With the world's largest network, trams have become synonymous with the city of Melbourne in Australia. Rather than simply being a costly tourist attraction, trams actually form an integral part of Melbourne's day-to-day transport needs, with commuters regularly utilising trams to travel to work. Every tourist who visits Melbourne will often fit a tram ride into their itinerary; not only as a method of getting around, but also as a way of experiencing the character and history of the city.

Understand

History

Although trams were once an integral part of public transportation networks in cities worldwide, their presence was seen as an impediment to progress as private cars gained popularity following the Second World War. Although other cities such as Sydney and Los Angeles once had much more extensive tram networks, their presence was eventually regarded as a hindrance that held up private automobile traffic, and these tram networks were eventually dismantled and replaced by buses (though both Sydney and Los Angeles have newer light rail networks). Although Melbourne's tram network was also considered for dismantling, the city eventually decided that the cost of tearing up the existing tram tracks was prohibitive. Eventually, as other cities which dismantled their tram networks became increasingly choked by exhaust from automobile traffic, Melbourne was convinced that its decision to retain its tram network was the right one. Today, Melburnians continue to value their tram network, and see it as an integral part of their city's character.

Fleet

The famous W-class tram.

D-class tram.

E-Class tram.

There are over 500 trams in the fleet. Seven different models of tram operate on the network, which are organised into different classes.

• W-class — This is the old green and yellow tram that all the tourists come to see. Originally, over 720 were built for service, but only 10 remain in service, all on the tourist City Circle route. They originally entered service in 1923, and were mass retired in the 1980s. After public outrage at their sale to overseas tourist tramways, the export of the trams was halted, and over 200 still sit unused in government warehouses. Many were leased out to small-scale museums around the country.
• Z-class — Introduced in the 1970s, 50 years after the last design, with the aim of modernising the fleet and improving patronage. Based on a Swedish design, there are just under 90 remaining in service.
• A-class — Built in the 1980s, they are fairly similar to the Z-class, apart from some design changes, incorporating striking angles to reflect interpretations of modern art of the time.
• B-class — Also introduced in the 1980s, the main difference was the bendy articulation in the middle of the tramcar, and the inclusion of air-conditioning, much to the relief of commuters in summer!
• C-class — Alstom Citadis trams were added to the network in 2001 by new private operators who took over ownership from the government. They were a huge shift from previous designs, with a curvy shape and low floor that is accessible for wheelchairs at raised stops. Five, newer C2-class trams were leased from Mulhouse, France in 2008, carrying a distinctive yellow livery and giving them the nickname of the Bumblebees. They were eventually purchased outright, and have since been repainted into the standard green Yarra Trams livery, however continue to sport stickers with their Bumblebee nicknames and bees, honouring this history.
• D-class — Also introduced by private operators in 2002, these low-floor trams (Siemens Combino) can be extended to very long lengths. The interior design is similar to what is found in "light rail"-style networks overseas, where more space is allocated for standing in peak period, rather than sitting.
• E-class — Melbourne's newest and longest model of tram operates on Routes 96, 86, 58, 30 and 11. To support the state's manufacturing industry, the trams were manufactured in Dandenong, a suburb in Melbourne's south-east, using local materials and labour.

Network

The network consists of 24 routes, which is made up of 1763 tram stops and over 250 km of track. This is the largest network of trams in the world.

See

There are two main museums that house Melbourne trams and other interesting items, along with various other attractions that relate to trams around the city.

• Melbourne Tram Museum at Hawthorn Depot, 8 Wallen Road, Hawthorn, info@trammuseum.org.au. First and last Saturday of every month, 11AM-4PM as well as select Wednesdays. (updated Mar 2016)
• Melbourne Tramway Museum of Victoria, 330 Union Lane, Bylands (Located a little over 50 kilometres north of the Melbourne CBD. The easiest method to reach the museum is by car along the Hume Freeway, taking the Northern Highway exit signposted Wallan. 7 kilometres from the turn-off, after the township of Wallan, a brown tourism sign will give direction to the museum on the right at Union Lane. Public transport is virtually non-existent in the area. If it is the only option, you must catch a V/Line train to Wandong station on the Seymour Line and pre-book a taxi to take you to the museum and back.), ☏ +61 3 9879 4040. M–Sa 11AM–4PM (closed Christmas and New Year's Day). Adult $10, child (5-15 years) $5, concession $7, family (2 adults & 2 children) $24. (updated Mar 2016)
• Melbourne Art Trams. Every year, Melbourne selects 6 artworks to feature on their trams. You can find the current art trams and the routes they run on at https://yarratrams.com.au/art-trams. If you're able to catch one, they all have a poster on the inside about the artist and the artwork. The Art Trams are now an icon of the city. (updated Oct 2023)

Do

• City Circle tram (Route 35), La Trobe St, Spring St, Flinders St, Habour Esp, Docklands Dr. 9:30AM-6PM. Free tourist tram on a route that encircles the Melbourne city centre as well as the nearby Docklands area. You get to ride on a famous W Class tram, refurbished for modern use, with views of the city's landmarks. Free. (updated May 2024)

Buy

Many shops in Melbourne sell tram memorabilia. Bookshops commonly stock works on the city's tram network.