Article: Yarra Trams introduces Plan Bee

[ozbob]

From The Age Melbourne click here!

Yarra Trams introduces Plan Bee

Yarra Trams introduces Plan Bee
Flight of the Bumblebee: One of the new No.96 trams passes Southern Cross Station.


http://images.theage.com.au/2008/06/17/129953/TRAM-420x0.jpg


YARRA Trams has dubbed it Bumblebee 1, and there are four more to follow: the first of the new C2 trams is plying its trade on the 96 route from St Kilda to East Brunswick, carrying up to 240 passengers at a time.

The trams are on loan from the French town of Mulhouse, which does not need them until December 2011. All five trams will run on the 96 line only.

Some changes were needed, including boosted air-conditioning for Australia's heat. Yarra Trams has also added local features to the yellow livery and removed stickers in French saying bicycles can be taken on trams. Here, only folding bicycles are allowed.

CLAY LUCAS

[mrciclismo]

We could have these modern trams in Brisbane, but our politicians don't have the courage to make the political decisions.  Smart state.....yeah right!!  It just makes me so mad!!!!!

[ozbob]

Victorian  Labor Media Release

First of five French trams now on Melbourne tracks

The first of Melbourne?s five new trams is now in service, increasing capacity on the city?s busiest tram route.

Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky was on board the tram?s maiden voyage this morning and said the high-capacity, low-floor tram would run on Route 96 (East Brunswick-St Kilda Beach) from now until December 2011.

?The Brumby Government is taking action to boost capacity on Melbourne?s tram network and this lease agreement will see five new trams on the tracks by the end of the year,? Ms Kosky said.

?The iconic yellow trams ? which can carry about 240 passengers at any one time ? will help us to meet unprecedented patronage growth ahead of the Victorian Government?s long-term tram procurement program.

?Once all are on track, they will be able to carry a combined 1200 people at any one time during peak periods.  That?s the equivalent of taking more than 1000 cars off busy Melbourne roads.?

?Once all are on track, they will be able to carry a combined 1200 people at any one time during peak periods."

To commemorate the introduction of the first C2 Class tram, Ms Kosky announced the results of a competition to name the five new trams.

?We invited Victorians to come up with innovative names for the new trams, in order to give these French vehicles a uniquely Australian twist,? Ms Kosky said.

?As such, we have selected the most popular name that reflects the colour and vibrancy of these trams.

?The new tram will be named Bumble Bee 1, with the other trams named up to Bumble Bee 5. This was the most popular nomination from the many people who entered the competition.?

The winners will receive a tram-inspired prize pack including a monthly Metcard and a Melbourne Icons Experience pack, with tickets to some of the city?s best tourist attractions.

The five C2 Class trams are on lease from the town of Mulhouse in France, under a unique international deal by Yarra Trams through its French shareholder Transdev.

[ozbob]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Melbourne-C2-class-tram-Mulhouse.jpg

More info --> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C2_class_Melbourne_tram

[stephenk]

I travelled on one of these "Bumblebee" trams last week, and have to say that it has a very well designed internal layout. Despite the tram being very busy, it was 10 times more comfortable than travelling on Brisbane's overcrowded 333 bus route!