Yarra Trams
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Yarra Trams is a tram operating company in Melbourne, Australia. It is a partnership between French company Transdev and Australian company Transfield Services. It commenced operations in 1999, initially operating less than half the network.
After the collapse of M>Train and M>Tram in 2002, Yarra Trams took over the whole Melbourne tram network, with a network spanning 245 km and over 1,700 tram stops. It is the third-biggest tram network in the world.
The Yarra Trams fleet consists of over 500 trams in service, including 95 newer Citadis and Combino vehicles. Most of the Yarra Trams fleet was built by Comeng, a manufacturing company, with Z, A and B classes. There are also runs a number of heritage W class vehicles on the popular City Circle route and on some suburban routes.
Yarra Trams employs over 1,100 tram drivers, and their trams run for nearly 20 hours per day. 141 million trips were taken in 2002 and 2003, rising to nearly 150 million this year.
In 2003, Yarra Trams tested the "Apollo" seating layout. This was criticised for removing some seats from some B2 class trams in order to improve access for the disabled and provide more capacity during peak hour. Currently ten trams with the "Apollo" seating layout remain in service.
After privatising Melbourne's public transport system in 1999, the Jeff Kennett government presided over the removal of Melbourne's famous tram conductors ("connies") and their replacement by automated ticket machines. Some public transport groups believe that conductors should be re-instated on all services.
The Public Transport Users Association is a vocal critic of Yarra Trams and of the Melbourne public transport network generally. In 2003, Yarra Trams attempted to prevent them from distributing what it saw as untrue brochures about seat removal on services.
The Victorian Government and Yarra Trams extended route 109 from Mont Albert to Box Hill in May 2003. The extension has proved highly successful and popular with local residents and has also played a big part in showcasing the future of trams in Melbourne.
Yarra Trams is a partner in the Think Tram program, aimed at improving tram travel time and reliability.
The Citadis (C-class) trams were introduced on route 109, although their operation is now more widespread. With the introduction of the low-floor trams, Yarra Trams introduced 'Superstops' and raised-level platforms. The superstops provide wheelchair access to trams, and ticket sales and travel-planning facilities. They provide a newer level of comfort to passengers, while slowing the flow of cars through the already busy roads.
The Victorian Government has also improved route 75's service by extending to Vermont South Shopping Centre, with a future extension to Knox City Shopping Centre. Currently there is the Knox Transit Link bus running from Vermont Sth SC to Knox City SC.
In recent times Yarra Trams has been taking a hard line on fare evasion. Examples of this policy include forcing Authorised Officers (ticket inspectors) to work 'as per normal' on Christmas Eve 2005. Some believe this to be because of an agreement with the State Government of Victoria, which sees Yarra receiving $20 for every fine issued by its employees.
See also
External links
Melbourne public transport forums & discussion
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