Yarra Trams
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| Type | Corporation |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public Transport |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne, Australia |
| Area served | Metropolitan Melbourne |
| Key people | Michel Masson (CEO) |
| Parent | Keolis, Downer EDI Rail |
| Website | www.yarratrams.com.au |
Yarra Trams is the trading name of the Melbourne tram network, which is fully owned and registered by the Victorian State Government. The current franchise is operated by a consortium named KDR Melbourne which consists of a partnership between French company Keolis and Australian company Downer EDI Rail.
Yarra Trams operates 28 major tram routes and 501 vehicles of 6 different classes in Melbourne, Australia which consists of 70 A-class; 132 B-class; 36 three-section C-class, low-floor Citadis; 5 five-section C2-class, ; 38 three-section D-class, low-floor Combino; 21 five-section D-class, low-floor Combino; 52 W-class and 147 Z-class type trams.[1]
Yarra Trams currently employs around 1,900 staff which includes approximately 1150 tram drivers and 265 Authorised Officers.[1] Yarra Trams operates the biggest tram network in the world with over 249 km of double track, over 1770 tram stops and 28 tram routes including Melbourne's free City Circle tourist tram.[1]
A total of 141 million trips were taken in 2002 & 2003, rising to nearly 150 million in 2004 and in 2007 & 2008 over 158.3 million trips were taken on trams in Melbourne with trams travelling more than 24.8 million kilometres each year on timetabled services.[1] Each week Yarra Trams operates 31,400 scheduled tram services, which results in trams operating for approximately 20 hours per day and a team of 24 hour operations staff completing network maintenance and cleaning.[1]
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[edit] History
[edit] 1997 - 2002
Yarra Trams was established in October 1997 when Met Tram was split into two business units in preparation for privatisation of the Public Transport Corporation. In August 1999, ownership of Yarra Trams was transferred to the private sector.[2]
[edit] 2003 - 2009
After the collapse of M>Train and M>Tram in December 2002,[3] the State Government expressed interest in creating one metropolitan train operator and one tram operator. On 18 April 2004, Transdev TSL assumed operation of the whole Melbourne tram network, trading under a new Victorian State Government owned and registered brand, Yarra Trams.[2] On 25 June 2009, the Department of Transport of the Victorian State Government announced that the original Transdev TSL contract for running Melbourne's tram network, would not be renewed, resulting in a new operator being chosen. From 3.01am on 30 November 2009, KDR Melbourne a consortium led by Keolis & Downer EDI Rail[4] took control of Melbourne's tram network retaining the government owned brand, Yarra Trams.[5]
[edit] 2010 - present
Yarra Trams current metropolitan franchise started on 30 November 2009, and will last for eight years, with the option of a further seven years' extension on completion. The current CEO of Yarra Trams, Michel Masson, launched at the changeover a new Yarra Trams logo along with a new modern tram livery featuring yellow doors.
[edit] Operations
[edit] Fleet
The Yarra Trams fleet consists of 501 trams, operated from eight depots located around the system. The bulk of the fleet is made up of Z-, A- and B-class trams, which were built by Comeng between 1975 and 1994.
In October 2001, Yarra Trams took delivery of 36 Citadis trams which have primarily operated on route 109 to complement the extension to Box Hill. As part of the acquisition of the failed M>Tram in 2004, Yarra acquired 39 Combino trams and oversaw the delivery of another 20 Combino trams originally ordered by National Express.
Yarra Trams also operate heritage W-class trams, namely on the City Circle tourist service. W-class trams are also used on routes 30, 78 and 79. Due to these trams being limited to 40 km/h as a result of a series of modifications due to braking problems, their use is restricted to ensure limited interface with modern trams.
In 2003, Yarra Trams trialled a seating layout which became known as "Apollo". The trial involved removing 30 seats from a B-class tram and replacing the removed seats with "bum racks" which are found in Citadis trams. This resulted in a higher capacity for standing passengers on crowded services during peak hours. A further ten trams received the seating layout during refurbishment.
