in only the 1920s–1940s. This destroyed the argument used by many other cities, which was that renewal of the tram system would cost more than replacing it with buses. There is a 1960s colour film called "Citizen Tram" on YouTube commissioned by Risson too.Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/BPh-WCdO0sc Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20191002191339/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPh-WCdO0sc&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPh-WCdO0sc| title = "Citizen Tram" (1960s MMTB Film) | website=YouTube| date = 15 October 2011 }}{{cbignore}}

By the mid-1970s, as other cities became increasingly choked in traffic and air pollution, Melbourne was convinced that its decision to retain its trams was the correct one, even though patronage had been declining since the 1950s in the face of increasing use of cars and the shift to the outer suburbs, beyond the tram network's limits.

The first tram line extension in over twenty years took place in 1978, along Burwood Highway. The W-class trams were gradually replaced by the new Z-class trams in the 1970s, and by the A-class trams and the larger, articulated B-class trams in the 1980s.

In 1980, the controversial Lonie Report recommended the closure of seven tram lines. Public protests and union action resulted in the closures not being carried out.{{cite web |url=http://researchbank.swinburne.edu.au/vital/access/services/Download/swin:8497/SOURCE3 |title=Political factors in the rebuilding of mass transit |author=John Andrew Stone |year=2008 |publisher=Swinburne University of Technology |pages=183–186 |access-date=11 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522113208/http://researchbank.swinburne.edu.au/vital/access/services/Download/swin:8497/SOURCE3 |archive-date=22 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}

{{Main|Metropolitan Transit Authority (Victoria)|Public Transport Corporation|l1=Metropolitan Transit Authority}}

Image:Hook Turn Sign Melbourne.jpg sign]]

The MMTB, along with the metropolitan railway assets of VicRail, were absorbed into the newly formed Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) on 1 July 1983, while the regional assets of VicRail were absorbed by the State Transit Authority (STA). The MTA was formed to co-ordinate and operate the Melbourne public transport system, during 1986–87 an integration of rail, tram and bus divisions took place, with the operations, maintenance and administration of these departments fully integrated by 11 April 1988.{{cite web|url=http://access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/component/daPublicBaseContainer?component=daViewAgency&entityId=1038 |title=State Transport Authority |work=Public Record Office Victoria |access-date=29 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002042901/http://access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/component/daPublicBaseContainer?component=daViewAgency&entityId=1038 |archive-date=2 October 2011 }}{{cite web |url=http://access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/component/daPublicBaseContainer?component=daViewAgency&entityId=1044 |title=Metropolitan Transit Authority |work=Public Record Office Victoria |access-date=29 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002042738/http://access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/component/daPublicBaseContainer?component=daViewAgency&entityId=1044 |archive-date=2 October 2011 }}

Image:Z1-class-tram.96 swanston collins.jpg]]

The MTA introduced a new green and yellow livery and uniform design, with a new logo, showing the integration of Melbourne's public transport system, replacing the MMTB logo, and introduced a new time-based integrated ticketing system, for all modes of Melbourne's public transport.

An Automatic Vehicle Monitoring system was introduced in 1985, improving communication with drivers and allowing tracking of trams throughout the network. This reduced tram bunching and improved reliability of tram services.

The St Kilda and Port Melbourne railway lines were converted to light rail lines in 1987, with the lines closed on 1 July 1987 and 11 October 1987 respectively. Trams first ran on the St Kilda line on 20 November 1987, with Port Melbourne following on 13 December 1987.{{cite web |url=http://www.vicsig.net/infrastructure/line/Port-Melbourne |title=Port Melbourne Line |work=Vicsig |access-date=29 November 2011 |archive-date=29 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829211033/http://vicsig.net/infrastructure/line/Port-Melbourne |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.vicsig.net/infrastructure/line/St-Kilda |title=St Kilda Line |work=Vicsig |access-date=29 November 2011 |archive-date=29 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829072747/http://vicsig.net/infrastructure/line/St-Kilda |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/our-history/tramway-milestones/towards-the-modern-era/ |title=Towards the modern era |work=Yarra Trams |access-date=26 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318142144/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/our-history/tramway-milestones/towards-the-modern-era/ |archive-date=18 March 2012 |url-status=dead }} The conversion consisted of the track being re-gauged from broad gauge {{track gauge|5ft3in|lk=on}} to standard gauge {{Track gauge|impsg}}, the overhead wires being converted to tramway voltage and light rail platforms built adjacent to the former stations platforms.{{cite web |url=http://www.railpage.org.au/tram/melbintr.html |title=Melbourne's tram system |author=David Hoadley |year=1998 |work=Trams of Australia |access-date=29 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000613044817/http://www.railpage.org.au/tram/melbintr.html |archive-date=13 June 2000 |url-status=dead }}

As a result of the Transport (Amendment) Act 1989 the MTA and STA were merged into the Public Transport Corporation (PTC) on 1 July 1989, bringing all rail services in Victoria under one body.{{cite web |url=http://access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/component/daPublicBaseContainer?component=daViewAgency&entityId=2984 |title=Public Transport Corporation |work=Public Record Office Victoria |access-date=29 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080507070201/http://access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/component/daPublicBaseContainer?component=daViewAgency&entityId=2984 |archive-date=7 May 2008 }}

By the late 1980s, the state government was under financial pressures brought on by an economic downturn. In January 1990, the Labor government of Premier John Cain tried to introduce economies into the running of the public transport system, including the removal of tram conductors. This provoked a long and crippling strike by the tramways union in January 1990, resulting in a back-down by the government and the retention of conductors.{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/union.htm |title=Melbourne tramways: union vs management |author=Russell Jones |year=2003 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=29 November 2011 |archive-date=23 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823002116/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/union.htm |url-status=live }}

In the 1992 state election, the Liberals came to power under Premier Jeff Kennett, who planned to cut the costs of Melbourne's public transport network and remove conductors. OneLink were contracted in 1995 to introduce an automatic ticketing system. The tramway union, which opposed this move, went on strike during the 1997 Grand Prix. One month later the government announced plans for privatisation of the PTC. The tram conductors were replaced with ticketing machines between 1996 and 1998—shortly before the system was privatised.{{cite web |url=http://www.robx1.net/victkt/metcard/html/history.htm |title=Metcard—A brief history |author=Rob O'Regan |year=2002 |work=Victorian Public Transport Ticketing |access-date=29 November 2011 |archive-date=2 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002152743/http://www.robx1.net/victkt/metcard/html/history.htm |url-status=dead }}

Image:M-Tram.jpg livery in 2001]]

On 1 July 1997, in preparation for privatisation of the Public Transport Corporation, Melbourne's tram network was split into two businesses: Met Tram 1 (later renamed Swanston Trams) and Met Tram 2 (later renamed Yarra Trams).{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220100753/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-60/38_read-103/ |archive-date=20 February 2011 |url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-60/38_read-103/ |work=Yarra Trams |title=History of Yarra Trams |access-date=26 January 2012}} VicTrack, a new statutory authority within the Victorian Government, was created in 1997 to hold the ownership of land and assets relating to Victoria's tram and rail systems.{{cite web |url=https://www.victrack.com.au/en/we-are-victrack/about-victrack |work=VicTrack |title=About VicTrack |access-date=24 October 2011 |archive-date=3 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111103130436/https://www.victrack.com.au/en/we-are-victrack/about-victrack |url-status=live }} In addition, a statutory office was established—the Director of Public Transport—to procure rail and tram services and to enter into and manage contracts with transport operators.{{cite web |url=http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/documents/council/Select_Committees/Trains/Submissions/SCTS_18_Att_3.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221010/http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/documents/council/Select_Committees/Trains/Submissions/SCTS_18_Att_3.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-10 |url-status=live |author=Paul Mees |date=July 2005 |publisher=Parliament of Victoria |title=Privatization of Rail and Tram Services in Melbourne: What Went Wrong? |access-date=9 July 2012}}

After a tendering process the businesses were awarded as 12-year franchises, with Swanston Trams won by National Express, and the Yarra Trams business by TransdevTSL.{{cite press release |title=Transfield Services/Transedv Partnership with the State Government of Victoria to Operate the Entire Melbourne Tram Network |url=http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20040219/pdf/3kpf73m37my2b.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221010/http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20040219/pdf/3kpf73m37my2b.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-10 |url-status=live |author=Transfield Services |publisher=ASX |date=19 February 2004 |access-date=9 August 2012}} Following a transitional period, the right to operate the two tram businesses was officially transferred from the government to the private sector under franchise agreements on 29 August 1999.

National Express renamed Swanston Trams as M>Tram, similarly along with its M>Train suburban train business, on 1 October 2001. After several years of failing to make a profit, more than a year of negotiations over revised financing arrangements with the government, and grave concern over its future viability, National Express Group announced on 16 December 2002, its decision to walk away from all of their Victorian contracts and hand control back to the state government, with funding for its operations to stop on 23 December 2002.{{cite web |url=http://www.iii.co.uk/investment/detail/?display=news&code=cotn:NEX.L&action=article&articleid=4537089 |work=Interactive Investor |title=National Express – Pre Close statement |access-date=24 October 2011}}{{cite news |title=National Express walks out of Australian rail service |author=Alistair Osborne |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2836793/National-Express-walks-out-of-Australian-rail-service.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=17 December 2002 |access-date=24 October 2011 |archive-date=12 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112160218/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2836793/National-Express-walks-out-of-Australian-rail-service.html |url-status=live }} The government ran M>Tram until negotiations were completed with Yarra Trams for it to take-over responsibility of the whole tram network from 18 April 2004.

