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Policies and initiatives
> Direction 8. Better transport links
> Policy 8.2
Policy 8.2 – Improve the operation of the
existing public transport network with faster, more reliable and
efficient on-road and rail public transport
Melbourne has an extensive existing network of
public transport services which needs to be better utilised to increase
transport choice, reduce car dependency and meet the mode share
target for 2020. Opportunities exist to significantly improve the
frequency, reliability and efficiency of the existing network (see
‘Tram 109’).
A key target will be the ‘red spots’
– blockages that exist throughout the network, which limit
the movement and reliability of buses, trams, and taxis.
Initiatives have been introduced to try and solve
this problem across the road-based public transport network. Examples
include transit lanes, clearways, traffic-light prioritisation and
stop design.
In order to achieve greater efficiency and reliability
across the network, greater attention must be paid to identifying
and resolving causes of delay to public transport services.
Initiatives
| 8.2.1 |
Identify and develop strategies
to deal with on-road public transport ‘red spots’
that delay services across the network, through a cooperative
program between VicRoads, the Department of Infrastructure and
private transport providers |
| 8.2.2 |
Undertake an annual program of
works and/or road-space management measures to make on-road
public transport faster and more reliable |
| 8.2.3 |
Work with private rail operators
to develop a parallel program to identify and treat rail ‘red
spots’ |
| 8.2.4 |
Identify rail corridor capacity
limitations, and develop long-term strategies to increase speed
and loadings across the network – this will include identifying
future requirements for additional tracks on existing corridors |
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Tram 109
The Tram 109 project is a major part of the Victorian Government’s
initiative to create an effective and sustainable integrated
transport system for Melbourne.
Route 109 runs from Port Melbourne to Mont
Albert and is one of the longest tram routes in Melbourne.
It is being extended at each end, to Box Hill shopping centre
and on to Station Pier.
The project will feature trams with low floors,
and ‘superstops’. This is a pilot project to identify
ways to improve services for all tram users.
The new low-floor trams, with single-step
access at platform level, will set new levels of passenger
comfort and improve accessibility. Superstops have been built
in Collins Street at intersections with Swanston Street and
Spring Street to complement the low-floor trams. A raised
platform with ramp access at matching height lets commuters
embark and alight more easily.
Benefits of Tram 109 for the route’s
passengers and commuters include improvements in overall travel
time and reliability, safety, universal access (particularly
for senior citizens and mobility-impaired passengers) and
location-specific integrated urban design. For inner urban
travel, it provides an attractive, viable and environmentally
responsible alternative to car transport.
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