The network must be compliant with disability legislation by 2011, which will require all trams to have the "low floors" that the Combino and Citadis trams have. To this end, the State Government are currently looking to invest in a sizable number of new trams to accommodate this need in time. One such example is the "Bumblebee" bright yellow trams that are currently on lease from France, operating exclusively on the light-rail route 96 to St Kilda.
Currently, Yarra Trams are giving all Z/A/B-class trams with the new livery which features yellow doors and a big green leaf in the center for Z/A-class trams and two big leaves on each end for the B class fleet. It is interesting to also note that the Z/A/B fleet are receiving new internal signs and seat covers whilst they are being re-branded. The seat covers are a green colour with leaf patterns. The C- and D-class fleet received a livery with new logos and yellow doors, but retaining there previous livery design. The interior of these trams have remained unchanged with only maps and signage getting the new logo.
[edit] Ticketing
Yarra Trams currently runs under the Metlink banner and utilises the Metcard ticketing system. Each tram has a coin only ticket machine on board. The on board machines currently sell City Saver, 2-Hour, Daily and Senior tickets. Trams are also equipped with a number of ticket validators.
Major superstops in the CBD also have coin-only ticket machines. Tickets can also be purchased from Railway Stations and retail outlets displaying a blue Metcard flag.
Most tram routes operate entirely within Zone 1, however Routes 75, 86 and 109 enter Zone 2.
It is expected that the entire tram network will be changing to the new myki smartcard fare collection system.
[edit] Fare Enforcement
Yarra Trams employs approximately 265 Authroized Officers, whose job is to report ticketing and behavioural offences onboard trams, tram lines, stops and other tram related properties to the Victorian Department of Transport, and to provide customer service and assistance.[6]
In Melbourne all public transport modes employ Authorised Officers, Authorised Officers have the right to exercise legislative powers, similar to the police.[6] They are permitted to arrest and detain offenders, if they believe an offence has been committed. Furthermore they are also allowed to exercise discretion in all cases and may choose to warn offenders instead of formally reporting them.[6]
[edit] Network expansion
Since privatisation, the tram network has grown in size as a result of a number of extensions. The accessibility of the network has also been improved, with 330 platform stops built as of June 2011[7].
In March 2000, trams reached the new Melbourne Docklands precinct for the first time. Since then, a line connecting LaTrobe St and Flinders St via Docklands has been constructed as well as a further extension along Docklands Drive to NewQuay, which opened in January 2005. Route 109 was extended 2.2 km from Mont Albert to Box Hill in May 2003. The extension to Box Hill has provided a direct link between Box Hill and suburbs such as Balwyn, Kew and Richmond.
In July 2005, a 3 km extension of route 75 from East Burwood to Vermont South opened. Critics argue that the line should have been extended to Knox City Shopping Centre (as promised by the incumbent State Government in 1999). A shuttle bus service, operated by Ventura Bus Lines, provides a service between Vermont South and Knox City which sees each tram met by a connecting bus.
[edit] Think Tram
Yarra Trams is a partner in the Think Tram program, aimed at improving tram travel time and reliability. In conjunction with the Victorian government several initiatives are in place to run trams better on time.
Such idea implemented is the 'Part-time tram lane' - where trams have right of way on tram tracks often during peak hours. Several ideas such as raised curb dividers have also been in use to physically prevent cars from straying onto tram tracks. An example of these dividers can be seen on Spencer Street.
[edit] Controversy
On September 14, 2005, it was reported that a young commuter suffered a minor injury when he was arrested by three Authorised Officers for assaulting a female officer with his skateboard after a request was made for his details. The alleged offender was remanded to appear in court on charges of assault, refusing to supply name and address, indecent language, and resisting arrest, as well as traveling without a valid ticket. However, some onlookers were not in agreement, claiming that the man was attempting to free himself and was pleading for the officers to stop hurting him.[8]
Up until 1 March 2010, Yarra Trams was the only main public transport operator in Melbourne to not have "Meet Our Managers" sessions. Connex senior management regularly held public feedback sessions at City Loop stations, while V/Line senior management also travel on regional trains at the rate of about once a month to have consultation sessions with their passengers. Yarra Trams have now decided to have a series of "Meet the Manager" sessions commencing 1 March 2010 at St Vincents Plaza Tram Stop (No. 12). Yarra Trams plan to make this a regular feedback event with further events being planned for the future on different routes within the network.