On 25 June 2009, it was announced that Keolis Downer, a joint venture between Keolis and Downer EDI, would be the operator of the Melbourne tram network from 30 November 2009. The contract was for eight years, with an option for a further seven years.{{cite web |url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/who-we-are/ |work=Yarra Trams |title=Who we are |access-date=26 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203152028/http://yarratrams.com.au/about-us/who-we-are/ |archive-date=3 February 2012 |url-status=dead }}

{{See also|Yarra Trams}}

As a part of the privatisation process, franchise contracts between the state government and both private operators included obligations to extend and modernise the Melbourne tram network. This included acquiring new tram rolling stock, in addition the existing tram fleet was refurbished.{{cite magazine|title=Privatisation Boosts Rail Investment in Melbourne |author=Ian Hammond |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQQ/is_10_40/ai_66931446/ |magazine=International Railway Journal |date=October 2000 |access-date=10 November 2011 }}{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite magazine|title=Melbourne Refurbishes to Improve Image |author=Ian Hammond |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQQ/is_6_41/ai_80898097/ |magazine=International Railway Journal |date=June 2001 |access-date=10 November 2011 }}{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Swanston Trams (M>Tram) introduced 59 new Siemens Combino (D-class) low-floor built trams by Siemens, at a cost of A$175 million, and invested approximately A$8 million in refurbishing their fleet, while Yarra Trams introduced 36 Alstom Citadis (C-class) low-floor trams, at a cost of A$100 million, and invested A$5.3 million refurbishing their fleet.{{cite press release |title=New era for public transport starts today |url=http://franklin.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/MediaRelArc02.nsf/0/0CB6751618ECE8244A256AE5008133D1?Open |publisher=Office of the Premier |date=12 October 2001 |access-date=10 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509111659/http://franklin.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/MediaRelArc02.nsf/0/0CB6751618ECE8244A256AE5008133D1?Open |archive-date=9 May 2012}}{{cite press release |title=New Low-Floor Tram Honours Tramways Legend |url=http://franklin.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/MediaRelArc02.nsf/0/79B7C8A44C7671A04A256C0C0000D780?Open |publisher=Minister for Transport|date=2 August 2002 |access-date=10 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509111727/http://franklin.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/MediaRelArc02.nsf/0/79B7C8A44C7671A04A256C0C0000D780?Open |archive-date=9 May 2012}}

File:Tram stop sign outside Flinders Street station.jpg]]

In 2003 the marketing and umbrella brand Metlink was introduced to co-ordinate the promotion of Melbourne's public transport and the communications from the separate privatised companies. Metlink's role was to provide timetables, passenger information about connecting services provided by several operators, fares and ticketing information and introduce uniform signage across the Melbourne public transport system.{{cite press release|title=A New Identity for Melbourne's Public Transport System|url=http://franklin.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/798c8b072d117a01ca256c8c0019bb01/861b4c03c1c2088fca256d410008cf92!OpenDocument |publisher=Minister for Public Transport|date=9 June 2003 |access-date=10 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509111735/http://franklin.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/798c8b072d117a01ca256c8c0019bb01/861b4c03c1c2088fca256d410008cf92%21OpenDocument |archive-date=9 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url=http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/about-metlink/ | work=Metlink | title=About Metlink | access-date=7 April 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607234329/http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/about-metlink/ | archive-date=7 June 2011}}

Since privatisation extensions have been made to the tram system, with the $28 million extension of the 109 to Box Hill opening on 2 May 2003,{{cite press release |title=Melbourne's New Tramline Unveiled|url=http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/bc348d5912436a9cca256cfc0082d800/9eab51baa5822b08ca256d1d00088a96!OpenDocument |publisher=Office of the Premier|date=2 May 2003 |access-date=10 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120606004218/http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/bc348d5912436a9cca256cfc0082d800/9eab51baa5822b08ca256d1d00088a96!OpenDocument |archive-date=6 June 2012 |url-status=dead }} a $7.5 million extension along Docklands Drive in Docklands opened on 4 January 2005,{{cite press release |title=Docklands Drive Tram Extension Now in Service |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080727092647/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-105/99_read-325 |archive-date=27 July 2008 |url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-105/99_read-325 |publisher=Yarra Trams |date=4 January 2005 |access-date=26 January 2012}} and a $42.6 million extension of the 75 to Vermont South opening on 23 July 2005.{{cite press release |title=Major Public Transport Boost Opens in Melbourne's East |url=http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/b0222c68d27626e2ca256c8c001a3d2d/77f706ecbd1cb0a2ca2570490003dfcc!OpenDocument |publisher=Minister for Public Transport|date=23 July 2005 |access-date=10 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120606004226/http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/b0222c68d27626e2ca256c8c001a3d2d/77f706ecbd1cb0a2ca2570490003dfcc!OpenDocument |archive-date=6 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}

File:E 6001 in PTV livery on the Preston Workshop test track, September 2013.JPG in Public Transport Victoria livery at Preston Workshops on the test track before entering passenger service, September 2013]]

It was announced on 27 September 2010 that Bombardier Transportation had won a $303 million contract to supply and maintain 50 new E-class trams, the contract includes an option for a further 100.{{cite press release |title=50 Trams Order for Melbourne Creates Local Jobs |url=http://archive.premier.vic.gov.au/newsroom/12031.html |work=From the Minister for Public Transport |date=27 September 2010 |access-date=19 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019060638/http://archive.premier.vic.gov.au/newsroom/12031.html |archive-date=19 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite press release |title=Bombardier Wins Contract for 50 Trams for One of the World's Largest Tram Operations in Melbourne, Australia |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2010/09/29/idUS150770+29-Sep-2010+HUG20100929 |work=Bombardier Transportation |agency=Reuters |date=29 September 2010 |access-date=10 September 2013 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016062425/http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/09/29/idUS150770+29-Sep-2010+HUG20100929 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |title=E Class |url=http://www.vicsig.net/trams/tram/e/v1 |work=Vicsig |access-date=19 November 2011 |archive-date=12 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212002244/https://vicsig.net/trams/tram/e/v1 |url-status=live }} They will be built at Bombardier's Dandenong factory, with the propulsion systems and bogies coming from Bombardier's factories in Mannheim and Siegen, Germany, respectively. The trams will be 33 metres long and have a capacity of 210 passengers and are due to be in service in 2013.{{cite news|last=Carey|first=Adam|title=New low-floor trams miss first stop by seven months|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/new-lowfloor-trams-miss-first-stop-by-seven-months-20120817-24e1q.html|access-date=31 March 2013|newspaper=The Age|date=18 August 2012|archive-date=13 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313152106/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/new-lowfloor-trams-miss-first-stop-by-seven-months-20120817-24e1q.html|url-status=live}} The first E-class tram arrived at Preston Workshops in late June 2013 for testing, with the first two E-class entering revenue service in November 2013.{{cite web|title=Melbourne's first new generation tram arrives|url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/melbourne-s-first-new-generation-tram-arrives/|work=26 June 2013|access-date=4 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710200409/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/melbourne-s-first-new-generation-tram-arrives|archive-date=10 July 2013|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last=Gough |first=Deborah |title=Longer and louder: New E-Class tram makes itself heard |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/longer-and-louder-new-eclass-tram-makes-itself-heard-20131104-2wvt8.html |access-date=4 November 2013 |newspaper=The Age |date=4 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104075947/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/longer-and-louder-new-eclass-tram-makes-itself-heard-20131104-2wvt8.html |archive-date=4 November 2013 }}

In April 2012, Public Transport Victoria (PTV), a new statutory authority was formed after amendments to the Transport Integration Act 2010 and the passing of the Transport Legislation Amendment (Public Transport Development Authority) Act 2011. PTV assumed responsibility from the Director of Public Transport for the provision and administration of Victoria's transport services. It also provides information on fares, transport services and initiatives, and is responsible for overseeing and improving Victoria's public transport services.{{cite web |title=Transport Legislation Amendment (Public Transport Development Authority) ACT 2011 (No. 61 of 2011) |url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/num_act/tlatdaa201161o2011828/ |work=Government of Victoria |publisher=Australasian Legal Information Institute |access-date=25 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316204248/http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/num_act/tlatdaa201161o2011828/ |archive-date=16 March 2017 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url=http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/ | work=Public Transport Victoria | title=Welcome to Public Transport Victoria | access-date=7 April 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707072221/http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/ | archive-date=7 July 2012 }}{{cite web | url=http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/managing-victoria-s-public-transport-network/ | work=Public Transport Victoria | title=Managing Victoria's public transport network | access-date=25 November 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405054741/http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/managing-victoria-s-public-transport-network | archive-date=5 April 2012 | url-status=dead }}

File:Caulfield-Monash-Rowville Tram Melbourne 2018.jpg

The era since privatisation has also brought large patronage increases, an increase in platform stops, and a new ticketing system. In 1999–2000 year—when the tram system was privatised—patronage was 127.3 million per annum, this has increased almost each year since, and in the 2012–2013 year was 182.7 million passenger trips, a 4.2% year-on-year patronage increase; trams are the second most utilised public transport method, between trains and buses. Yarra Trams, the Department of Transport, and later Public Transport Victoria, committed to introduce level boarding stops to improve accessibility and safety, and comply with the Disability Discrimination Act; as of January 2014 360 accessible stops have been constructed, all since 1999.{{cite press release |title=330 and counting for platform stops |url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2011/330-and-counting-for-platform-stops/ |publisher=Yarra Trams |date=27 May 2011 |access-date=26 January 2012 |archive-date=19 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319034049/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2011/330-and-counting-for-platform-stops/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|title=Accessible trams|url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/getting-around/accessible-transport/accessible-trams/|work=Public Transport Victoria|access-date=16 January 2014|archive-date=16 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116213747/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/getting-around/accessible-transport/accessible-trams/|url-status=live}}

