[Melb] Yarra Trams: "the balance of cars and trams"

["Daniel Bowen" <dbowen@#DELETE#custard.net.au>]

http://www.buslines.com.au/cgi-bin/buslines/bulletin?UserID=yarratrams

Posted: 26 Apr 2000
Yarra Trams Update
The balance of cars and trams - Yarra Trams

Despite improvements in tram punctuality, the recent punctuality fines
incurred by Yarra Trams for the first four months of operation was expected
Chief Executive Officer, Mr Steve MacDonald said today.

Yarra Trams were fined a total of $248,800 by the Director of Public
Transport for the first four months of private operation. Yarra Trams says
that proactive traffic management is now needed to further improve tram
punctuality.

"We have to compete with a variety of changing traffic conditions, a fairway
system that is largely ignored and street parking that inhibits the free
flowing movement of trams" Mr MacDonald said today.

"Melbourne has a real car culture and a shift is needed to move to a more
pedestrian based environment where moving more people safely is a priority."

A travel time survey conducted by Yarra Trams indicated that late running is
mainly attributed to traffic and passenger loading and unloading during peak
periods. The introduction of super stops in key locations will facilitate
smoother and safer tram embarking and disembarking which will assist in tram
punctuality.

With regular timetable reviews over the last six months and improved staff
accountability to run a more punctual service, Yarra Trams now say it is
time to change the way Melburnians view tram travel.

"Even though Yarra Trams have improved punctuality by 10% since August 31
1999, late running is predominantly a direct result of car traffic."

"Some drivers ignore tram priority and we really need to find the right
balance in achieving harmony between trams and cars. Double parking and
turning in front of trams is just one behaviour we are trying to change"

A review of Yarra Trams operations indicated that further improvements could
be achieved through improved traffic management and infrastructure
development. Over the course of the franchise period Yarra Trams are
investing $150 million in infrastructure developments and key initiatives.

"Our vision is to deliver Melbourne increased tram service reliability,
punctuality and frequency for our customers. We have already seen improved
punctuality over the first four months of our operation and with the added
support of local Government and road authorities, we can fully realise this
vision."

"The future success of the tram in Melbourne could be dependent on the
traffic management decisions we make today." concluded Mr MacDonald

Yarra Trams operate 10 city and suburban routes including the world famous
City Circle service. Routes operated include services from Bundoora, West
Preston, East Burwood, Wattle Park, North Balywn, St Kilda, Port Melbourne
and the MCG, Melbourne Park and Colonial Stadium.




--
Daniel Bowen, Melbourne, Australia
dbowen at custard dot net dot au
http://www.custard.net.au/bowen/daniel/