[edit] Legislation and governance
[edit] Transport Integration Act
The prime transport-related statute in Victoria is the Transport Integration Act. The Act establishes the Department of Transport as the integration agency for Victoria's transport system. The Act also establishes and sets the charters of the state agencies charged with providing public transport rail services and managing network access for freight services, namely the Director of Public Transport and V/Line. The Director of Public Transport is empowered by the Transport Integration Act to contract transport operators to provide rail and bus services and has used those powers to contract Yarra Trams to provide tram services in Melbourne[9].
In addition, the Transport Integration Act establishes VicTrack which owns the public rail network and associated infrastructure. Another important statute is the Rail Management Act 1996[10] which confers powers on rail operators and provides for an access scheme for the state's rail network. The Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous Act) 1983 is also a relevant statute relating to public transport as it contains a number of offences relating to safety, ticketing and amenity.
[edit] Rail Safety Act
The safety of rail transport operations in Melbourne is regulated by the Rail Safety Act 2006 which applies to all commercial passenger operations.[11] 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. Accredited operators are also required to have a safety management system to guide their operations. Sanctions applying to the safety scheme established under the Rail Safety Act are contained in the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983.[12] The safety regulator for the rail system in Melbourne including trams is the Director, Transport Safety (trading as Transport Safety Victoria) whose office is established under the Transport Integration Act 2010.
[edit] Ticketing and conduct
Ticketing requirements for trains, trams and buses in Melbourne are mainly contained in the Transport (Ticketing) Regulations 2006[13] and the Victorian Fares and Ticketing Manual.[14] Rules about safe and fair conduct on trains, trams and buses in Melbourne are generally contained in the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983[15] and the Transport (Conduct) Regulations 2005.[16]
[edit] See also
- Metro Trains Melbourne
- Director of Public Transport*
- Department of Transport (Victoria)
- Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983
- Transport Integration Act
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e Facts & Figures, accessed 2009-12-09
- ^ a b 100 Years of Electric Trams in Melbourne, accessed 2008-08-30
- ^ Receivers take over train, tram group, accessed 2008-08-30
- ^ Connex and Yarra Trams dumped in favour of MTR and Keolis, accessed 2009-06-25[dead link]
- ^ New operators promise a smoother ride in time for summer, accessed 2009-09-01
- ^ a b c Department of Infrastructure: Authorised Officers
- ^ "330 and counting for platform stops", Yarra Trams, http://www.yarratrams.com.au/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-39/44_read-2893/, retrieved 2011-06-13
- ^ Hogan, Jesse (14 September 2005). "Rough ride for commuter". The Age (Fairfax Media). http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/09/14/1126377360222.html. Retrieved 05 March 2007.
- ^ Transport Integration Act 2010, section 68(2)(b).
- ^ Rail Management Act 1996
- ^ Official copy of the Rail Safety Act from the Victorian Government legislation web site - http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/LTObject_Store/LTObjSt3.nsf/DDE300B846EED9C7CA257616000A3571/6D4190C62DE6207FCA257761002C568A/$FILE/06-9a016.pdf
- ^ See Part 7 of the Act. Official copy of the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983 from the official Victorian Government legislation site - http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/LTObject_Store/LTObjSt5.nsf/DDE300B846EED9C7CA257616000A3571/7BB774D3E0245B77CA2577CE00030B90/$FILE/83-9921a153.pdf
- ^ Transport (Ticketing) Regulations 2006
- ^ Victorian Fares and Ticketing Manual - Metlink - Your guide to public transport in Melbourne and Victoria
- ^ Victorian Law Today Act
- ^ Victorian Law Today Statutory Rule
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[edit] External links
| Preceded by Public Transport Corporation |
Trams in Melbourne (East/west CBD routes) 1999–2009 |
Succeeded by KDR Melbourne |
| Preceded by M>Tram |
Trams in Melbourne (North/south CBD routes) 2004–2009 |
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