The Metcard ticketing system which operated from 1996 was switched off on 29 December 2012, leaving myki—which has been in operation on Melbourne trains since 29 December 2009, and valid on Melbourne trams and buses since 25 July 2010—as the sole ticketing system.{{cite web |url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/ |work=Public Transport Victoria |title=myki |access-date=22 April 2013 |archive-date=23 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423184857/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Metcards a piece of Melbourne history |author=Stephen Cauchi |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/metcards-a-piece-of-melbourne-history-20121229-2bzy6.html |newspaper=The Age |date=29 December 2012 |access-date=29 December 2012 |archive-date=1 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101044036/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/metcards-a-piece-of-melbourne-history-20121229-2bzy6.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Myki rolls out – but only on city trains |author=Clay Lucas |url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/myki-rolls-out--but-only-on-city-trains-20091228-lhc8.html |newspaper=The Age |date=29 December 2009 |access-date=29 December 2012 |archive-date=31 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231004616/http://www.theage.com.au/national/myki-rolls-out--but-only-on-city-trains-20091228-lhc8.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Myki will grow on you: ticket boss |author=Jason Dowling |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/myki-will-grow-on-you-ticket-boss-20100811-11ztt.html |newspaper=The Age |date=12 August 2010 |access-date=29 December 2012 |archive-date=17 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417003440/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/myki-will-grow-on-you-ticket-boss-20100811-11ztt.html |url-status=live }}

File:Z3-class tram -173 running a Route 72 service to Melbourne University stuck in traffic heading south along Burke Road at Camberwell Junction.jpg, making the network one of the slowest in the world.{{cite news |title=Slow rides for Melbourne's tram travellers |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-19/melbourne-trams-among-slowest-in-the-world/8541228 |access-date=25 March 2024 |work=ABC News |date=19 May 2017 |language=en-AU}}]]

At the start of 2015, the Free Tram Zone was introduced, which provided for free tram travel within the CBD, Docklands and the Queen Victoria Market, and ticketing was simplified to have just two payment zones.{{Cite web|last=Carey|first=Adam|date=2014-12-31|title=Free tram travel in CBD and Docklands a touchy subject for some|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/free-tram-travel-in-cbd-and-docklands-a-touchy-subject-for-some-20141231-12g1ys.html|access-date=2021-08-29|website=The Age|language=en|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829072403/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/free-tram-travel-in-cbd-and-docklands-a-touchy-subject-for-some-20141231-12g1ys.html|url-status=live}} Primarily aimed at helping tourists move around the city centre, the Free Tram Zone was criticised by some as contributing to tram overcrowding.{{Cite web|last=Carey|first=Adam|date=2015-05-12|title=Car parks cash in on Melbourne's free tram zone|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/car-parks-cash-in-on-melbournes-free-tram-zone-20150511-ggz3tf.html|access-date=2021-08-29|website=The Age|language=en|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829072405/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/car-parks-cash-in-on-melbournes-free-tram-zone-20150511-ggz3tf.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Philp|first=Nicola|date=2019-06-09|title=The free tram zone is a gimmick that needs to go|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/the-free-tram-zone-is-a-gimmick-that-needs-to-go-20190607-p51vjw.html|access-date=2021-08-29|website=The Age|language=en|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829072400/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/the-free-tram-zone-is-a-gimmick-that-needs-to-go-20190607-p51vjw.html|url-status=live}} Between 2015 and 2019, 50 more E-Class trams were ordered by the Andrews state government, bringing the total order to 100 to be delivered by 2021.{{Cite web|last=Department of Economic Development|first=Jobs|title=New train and tram orders|url=https://transport.vic.gov.au:443/our-transport-future/our-projects/new-and-upgraded-trains-and-trams/new-train-and-tram-orders|access-date=2021-08-29|website=transport.vic.gov.au|language=en-au|archive-date=1 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201091609/https://transport.vic.gov.au/our-transport-future/our-projects/new-and-upgraded-trains-and-trams/new-train-and-tram-orders|url-status=dead}}

In April 2018, the state government announced a new extension of the tram network from Caulfield.{{Cite web|url=https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-tram-to-connect-citys-south-east|title=New Tram To Connect City's South-East|date=10 April 2018|website=Premier of Victoria|language=en-US|access-date=4 January 2019|archive-date=4 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404130348/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-tram-to-connect-citys-south-east/|url-status=live}} The {{Convert|18|km|4=1|abbr=on}} extension would serve Chadstone, Monash University, Waverley Park and Rowville.{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-10/new-tram-route-for-melbourne-chadstone-clayton/9635720|title=Government plans new tram route for Melbourne's south-east|date=10 April 2018|website=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=4 January 2019|archive-date=23 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923180138/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-10/new-tram-route-for-melbourne-chadstone-clayton/9635720|url-status=live}} The state government allocated $3 million to plan the route, which would be constructed in two stages, with the first running from Caulfield to Monash. In 2019 the government also allocated $4.5 million to plan for two new tram lines to the Fisherman's Bend urban renewal precinct, although it stopped short of committing to the project.{{Cite web|last=Booker|first=Chloe|date=2020-09-07|title=Mayor takes aim at 'unacceptable' inaction on Fishermans Bend plan|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/mayor-takes-aim-at-unacceptable-inaction-on-fishermans-bend-plan-20200903-p55rzu.html|access-date=2021-08-29|website=The Age|language=en|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829072402/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/mayor-takes-aim-at-unacceptable-inaction-on-fishermans-bend-plan-20200903-p55rzu.html|url-status=live}}

In 2020, six tram stops were rebuilt to be low-floor and accessible on Nicholson Street in Carlton as part of the Route 96 Project started in 2012 to make the entire line level-access and more separated from car traffic.{{Cite web|title=Route 96 Upgrade, Victoria – Railway Technology|url=https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/route-96-upgrade-victoria/|access-date=2021-08-29|website=www.railway-technology.com|language=en-GB|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829072403/https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/route-96-upgrade-victoria/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=PTV Route 96 tram upgrade on Nicholson Street {{!}} Yarra City Council|url=https://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/news/2019/12/12/ptv-route-96-upgrade-nicholson-street|access-date=2021-08-29|website=www.yarracity.vic.gov.au|language=en|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829072402/https://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/news/2019/12/12/ptv-route-96-upgrade-nicholson-street|url-status=live}} Despite gradual stop upgrades, by 2021 73% of Melbourne's tram stops were still inaccessible for people in wheelchairs with initiatives like the Route 96 Project being criticised as too slow.{{Cite web|last=Jacks|first=Timna|date=2021-06-27|title=Wheelchair users take legal action over 'frustrating' pace of tram upgrades|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/wheelchair-users-take-legal-action-over-frustrating-pace-of-melbourne-tram-upgrades-20210627-p584n8.html|access-date=2021-08-29|website=The Age|language=en|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829072401/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/wheelchair-users-take-legal-action-over-frustrating-pace-of-melbourne-tram-upgrades-20210627-p584n8.html|url-status=live}} As part of the project, Acland Street in St Kilda was closed to cars and a plaza built.{{Cite web|title=Acland Street Plaza Revitalised – Yarra Trams|url=https://yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2016/acland-street-plaza-revitalised/|access-date=2021-08-29|website=yarratrams.com.au|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829072403/https://yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2016/acland-street-plaza-revitalised/|url-status=dead}}

In the 2020–21 budget, the state government announced $1.48 billion for 100 next generation trams, G-class trams, to replace older low-floor trams, to be delivered from 2025 following the completed order of 100 E-class trams.{{Cite web|title=Trams – Made And Maintained In Victoria {{!}} Premier of Victoria|url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/trams-made-and-maintained-victoria|access-date=2021-08-29|website=www.premier.vic.gov.au|language=en|archive-date=19 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719062649/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/trams-made-and-maintained-victoria|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Jacks|first=Timna|date=2021-05-01|title=Melbourne's next generation trams could be trackless with rubber wheels|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/melbourne-s-next-generation-trams-could-be-trackless-with-rubber-wheels-20210422-p57ldr.html|access-date=2021-08-29|website=The Age|language=en|archive-date=13 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113101942/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/melbourne-s-next-generation-trams-could-be-trackless-with-rubber-wheels-20210422-p57ldr.html|url-status=live}} In August 2021, the Government announced that a new maintenance and storage depot would be built at Maidstone to accommodate these new trams. {{As of|2024|03}}, the Maidstone tram depot is currently under construction and is scheduled to be completed in 2025.{{Cite web|title=Maidstone home for Next Generation Trams|url=http://www.railpage.com.au/news/s/maidstone-home-for-next-generation-trams|access-date=2021-08-27|website=Railpage|archive-date=27 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827001659/http://www.railpage.com.au/news/s/maidstone-home-for-next-generation-trams|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Department of Economic Development|first=Jobs|title=Next Generation Trams|url=https://transport.vic.gov.au/our-transport-future/our-projects/new-and-upgraded-trains-and-trams/next-generation-trams|access-date=2021-08-29|website=transport.vic.gov.au|language=en-au|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130132105/https://transport.vic.gov.au/our-transport-future/our-projects/new-and-upgraded-trains-and-trams/next-generation-trams}}

{{See also|List of Melbourne tram routes}}

24 numbered routes operate with a regular schedule on Melbourne's tram network. Route numbers suffixed with the letter 'a' terminate before the usual destination, divert from the usual route, or both (due to major delays, disruptions or special events), while services suffixed with the letter 'd' terminate or divert to their depots (at end of service).{{cite press release |title=Catch me, now you can |url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2011/catch-me,-now-you-can/ |publisher=Yarra Trams |date=15 August 2011 |access-date=26 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104192448/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2011/catch-me,-now-you-can/ |archive-date=4 January 2018 |url-status=dead }}

File:Melbourne Tram 1979.jpg, 1979.]]

