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Article: Trams held up by Melbourne shoppers

Started by ozbob, April 27, 2009, 08:04:44 AM

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ozbob

From the Herald Sun click here!

Trams held up by Melbourne shoppers

Quote
Trams held up by Melbourne shoppers
Article from: Herald Sun

Ashley Gardiner

April 27, 2009 12:00am

WEEKEND trams services are grinding to a halt around Melbourne's popular shopping strips.

Yarra Trams says there should be more priority given to trams, and better public transport generally.

The RACV says weekend traffic problems would be eased if there was improved public transport.

Better weekend bus services in the suburbs have seen patronage on some routes soar by as much as 40 per cent in one year.

Yarra Trams said its services were being delayed on weekends by traffic congestion in Melbourne's popular shopping strips.

The operator wants more priority given to its trams, a move likely to attract opposition from local traders who fear their customers will go elsewhere.

Setting aside space for trams would usually mean the loss of on-street parking.

But Yarra Trams chief executive Dennis Cliche said better tram services would be better for business.

"Better priority for public transport means less congestion on our roads and more potential customers for local traders," Mr Cliche said.

Weekend tram services struggle to get through popular shopping areas in Brunswick, Camberwell, Fitzroy and Richmond.

RACV chief engineer Peter Daly said a lack of a public transport alternative was a reason for weekend traffic congestion.

"Melbourne is a sporting capital and it's inevitable that during major events there is increased congestion around these precincts and the roads which lead to them," he said.

"Part of this is attributable to lack of travel choice for people, especially those who live in outer suburbs who want to catch public transport into the city but can't because it is either non-existent or is impractical."

That view is underscored by the increased use of buses on the back of increased frequency and longer hours on some routes.

Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said local bus upgrades were attracting new passengers.

"We are seeing fantastic growth in patronage on weekends, particularly on Sundays, where we have upgraded many services with better frequencies and longer operating hours," she said.
Half baked projects, have long term consequences ...
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