Article: Trams to get railway run

[colinw]

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PLANS to establish a tram depot at Hobart City Council's Clearys Gates depot have been put on hold after the council decided to revive plans to operate trams on the main railway line from Hobart, with a connection to the waterfront.

The council has approved a project for restored trams to use the main railway line to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and possibly to the northern suburbs, including the Museum of Old And New Art, later.

Hobart Lord Mayor Rob Valentine said the council would eventually have three heritage trams restored to running condition.

He said the relocation of the Hobart rail freight depot to Brighton would leave the rail line for other uses, including a tram-ride experience.

"It is anticipated that the service, which would be an added attraction for visitors and tourists to the city as well as locals who enjoy the experience, would be powered by a DC generator until at some future date there would be justification for providing an overhead power supply," Alderman Valentine said.

The State Government will be approached regarding access to the rail line and to land on which to build a tram storage and display shed.

The council proposal would not provide a public transport role in the same way as the light rail project the State Government is investigating, but would be a tourist attraction showcasing "some of Australia's most unique heritage trams from the early 20th century".

The restored tram No. 39 was recently on display at the West Hobart Heritage Day.

Ald Valentine said work would soon begin to complete restoration of the mechanical and electrical components on double-bogie tram 118.

Hobart City Council's machinations over operating trams have swung wildly over almost 15 years.

At times aldermen have supported establishing a tourist tramway. At other times the notion has been dropped like a hot potato.

Proposed routes for a tramway have included one across the waterfront, another from the waterfront through Elizabeth Mall to North Hobart and to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.

A tramway plan was dumped by the council in 2004.

It chose instead to use money to buy land for Bicentennial Park at Mt Nelson.

However, the council has funded restoration of several trams. The work is to be carried out by tram restorer Tony Colman.