The Melbourne tram fleet currently comprises 520 trams as of May 2023.{{cite web | title=Melbourne's tram fleet | website=Yarra Trams | url=https://yarratrams.com.au/our-fleet-today | access-date=2023-05-25 | archive-date=25 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525051143/https://yarratrams.com.au/our-fleet-today | url-status=live }} Classification is based on the original system begun by the MMTB in 1921.{{cite book|last=Cross|first=Norman|title=Destination City|year=2001|publisher=Transit Australia|location=Sydney|isbn=0-909459-17-7|page=8}}

The rolling stock is part of leases to Yarra Trams, with the W-, Z-, A- and B-class trams owned by the Victorian Government, and the C1-class and D-classes are subject to lease purchase agreements, while the C2-class trams were leased from Mulhouse, France but are now state assets.{{cite web | url=http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/MR3-IOT-Tram-Vol2.pdf | work=Public Transport Victoria | title=Invitation to Tender – Melbourne Metropolitan Tram Franchise | pages=97–98 | access-date=9 July 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410192954/http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/MR3-IOT-Tram-Vol2.pdf | archive-date=10 April 2013 | url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=Bee trams to stay, but at what price? |author=Clay Lucas |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/bee-trams-to-stay-but-at-what-price-20101012-16huk.html |newspaper=The Age |date=13 October 2010 |access-date=6 November 2011 |archive-date=19 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110119110844/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/bee-trams-to-stay-but-at-what-price-20101012-16huk.html |url-status=live }}

{{Main|W-class Melbourne tram}}

W-class trams were introduced to Melbourne in 1923 as a new standard design. They have two equal-wheeled bogies, with all four axles powered by a separate motor; carbodies feature a distinctive "drop centre" section, allowing the passenger steps at the central doorways to be closer to the ground. A total of 756 W-class trams of 11 variants were built up until 1956, and they formed the mainstay of Melbourne's tramways system for 60 years.{{cite web | url=http://www.railpage.org.au/tram/w.html | work=Trams of Australia | title=Melbourne's W-class tram | access-date=6 November 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011014944/http://www.railpage.org.au/tram/w.html | archive-date=11 October 2011 | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url=http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/search/nattrust_result_detail/64262 | work=National Trust of Australia | title=W Class Trams | access-date=6 November 2011 | archive-date=2 April 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402185647/http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/search/nattrust_result_detail/64262 | url-status=live }}

It was not until the 1980s that the W-class started to be replaced in large numbers, and by 1990 their status as an icon for the city was recognised, leading to a listing by the National Trust of Australia. Public outrage over their sale for tourist use overseas led to an embargo on further export out of the country in 1993, though recently{{when|date=June 2017}} some have been given or loaned to various Museums. Approximately 200 of the W-class trams retired since then remain stored, and the future use of these trams is unknown.{{cite web | url=http://www.nattrust.com.au/content/download/81747/865020/file/Background_information.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091014092904/http://www.nattrust.com.au/content/download/81747/865020/file/Background_information.pdf |archive-date=2009-10-14 |url-status=live | work=National Trust of Australia | title=W Class Trams – Background Information | access-date=6 November 2011}}

W-class trams have been sent overseas: five went to Seattle between 1978 and 1993, where they operated on Seattle's George Benson Waterfront Streetcar Line from 1982, but suspended in 2005. Another nine are now part of the downtown Memphis tourist service, while several{{which|date=June 2017}} other US cities have one or two. The Edmonton Radial Railway Society in Edmonton, Alberta received No. 930 in 1997, and currently operates it on the High Level Bridge Streetcar heritage line.

As of January 2015, there are approximately 230 W-class trams: about 165 are in storage, 27 are stored operational in "ready reserve", 12 run on the City Circle (the oldest W-class tram in service runs on the City Circle) and 26 are used in revenue service.{{cite news |title=City not ready to lose its W-class act |author=Ruth Williams |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/city-not-ready-to-lose-its-wclass-act-20100227-pa8v.html |newspaper=The Age |date=28 February 2010 |access-date=6 November 2011 |archive-date=29 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729074924/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/city-not-ready-to-lose-its-wclass-act-20100227-pa8v.html |url-status=live }} In January 2010, it was announced by the new transport minister that the 26 W-class trams running the two inner city routes, would be phased out by 2012, prompting a new campaign from the National Trust of Australia.{{cite news |title=Minister in, W-class trams out |author=Sarah-Jane Collins |url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/minister-in-wclass-trams-out-20100121-mo95.html |newspaper=The Age |date=22 January 2010 |access-date=6 November 2011 |archive-date=29 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729074554/http://www.theage.com.au/national/minister-in-wclass-trams-out-20100121-mo95.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=http://www.nattrust.com.au/advocacy/campaigns/w_class_trams | work=National Trust of Australia | title=W Class Trams | access-date=6 November 2011 | archive-date=14 August 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814162114/http://www.nattrust.com.au/advocacy/campaigns/w_class_trams | url-status=live }} In 2010, it was proposed to better utilise the unused W-class trams by refurbishing and leasing them as "roving ambassadors" to other cities, generating revenue which could then be invested back into the public transport system.{{cite news |title=Activist ready to rattle to keep W-class rolling |author=Ruth Williams |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/activist-ready-to-rattle-to-keep-wclass-rolling-20100306-pptp.html |newspaper=The Age |date=7 March 2010 |access-date=6 November 2011 |archive-date=29 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729075405/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/activist-ready-to-rattle-to-keep-wclass-rolling-20100306-pptp.html |url-status=live }} In 2011 the Victoria government committed $8 million over four years for the restoration of W-class trams, with options for new routes to be considered.{{cite press release |title=Coalition Government to save Victoria's W-Class trams |url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/719-coalition-government-to-save-victorias-w-class-trams.html |publisher=From the Minister for Public Transport |date=3 May 2011 |access-date=16 March 2013 |archive-date=14 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514202703/http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/719-coalition-government-to-save-victorias-w-class-trams.html |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|title=Restoring W-Class trams|url=http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/projects/metropolitan-tram-network/restoring-w-class-trams/|work=Public Transport Victoria|access-date=16 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312122110/http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/projects/metropolitan-tram-network/restoring-w-class-trams/|archive-date=12 March 2013|url-status=dead}}

File:SW5.728FlindersStreet.jpg|A SW5-class tram on Flinders Street

File:W6 Melbourne tram, Nicholson Street.jpg|A W6-class tram on Victoria Street

File:City-Circle-Tram,-cnr-Flinders&Elizabeth,-Melb,-12.08.2008.jpg|A W7-class tram on Flinders Street

{{Main|Z-class Melbourne tram}}

File:Z3 229 at Footscray Terminus on route 82, in PTV livery, 2013.JPG

The development of new rolling stock to replace the W-class began in the early 1970s, employing a modern design, based on the M28 trams running in Gothenburg, Sweden.{{cite web | url=http://www.railpage.org.au/tram/z.html | work=Trams of Australia | title=Melbourne's Z-class tram | access-date=6 November 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219103851/http://www.railpage.org.au/tram/z.html | archive-date=19 February 2011 | url-status=dead }}

The Z-class trams, built by Comeng, were introduced in 1975. One hundred Z1-class trams were built between 1975 and 1979, the first 80 or so entering service as Z-class before being modified. The design proved unpopular with passengers due to the limited number of doors and the seated conductor. Most of the Z1-class trams were withdrawn following the introduction of the C, D and E class trams, with the last Z1-class being withdrawn on 23 April 2016. Many were later sold at auctions, while others were donated to tram museums.{{cite web |url=http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&class=Z1 |work=Vicsig |title=Z1 Class |access-date=25 April 2020 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127013352/https://vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&class=Z1 |url-status=live }}

In 1978 and 1979, fifteen Z2-class trams were built, as a bridging order to maintain construction continuity between the Z1 and Z3-class trams. Some slight modifications were incorporated, the main visible ones being a larger anti-climber bumper and larger opening area for the driver's side-window, otherwise they resemble the Z1-class vehicles. The last Z2-class tram was withdrawn from service on 21 April 2016.{{cite web | url=http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&class=Z2 | work=Vicsig | title=Z2 Class | access-date=25 April 2020 | archive-date=27 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127014715/https://vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&class=Z2 | url-status=live }}

One hundred and fifteen Z3-class trams entered service between 1979 and 1984. They were designed with an additional door on each side of the tram, the rear door improving passenger flow. Different motors and control equipment were fitted, resulting in smoother acceleration and braking compared to the Z1-class. As with the preceding Z1 and Z2-class trams, the conductor's console was removed when one-person operation was introduced in the 1990s. 111 remain in service.{{cite web | url=http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&class=Z3 | work=Vicsig | title=Z3 Class | access-date=25 April 2020 | archive-date=27 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127013645/https://vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&class=Z3 | url-status=live }}

File:Z1 Melbourne tram.jpg|A Z1-class tram at Federation Square, Swanston Street

File:Z2 101 Swanston Street 4-10-2012.jpg|A Z2-class tram at City Square, Swanston Street

File:Z3-class Melbourne tram interior, 2013.jpg|A Z3-class tram interior

{{Main|A-class Melbourne tram}}

File:A2273_YarraTrams_PTV_Livery.jpg

The A-class trams were built between 1984 and 1987 by Comeng. They were built in two batches: 28 A1-class trams entered service between 1984 and 1985, and 42 A2-class trams between 1985 and 1986. They were similar – the major differences being the brakes, door operating mechanisms, and that the A1-class were built with trolley poles, while A2-class were the first trams for Melbourne that were equipped with pantographs only.{{cite web | url=http://www.railpage.org.au/tram/a.html | work=Trams of Australia | title=Melbourne's A-class tram | access-date=6 November 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011014122/http://www.railpage.org.au/tram/a.html | archive-date=11 October 2011 | url-status=dead }} All but one that were built remain in service at present.{{cite web | url=http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&class=A1 | work=Vicsig | title=A1 Class | access-date=6 November 2011 | archive-date=20 February 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220081644/http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&class=A1 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&class=A2 | work=Vicsig | title=A2 Class | access-date=6 November 2011 | archive-date=20 February 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220020039/http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&class=A2 | url-status=live }}

File:A1 class tram.jpg|An A1-class tram at Federation Square, Flinders Street

File:A1.234 spencer, 2014.JPG|An A1-class tram

File:A2.272FlindersStreet.jpg|An A2-class tram on Flinders Street

{{Main|B-class Melbourne tram}}

File:B 2086 PTV livery Sep 2014.JPG

Two B1-class trams were built as part of the order for 28 A1-class trams in 1984 and 1985.{{cite web | url=http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&class=B1 | work=Vicsig | title=B1 Class | access-date=6 November 2011 | archive-date=21 April 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421162043/http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&class=B1 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=http://www.railpage.org.au/tram/b.html | work=Trams of Australia | title=Melbourne's B-class tram | access-date=25 April 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011014107/http://www.railpage.org.au/tram/b.html | archive-date=11 October 2011 | url-status=dead }} The B-class trams used the same traction equipment as the Z3 and A-class trams, and were designed for operating on the light rail lines. They were originally built with both trolley poles and pantographs, as well as movable steps to allow railway platform and street level boarding, however this concept was later abandoned when low-floor platforms replaced railway-height ones at the converted light rail stations. Both B1-class trams were withdrawn in 2018.

B2-class trams entered service between 1988 and 1994, differing from the B1-class prototypes by not having trolley poles, having dot-matrix destination displays, and non-opening windows. 130 trams were built by Comeng, and later ABB; all of which remain in service today. The B2-class was the first Melbourne tram fitted with air conditioning.{{cite web | url=http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&class=B2 | work=Vicsig | title=B2 Class | access-date=6 November 2011 | archive-date=21 April 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421111448/http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&class=B2 | url-status=live }}

B-class trams were the first articulated trams to serve on the Melbourne network.

File:B1.2001 bourke, 2014.JPG|B1-class tram #2001

File:B2-class Melbourne tram interior, 2013.JPG|A B2-class tram interior

{{Main|C-class Melbourne tram|C2-class Melbourne tram}}

Following the privatisation of Melbourne's tram system in 1999, the private operators acquired new trams to replace the older Z-class trams. In 2001, Yarra Trams introduced the low-floor C1-class trams, a variant of the Citadis manufactured in France by Alstom. They are three-section articulated vehicles, with 36 in service.{{cite web | url=http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&class=C&v=1 | work=Vicsig | title=C Class | access-date=6 November 2011 | archive-date=20 February 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220044639/http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&class=C&v=1 | url-status=live }}

Five C2-class trams, a five-section articulated variant of the Alstom Citadis, began running in Melbourne in 2008 after being leased from Mulhouse in France. They were dubbed 'Bumble Bees' due to the distinctive yellow colour scheme they carried when first introduced, and run exclusively on route 96. In November 2010 it was announced that the State Government was in negotiations to purchase the five C2-class trams,{{Citation | url=http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&class=C2 | work=Vicsig | title=C2 Class | access-date=6 November 2011 | archive-date=29 September 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929145302/http://vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&class=C2 | url-status=live }} with the purchase finalised in 2013.{{cite web|title=Tram Procurement Program|url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/projects/trams/tram-procurement-program/|work=Public Transport Victoria|access-date=21 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513161451/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/projects/trams/tram-procurement-program/ |archive-date=13 May 2013}} They can hold 54 seated passengers and 150 standing passengers.

The C1-class trams are owned by Allco entity and are subject to a lease purchase agreement, while the C2-class trams were initially leased from Société Générale entity, they were subsequently purchased by the Victorian Government in the 2012–2013 financial year.{{cite web|title=Public Transport Victoria Annual Report 2012 – 13|url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV/PTV%20docs/AnnualReport/Annual-Report-2012-13.pdf|work=Public Transport Victoria|access-date=1 January 2014|pages=13|year=2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192722/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV/PTV%20docs/AnnualReport/Annual-Report-2012-13.pdf|archive-date=2 January 2014|url-status=dead}}

File:C.3025 collins, 2014.JPG|A C1-class tram

File:C2.5123 bourke, 2014.jpg|A C2-class tram

{{Main|D-class Melbourne tram}}

The German-made Siemens Combino trams were introduced by the now defunct M>Tram between 2002 and 2004. The Combino is a three-section (D1-class) or five-section (D2-class) low-floor articulated vehicle.{{cite web | url=http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams§ion=class&class=D1 | work=Vicsig | title=D1 Class | access-date=25 April 2020 | archive-date=9 February 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209222105/https://vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams§ion=class&class=D1 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams§ion=class&class=D2 | work=Vicsig | title=D2 Class | access-date=6 November 2011 | archive-date=30 June 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630090138/http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams§ion=class&class=d2 | url-status=live }}

The D-class trams are subject to a lease purchase agreement.

File:D1.3528 flinders, 2014.JPG|A D1-class tram

File:D2 5001 (Melbourne tram) in Elizabeth St on route 19 to North Coburg in PTV livery, December 2013.jpg|A D2-class tram

File:D2-class Melbourne tram interior, 2013.JPG|A D2-class tram interior

{{Main|E-class Melbourne tram}}

File:Melbourne Tram E-Class 6007.jpg]]

File:E2.6057 bourke, 2023 (01).jpg]]

The E-class are three-section, four-bogie articulated trams, based on the Bombardier Flexity Swift design and built at Bombardier Transportation's Dandenong factory. The propulsion systems and bogies were imported from Bombardier's Mannheim and Siegen factories in Germany.{{cite web |title=E Class |url=http://www.vicsig.net/trams/tram/e/v1 |work=VICSIG |access-date=19 November 2011 |archive-date=12 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212002244/https://vicsig.net/trams/tram/e/v1 |url-status=live }} Bombardier was selected on 27 September 2010 following a tendering process for 50 new low-floor trams, which was opened in 2009. The $303 million contract was for supply of 50 trams with maintenance to 2017, and included an option for a further 100 trams. The E-class trams are the first locally built Melbourne trams since the B-class in 1994.{{cite web |title=Melbourne's newest tram – the story so far |url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2012/melbourne%E2%80%99s-newest-tram-%E2%80%93-the-story-so-far |work=Yarra Trams |date=2 May 2012 |access-date=1 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407200839/http://yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2012/melbourne%E2%80%99s-newest-tram-%E2%80%93-the-story-so-far/ |archive-date=7 April 2018 |url-status=dead }}

E-class trams are 33 metres long and 2.65 metres wide, have anti-slip flooring, are air-conditioned, have automatic audio-visual announcements and a passenger capacity of 210. A two-thirds mock up, produced for design input, was unveiled on 24 August 2011 and was displayed at the 2011 Royal Melbourne Show.{{cite web |title=FLEXITY Swift – Melbourne, Australia |url=http://www.bombardier.com/en/transportation/products-services?docID=0901260d801b2dd7# |publisher=Bombardier Transportation |access-date=1 July 2012}}{{cite press release|title=First Look at Melbourne's New Trams|url=http://www.terrymulder.com.au/media-releases/first-look-at-melbourne-s-new-trams |publisher=The Hon Terry Mulder, Minister for Public Transport |date=24 August 2011 |access-date=1 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426061203/http://www.terrymulder.com.au/media-releases/first-look-at-melbourne-s-new-trams |archive-date=26 April 2012 }}{{cite news |title=Melbourne's new trams revealed |author=Clay Lucas |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/melbournes-new-trams-revealed-20110824-1j9iz.html |newspaper=The Age |date=24 August 2011 |access-date=1 July 2012 |archive-date=27 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627114217/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/melbournes-new-trams-revealed-20110824-1j9iz.html |url-status=live }} Although originally anticipated to be delivered in 2012, design complexity slowed down construction, delaying delivery of the first tram.

The first two E1-class trams entered service on 4 November 2013, and the last of the fifty on 24 April 2017.{{cite web | url=https://vicsig.net/trams/class/E/1 | work=Vicsig | title=E1 Class | access-date=25 April 2020 | archive-date=11 February 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211235509/https://vicsig.net/trams/class/E/1 | url-status=live }} In May 2015, the State Government announced it had partially taken up the option, ordering a further 20[http://ptv.vic.gov.au/projects/trams/new-e-class-trams/ New E-class trams] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923011303/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/projects/trams/new-e-class-trams/ |date=23 September 2013 }} Public Transport Victoria[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-04/victorian-government-2-billion-on-trams-trains-budget-surplus/6441788 Victoria budget to include $2 billion for new trams & trains for Melbourne] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807141304/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-04/victorian-government-2-billion-on-trams-trains-budget-surplus/6441788 |date=7 August 2016 }} ABC News 4 May 2015 to a slightly modified design; the first of these entered service on 13 June 2017. This updated design focused on improved safety, in response to a significant increase in passenger injuries, and implemented measures such as glare reduction to allow improved road visibility for drivers and extra handholds and grab rails for passengers.{{Cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/20-new-trams-to-be-rolled-out-in-melbournes-cbd-next-week-and-premier-says-more-to-come/news-story/5126d93e9afad523bdbf527823432938|title=New trams to hit Melbourne CBD|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=6 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170506071140/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/20-new-trams-to-be-rolled-out-in-melbournes-cbd-next-week-and-premier-says-more-to-come/news-story/5126d93e9afad523bdbf527823432938|url-status=live}} Further extensions to this order have since been made, and as of 1 October 2021 there are 50 E2-class trams in service. A total of 100 E-class trams are currently in service.{{cite web |date=27 February 2023 |title=E2 Class |url=https://vicsig.net/trams/class/E2/1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404175714/https://vicsig.net/trams/class/E2/1 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=Vicsig}}

{{Main articles|G-class Melbourne tram}}

File:Front of G-class tram mockup at Alstom warehouse in Melbourne, Tullamarine (53413010003).jpg

In November 2020, plans were announced for 100 Next Generation Trams in the 2020 Victorian Budget, at a cost of around $1.5 billion. Alstom and a joint venture comprising UGL Rail and CAF were shortlisted to design and build these new trams, with the first of the new models entering service in 2025.{{Cite web|title=Next Generation Trams {{!}} Victorian Budget 20/21|url=http://www.budget.vic.gov.au/next-generation-trams|access-date=15 February 2021|website=www.budget.vic.gov.au|language=en|archive-date=2 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302065054/https://www.budget.vic.gov.au/next-generation-trams|url-status=dead}}{{Cite tweet|number=1331066595909586944|user=BenCarrollMP|last=Carroll|first=Ben|title=Big budget. Bigger transport projects. Biggest EVER investment in new trams for Victoria. #VICbudget|website=Twitter|date=2020-11-24}}{{Cite web|last=Department of Economic Development|first=Jobs|title=New train and tram orders|url=https://transport.vic.gov.au/our-transport-future/our-projects/new-and-upgraded-trains-and-trams/new-train-and-tram-orders|access-date=15 February 2021|website=transport.vic.gov.au|language=en-au|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201091609/https://transport.vic.gov.au/our-transport-future/our-projects/new-and-upgraded-trains-and-trams/new-train-and-tram-orders}} The new low floor trams will replace the older classes of trams, which are not accessible due to their high floor designs.{{Cite web|last=Jacks|first=Timna|date=15 February 2021|title='Considerable risks': Internal document reveals key problems facing tram network|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/considerable-risks-internal-document-reveals-key-problems-facing-tram-network-20210215-p572k7.html|access-date=15 February 2021|website=The Age|language=en|archive-date=15 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215083606/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/considerable-risks-internal-document-reveals-key-problems-facing-tram-network-20210215-p572k7.html|url-status=live}} They are planned to be shorter than the E-Class at 25-metres long, with an option for a 35-metre long version. They are planned to carry 150 passengers with seating for 48, and will include new technology for Melbourne's fleet including on-board batteries and regenerative braking, resulting in lower power consumption.

In April 2022 the Victorian Government announced that Alstom would build 100 new trams and provide 15 years of maintenance.{{Cite web |title=Boost For Jobs As Biggest Tram Project Gets Underway {{!}} Premier of Victoria |url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/boost-jobs-biggest-tram-project-gets-underway |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=www.premier.vic.gov.au |language=en |archive-date=20 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420230127/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/boost-jobs-biggest-tram-project-gets-underway |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2022-04-21 |title=Largest light rail contract in Australia |url=https://www.railexpress.com.au/largest-light-rail-contract-in-australia/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=Rail Express |language=en-AU |archive-date=21 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421003256/https://www.railexpress.com.au/largest-light-rail-contract-in-australia/ |url-status=live }} As part of the $1.85 billion project, a new stabling and maintenance facility will be constructed at Maidstone in Melbourne's west to house the new trams.{{Cite web |title=Maidstone Home To Melbourne's Next Generation Trams {{!}} Premier of Victoria |url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/maidstone-home-melbournes-next-generation-trams |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=www.premier.vic.gov.au |language=en |archive-date=19 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019083413/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/maidstone-home-melbournes-next-generation-trams |url-status=live }} The trams are to be based on the Bombardier Flexity 2 design, customised to Melbourne's network, and will include 65% locally made content.{{Cite web |last=Victorian Department of Transport |date=April 2022 |title=Next Generation Trams |url=https://transport.vic.gov.au/our-transport-future/our-projects/new-and-upgraded-trains-and-trams/next-generation-trams |access-date=27 December 2021 |archive-date=30 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130132105/https://transport.vic.gov.au/our-transport-future/our-projects/new-and-upgraded-trains-and-trams/next-generation-trams |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |date=2022-04-20 |title=Another 100 trams to be built in Melbourne |url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7707197/another-100-trams-to-be-built-in-melbourne/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=The Canberra Times |language=en-AU}} The tram order is the largest in Australian history and the fleet is designed to use less power than the E-class so as not to require new power or traction infrastructure. The trams are to be known as the G-class.

The following table lists patronage figures for the network during the corresponding financial year. Australia's financial years start on 1 July and end on 30 June. Major events that affected the number of journeys made or how patronage is measured are included as notes.

{{notelist|refs=

{{efn|name=2004–05|Patronage estimates use a different methodology from 2004–05, resulting in a "step-change" in patronage estimates from 2003–04 to 2004–05.}}

{{efn|name=2005–06|Figures exclude additional patronage associated with the 2006 Commonwealth Games.}}

{{efn|name=COVID19|Patronage was severely impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic.}}

}}

Melbourne's trams run out of eight depots.

File:Holden St tramway substation, North Fitzroy, Melbourne, 2013.JPG]]

Melbourne's tram system operates on 600 volt DC electricity, provided to the overhead lines by 60 (as of March 2021) substations spread across the network. Electricity is supplied to these substations in either 6.6, 11, or 22 kilovolt 50 hertz AC and is then stepped down, and rectified to 600 volt DC. The overhead system is further separated into 100 sections, this is done both to maintain voltage and current across the network, and to isolate disruptions when issues relating to the electrical transmission system occur. The most common disturbances to the supply system are over height vehicles, falling tree limbs, damaged poles, and fires nearby to overhead wires.{{cite web|title=Substation to Substation – Melbourne's tram power infrastructure|url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2013/substation-to-substation-melbourne%27s-tram-power-infrastructure/|work=Yarra Trams|access-date=9 September 2013|date=27 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225010130/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2013/substation-to-substation-melbourne%27s-tram-power-infrastructure/|archive-date=25 February 2014|url-status=dead}}

Since 2013 Yarra Trams have been provisioning for the upgrade of substations across the network. This is due to the increased amount of current required by newer trams such as the E-class and other low-floor trams scheduled for wider deployment across the system. Additionally, they are concurrently planning for the further segmentation of the supply network; further isolating disruptions caused by disturbance to the supply system.

In January 2017, the state government announced tenders to power Melbourne's tram network with solar power, to be supplied at Mildura with a new 75 MW solar power plant by the end of 2018.{{cite web|title=Melbourne's trams to be solar powered|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/melbournes-trams-to-be-solar-powered-20170118-gtuazz.html|work=The Age|access-date=20 January 2017|date=19 January 2017|archive-date=20 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120035514/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/melbournes-trams-to-be-solar-powered-20170118-gtuazz.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Melbourne's tram network to use solar energy by the end of 2018, Government says|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-19/melbourne-tram-network-to-use-solar-energy-by-end-of-2018/8194642|work=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=20 January 2017|date=19 January 2017|archive-date=19 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119200549/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-19/melbourne-tram-network-to-use-solar-energy-by-end-of-2018/8194642|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Solar to help power Melbourne's trams|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/solar-to-help-power-melbournes-trams/news-story/e88b126e1088978ef5c9603f147d9bf5|work=news.com.au|access-date=20 January 2017|date=19 January 2017|archive-date=19 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119170450/http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/solar-to-help-power-melbournes-trams/news-story/e88b126e1088978ef5c9603f147d9bf5|url-status=dead}}

File:Z2 101 crossing Kooyong Station level crossing.jpg level crossing]]

There are currently two level crossings where trams and trains cross each other: Glenferrie Road, Kooyong; and Riversdale Road, Camberwell.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/25-more-rail-level-crossings-to-go-under-labor-pledge-20181021-p50b07.html|title=Another 25 rail level crossings to go under Labor pledge|last1=Butt|first1=Craig|last2=Towell|first2=Noel|date=21 October 2018|website=The Age|language=en|access-date=27 October 2018|archive-date=22 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022153453/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/25-more-rail-level-crossings-to-go-under-labor-pledge-20181021-p50b07.html|url-status=live}} Two more recently existed, one at Burke Road, Glen Iris, operated until 2015, when it was removed along with Gardiner station as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project,{{citation needed|date=July 2024}} and one at Glen Huntly Road, Glen Huntly, operated until 2023, when it was closed along with the Glen Huntly station under the same project.{{cite web|url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/library/level-crossing-removal-project/frankston/glen-huntly/works/glen-huntly-road-and-neerim-road-closures-april|title=Glen Huntly Road and Neerim Road closures – April|website=Victoria's Big Build|date=17 May 2023|language=en|access-date=7 June 2023|archive-date=10 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610033142/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/library/level-crossing-removal-project/frankston/glen-huntly/works/glen-huntly-road-and-neerim-road-closures-april|url-status=dead}}

To accommodate the differing voltages of the 600-volt tram and 1500-volt train systems each of these level crossings is fitted with an overhead square, which can isolate the section of overhead wiring above the crossing and apply the appropriate voltage. When the signal box adjacent to the crossing interlocks the gates for trains to pass through, 1500 volts is applied, while when the gates are up 600 volts is applied.{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/lvlcross.htm |title=Tramway level crossings in Victoria cauthor=Russell Jones |year=2003 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=8 July 2012 |archive-date=29 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129203335/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/lvlcross.htm |url-status=live }}

Historically many tram–train level crossings have operated in Melbourne, all but the aforementioned two have been grade-separated, or the tramway or railway has been abandoned. The first were built during the cable tram systems operation, with much reluctance on behalf of the Victorian Railways. Many more were built after the emergence of electric trams in 1906, often causing disputes between tramway operators and the Victorian Railways.

Image:Comm Games 2006 flying tram.JPG Opening Ceremony, sitting on a Melbourne street map]]

Melbourne's trams—especially the W-class—are an icon of Melbourne and an important part of its history and character. Trams have been featured across several media, and in tourism advertising since World War II.{{cite news |title=W-class trams: the art and soul of Melbourne town |author=Ruth Williams |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/wclass-trams-the-art-and-soul-of-melbourne-town-20101023-16yne.html |newspaper=The Age |date=24 October 2010 |access-date=14 November 2011 |archive-date=1 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501231853/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/wclass-trams-the-art-and-soul-of-melbourne-town-20101023-16yne.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=decaaQl5t_I | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626041028/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=decaaQl5t_I| archive-date=2014-06-26 | url-status=dead|title=After Dark, Melbourne |author=Visit Victoria |publisher=YouTube |access-date=14 November 2011}}

The character of Nora in the novel Monkey Grip (1977) by Helen Garner occasionally uses trams to run errands and make daily trips around the city. Trams are heavily featured in the movie Malcolm, one scene of the controversial film Alvin Purple, and feature in the music video clips for the Beastie Boys' The Rat Cage and AC/DC's It's a Long Way to the Top.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKQTEXWWtdQ&ob=av2n |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/GKQTEXWWtdQ| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Beastie Boys – The Rat Cage |author=Beastie Boys |date=12 March 2009 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=8 November 2011}}{{cbignore}} Among songs written about Melbourne's trams are Toorak Tram by Bernard Bolan,{{cite web |url=http://tdu.to/42011.msg |title=Toorak Trams and Bernard Bolan |publisher=Trams Down Under |access-date=8 November 2011 |archive-date=28 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928193947/http://tdu.to/42011.msg |url-status=live }} and Taking the tram to Carnegie by the band Oscar.{{cite web |url=http://oscartheband.bandcamp.com/track/taking-the-tram-to-carnegie |title=Taking the Tram (to Carnegie) |author=Oscar the Band |publisher=Bandcamp |access-date=8 November 2011 |archive-date=23 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823204548/http://oscartheband.bandcamp.com/track/taking-the-tram-to-carnegie |url-status=live }}

The Eastern Suburbs Professional Community Theatre Company, known as Theatre Works staged a performance on a route 42 (now route 109) tram entitled Storming Mont Albert by Tram, between 26 February and 14 March 1982 as part of the Melbourne Moomba Festival. It was written by Paul Davies and directed by Mark Shirrefs and was revived in 1992 and 1998.{{Cite web |url=http://www.theatreworks.org.au/archive/event/?id=169 |title=STORMING MONT ALBERT BY TRAM ~ Melbourne Moomba Festival theatreworks.org.au |access-date=7 January 2015 |archive-date=8 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108015402/http://www.theatreworks.org.au/archive/event/?id=169 |url-status=live }}

For the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games a Z1-class tram was decorated as a Karachi bus by a team of Pakistani decorators. Dubbed the Karachi tram, it operated on the City Circle tourist route during the Commonwealth Games.{{cite web |url=http://www.melbourne2006.com.au/M2006/Homepage+News/20060325+Karachi+tram.htm |title=Last rides on the Karachi tram |author=Melissa Mackereth |date=25 March 2006 |work=Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Corporation |access-date=14 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213115638/http://www.melbourne2006.com.au/M2006/Homepage+News/20060325+Karachi+tram.htm |archive-date=13 February 2012 |url-status=dead }} The tram was withdrawn from service in 2007 and is now preserved in the Melbourne Tram Museum at Hawthorn tram depot, being delivered on 19 June 2015. The centrepiece of the Opening Ceremony was a flying W-class tram, specially built for the event, from original W-class plans and photos.{{cite web |url=http://museumvictoria.com.au/discoverycentre/infosheets/10458/ |work=Museum Victoria |title=The Flying Tram |access-date=8 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310144737/http://museumvictoria.com.au/discoverycentre/infosheets/10458/ |archive-date=10 March 2011 }}

In 2006 a W-class tram 965 was gifted from the City of Melbourne to Australian Mary Donaldson and her fiancé, Danish Crown Prince Frederik, on the occasion of their marriage. The tram now runs at the Danish tram museum of Sporvejsmuseet.

On 26 October 2011, a Z3-class tram, specially liveried as a Royal Tram was used to convey Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, from Federation Square to Government House, along St Kilda Road during their visit to Melbourne. The Royal Tram was in regular service for a little over one year following the event.{{cite press release |title=Royal Tram now in public service |url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2011/royal-tram-now-in-public-service/ |publisher=Yarra Trams |date=26 October 2011 |access-date=8 November 2011 |archive-date=18 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318232046/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2011/royal-tram-now-in-public-service/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=Not the Rolls or Bentley, but a commoner's conveyance gives Her Majesty a royal ride |author=Michael Shmith |url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/not-the-rolls-or-bentley-but-a-commoners-conveyance-gives-her-majesty-a-royal-ride-20111026-1mk4i.html |newspaper=The Age |date=27 October 2011 |access-date=8 November 2011 |archive-date=28 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028191807/http://www.theage.com.au/national/not-the-rolls-or-bentley-but-a-commoners-conveyance-gives-her-majesty-a-royal-ride-20111026-1mk4i.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web|title=Z3.158|url=http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&number=158&class=Z3|work=Vicsig|access-date=9 September 2013|archive-date=29 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829053300/http://vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&number=158&class=Z3|url-status=live}}

{{See also|Melbourne Art Trams}}

File:Matthew Clarke's Melbourne Art Tram .jpg

From 1978 to 1993 36 W-class trams were painted with artwork as part of the Transporting Art project.{{cite web|title=Melbourne Art Trams|url=http://www.melbournefestival.com.au/program/genre/free-outdoor/melbourne-art-trams.html|work=Melbourne Festival|access-date=30 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002191900/http://www.melbournefestival.com.au/program/genre/free-outdoor/melbourne-art-trams.html|archive-date=2 October 2013|url-status=dead}} The idea was conceived in early 1978 by Melbourne Lord Mayor Irvin Rockman and artist Clifton Pugh, with the idea backed by then Premier Rupert Hamer. Over the lifetime of the project many notable local artists participated, including Mirka Mora, Michael Leunig, Howard Arkley and Reg Mombassa.{{cite web|title=Arts Flashback 1970s: Transporting Art|url=http://40yearsof.arts.vic.gov.au/pages/seventies/milestone22/|work=Art Victoria|access-date=30 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007090658/http://40yearsof.arts.vic.gov.au/pages/seventies/milestone22/|archive-date=7 October 2013|url-status=dead}}

The idea was reprised as part of a collaboration between Arts Victoria, Yarra Trams and the Melbourne International Arts Festival in 2013. A competition launched in May 2013 to select eight designs, with one art tram to operate out of each Melbourne tram depot.{{cite news|last=Cuthbertson|first=Debbie|title=Melbourne's art trams back on track|url=http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/melbournes-art-trams-back-on-track-20130528-2n9os.html|access-date=30 September 2013|newspaper=The Age|date=29 May 2013|archive-date=13 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130913080202/http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/melbournes-art-trams-back-on-track-20130528-2n9os.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=First Melbourne Art Tram revealed|url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2013/first-melbourne-art-tram-revealed/|work=Yarra Trams|access-date=30 September 2013|date=30 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011065948/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2013/first-melbourne-art-tram-revealed/|archive-date=11 October 2013|url-status=dead}} The first of the new Melbourne Art Trams, W-class 925, was launched on 30 September 2013 by then Premier Denis Napthine and Yarra Trams CEO Clément Michel, with the remaining seven trams to be introduced in the following two weeks. The last was introduced into service on 11 October 2013.{{cite web|title=All aboard – Premier reveals first Melbourne Art Tram|url=http://www.arts.vic.gov.au/About_Us/News/2013/All_aboard_-_Premier_reveals_first_Melbourne_Art_Tram|work=Arts Victoria|access-date=30 September 2013|date=30 September 2013|archive-date=15 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015062945/http://www.arts.vic.gov.au/About_Us/News/2013/All_aboard_-_Premier_reveals_first_Melbourne_Art_Tram|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Ross|first=Annabel|title=Art trams back on the tracks|url=http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/art-trams-back-on-the-tracks-20130930-2uolb.html|access-date=1 October 2013|newspaper=The Age|date=1 October 2013|archive-date=1 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001060252/http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/art-trams-back-on-the-tracks-20130930-2uolb.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Exploring Melbourne's Art Trams|url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2013/exploring-melbourne%27s-art-trams/|work=Yarra Trams|access-date=12 October 2013|date=11 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014044426/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2013/exploring-melbourne%27s-art-trams/|archive-date=14 October 2013|url-status=dead}}

Melbourne Art Trams have continued to be refreshed and introduced annually since 2013, with over 48 artists featured. In 2018 the program was extended for a further 3 years through to 2021, and featured the first interactive art tram (using augmented reality) designed by Dr Troy Innocent for Melbourne International Games Week.{{Cite news|url=https://www.timeout.com/melbourne/news/the-new-melbourne-art-trams-designs-have-been-revealed-081618|title=The new Melbourne Art Trams designs have been revealed|work=Time Out Melbourne|access-date=28 October 2018|language=en|archive-date=28 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028073714/https://www.timeout.com/melbourne/news/the-new-melbourne-art-trams-designs-have-been-revealed-081618|url-status=live}} The trams can be found on the network throughout the year by entering the corresponding tram number in the myTRAM feature of the tramTRACKER app.{{Cite news|url=https://www.festival.melbourne/2018/events/melbourne-art-trams/#.W9T2MXozZN0|title=Melbourne Art Trams – 2018 Melbourne International Arts Festival|work=Melbourne Festival|access-date=27 October 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028073742/https://www.festival.melbourne/2018/events/melbourne-art-trams/#.W9T2MXozZN0|archive-date=28 October 2018|url-status=dead}}

{{See also|VicTrack}}

File:St Paul's Anglican Cathedral, Melbourne.jpg]]

{{Main|Transport Integration Act 2010}}

The prime rail related statute in Victoria is the Transport Integration Act, the Act was enacted to provide an overarching legislation for Victoria's transport system. It requires state agencies charged with providing transport services to work together towards an integrated transport system, and requires state planning bodies to consult the Act when making decisions that will affect the transport system.{{cite web |title=The Transport Integration Act – Overview |url=http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/30782/TIA-overview-JUL-2012.pdf |work=Department of Transport |access-date=9 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420175239/http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/30782/TIA-overview-JUL-2012.pdf |archive-date=20 April 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |title=About us – Transport Integration Act |url=http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/about-us/legislation/transport-integration-act |work=Department of Transport |access-date=13 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124023042/http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/about-us/legislation/transport-integration-act |archive-date=24 January 2012 |url-status=dead }}

The Act establishes Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) as Victoria's safety regulator for bus, maritime and rail transport. The Act also establishes the independent office of the Director, Transport Safety, though who the regulatory function is carried out with the support of TSV.{{cite web |title=About Transport Safety Victoria |url=http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/about-transport-safety-victoria |work=Transport Safety Victoria |access-date=13 November 2011 |archive-date=24 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424014124/http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/about-transport-safety-victoria |url-status=dead }}

Another important piece of legislation is the Rail Management Act 1996, whose purpose is to establish a management regime for Victoria's rail infrastructure.{{cite web |title=Rail Management Act 1996 |url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/rma1996140/ |work=Government of Victoria |publisher=Australasian Legal Information Institute |access-date=13 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411181812/http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/rma1996140/ |archive-date=11 April 2011 |url-status=dead }}

{{Main|Rail Safety Act}}

{{See also|Director, Transport Safety|Chief Investigator, Transport Safety}}

The safety of tram operations in Melbourne is regulated by the Rail Safety Act 2006 which applies to all rail operations in Victoria.{{cite web |title=Overview of rail safety legislation |url=http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/rail-safety/acts-and-regulations/overview-of-rail-safety-legislation |work=Transport Safety Victoria |access-date=13 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424014134/http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/rail-safety/acts-and-regulations/overview-of-rail-safety-legislation |archive-date=24 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}

The Act establishes a framework containing safety duties for all rail industry participants and requires operators who manage infrastructure and rolling stock to obtain accreditation prior to commencing operations.{{cite web |title=Overview of rail accreditation process |url=http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/rail-safety/accreditation/overview-of-rail-accreditation-process |work=Transport Safety Victoria |access-date=13 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424014143/http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/rail-safety/accreditation/overview-of-rail-accreditation-process |archive-date=24 April 2012 |url-status=dead }} Accredited operators are also required to have a safety management system to guide their operations.{{cite web |title=Safety management systems |url=http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/rail-safety/accreditation/how-to-become-accredited/safety-management-systems |work=Transport Safety Victoria |access-date=13 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424014159/http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/rail-safety/accreditation/how-to-become-accredited/safety-management-systems |archive-date=24 April 2012 |url-status=dead }} Sanctions applying to the safety scheme established under the Rail Safety Act are contained in the Part 7 of the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983.{{cite web |title=Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983 |url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/tama1983385/ |work=Government of Victoria |publisher=Australasian Legal Information Institute |access-date=13 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111191724/http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/tama1983385/ |archive-date=11 January 2012 |url-status=dead }}

The safety regulator for the rail system in Victoria including trams is the Director, Transport Safety, whose office is established under the Transport Integration Act 2010.

Rail operators in Victoria can also be the subject of no blame investigations conducted by the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety. The Chief Investigator is charged by the Transport Integration Act with conducting investigations into rail safety matters including incidents and trends.{{cite web |title=About us – Office of the Chief Investigator |url=http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/about-us/oci |work=Department of Transport |access-date=13 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920080135/http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/about-us/oci |archive-date=20 September 2011 |url-status=dead }}

Ticketing requirements for trams in Melbourne are mainly contained in the Transport (Ticketing) Regulations 2006{{cite web |title=Transport (Ticketing) Regulations 2006 |url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_reg/tr2006351/ |work=Government of Victoria |publisher=Australasian Legal Information Institute |access-date=13 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091024084901/http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_reg/tr2006351/ |archive-date=24 October 2009 |url-status=dead }} and the Victorian Fares and Ticketing Manual.{{cite web |title=Victorian Fares and Ticketing Manual |url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/victorian-fares-and-ticketing-manual/ |work=Public Transport Victoria |access-date=22 April 2013 |archive-date=25 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425031701/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/victorian-fares-and-ticketing-manual/ |url-status=live }}

Rules about safe and fair conduct on trams in Melbourne are generally contained in the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983, and the Transport (Conduct) Regulations 2005.{{cite web |title=Transport (Conduct) Regulations 2005 |url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_reg/tr2005335/ |work=Government of Victoria |publisher=Australasian Legal Information Institute |access-date=13 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302071106/http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_reg/tr2005335/ |archive-date=2 March 2009 |url-status=dead }}

{{Portal|Transport|Australia}}

• List of tram and light-rail transit systems
• Proposed Melbourne tram extensions
• Transport in Australia

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{div col|colwidth=45em}}

• {{cite book|editor1-last=Badawy|editor1-first=Emile D.|editor2-last=Sargent|editor2-first=John|title=Trams and Streetscapes Metropolitan Melbourne 1950s-1960s: a photographic profile|date=2000|publisher=Train Hobby Publications|location=Studfield, Victoria|isbn=1876249404|ref=none}}
• {{cite book|last1=Birrell|first1=R. A.|title=Melbourne Tram Review|date=1988|publisher=Railmac Publications|location=Elizabeth, South Australia|isbn=0949817740|ref=none}}
• {{cite book|last=Brady|first=Ian A.|title=Prahran and Malvern Tramways Trust: Melbourne's foremost municipal tramway|date=2011|publisher=Transit Australia Publishing|location=Sydney|isbn=9780909459239|ref=none}}
• {{cite book|last1=Budd|first1=Dale|last2=Wilson|first2=Randall|title=Melbourne's Marvellous Trams|date=1998|publisher=University of New South Wales Press|location=Kensington, New South Wales|isbn=0868405043|ref=none}}
• {{cite book|editor1-last=Clark|editor1-first=David|editor2-last=Sargent|editor2-first=John|title=Melbourne's Colourful Trams: a photographic profile from the 1970s|date=2008|publisher=Train Hobby Publications|location=Pinewood, Victoria|isbn=9781921122163|ref=none}}
• {{cite book|editor1-last=Crow|editor1-first=Lindsay|editor2-last=Pike|editor2-first=Colin|editor3-last=Sargent|editor3-first=John|title=More Trams and Streetscapes Metropolitan Melbourne 1950s–1960s: a complete photographic profile|date=2002|publisher=Train Hobby Publications|location=Studfield, Victoria|isbn=1876249633|ref=none}}
• {{cite book|last=Fiddian|first=Marc|title=Clang Clang Clang: a study of Melbourne's tramways|date=1993|publisher=Pakenham Gazette|location=Pakenham, Victoria|isbn=1875475052|ref=none}}
• {{cite book|last=Frost|first=David|title=A Short History of the Victorian Railways Trams: St. Kilda – Brighton – Sandringham – Black Rock – Beaumaris|date=2006|publisher=Tramway Publications|location=Nunawading, Victoria|isbn=0975801201|ref=none}}
• {{cite book|last=Keating|first=John|title=Mind the Curve!: a history of the cable trams|date=2001|publisher=Transit Australia Publishing|location=Sydney|isbn=0522840361|ref=none}}
• {{cite book|last=Keenan|first=David R.|title=Melbourne Tramways|date=1985|publisher=Transit Press|location=Sans Souci, New South Wales|isbn=0909338043|ref=none}}
• {{cite book|last=Prentice|first=Bob|title=Tramway by the River: A Brief History of the Hawthorn Tramways Trust|date=1993|publisher=Tramway Publications|location=Melbourne|isbn=0646145231|ref=none}}
• {{cite book|last=Prentice|first=Bob|title=A Brief History of the Melbourne, Brunswick and Coburg Tramways Trust|date=1999|publisher=Tramway Publications|location=Melbourne|isbn=0646226533 |author-mask=1|ref=none}}
• {{cite book|last=Watson|first=Stephen|title=The Melbourne Tramways: a pictorial history|date=1993|publisher=S. Watson|location=Moonee Ponds, Victoria|oclc=221859976|ref=none}}
• {{cite book|last1=Wilson|first1=Randall|last2=Budd|first2=Dale|title=The Melbourne Tram Book|date=2008|publisher=New South Wales University Press|location=Kensington, New South Wales|isbn=9781921410499|edition=2nd|ref=none}}
• {{cite book|last1=Wilson|first1=Randall|last2=Budd|first2=Dale|title=Destination Waterfront City: a guide to Melbourne's trams|date=2013|publisher=Transit Australia Publishing|location=Sydney|isbn=9780909459253 |author-mask1=1 |author-mask2=1|ref=none}}
• {{cite book|last1=Wilson|first1=Randall|last2=Budd|first2=Dale|title=The Melbourne Tram Book|date=2015|publisher=New South Wales University Press|location=Kensington, NSW|isbn=9781742233987|edition=3rd |author-mask1=1 |author-mask2=1|ref=none}}

{{div col end}}

{{Commons category|Tram transport in Melbourne}}

{{Wikivoyage}}

Official

• [http://www.yarratrams.com.au/ Yarra Trams]
• [http://ptv.vic.gov.au/ Public Transport Victoria]
• [https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PDFs/Maps/Network-maps/417bb4810a/PTV_Tram-Network-Map_2017.pdf Complete network map]

Enthusiast

• [http://www.vicsig.net/ Vicsig – Victorian tramway infrastructure and rollingstock information]
• [https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=101996212121253487336.00046b4fa1952c40b9df2&z=11 Geographically accurate map on Google Maps]
• [http://cv.vic.gov.au/stories/built-environment/melbourne-trams-step-aboard/ A social history of Melbourne's Trams] on Culture Victoria
• [https://universitypress.rmittraining.com/tramjatra-imagining-melbourne-and-kolkata-tramways Tramjatra: imagining Melbourne and Kolkata by tramways Mick Douglas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531103400/https://universitypress.rmittraining.com/tramjatra-imagining-melbourne-and-kolkata-tramways |date=31 May 2019 }}

{{MelbournePublicTransport}}

{{MelbourneTramNavbox}}

{{TramsAustralia}}

{{Melbourne landmarks}}

Category:Public transport in Melbourne

Melbourne

Melbourne

Category:Landmarks in Melbourne