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Public Transport Users Association wants free tram zone scrapped

A group representing public transport users has called for the free tram zone to be scrapped. It comes as the state government rejected calls to extend Melbourne’s free CBD tram services. Here’s why.

The PTUA says the free tram zone is a waste of money. Picture: Sarah Matray
The PTUA says the free tram zone is a waste of money. Picture: Sarah Matray

The state government has rejected a call to extend free CBD tram services, saying it would increase crowding and make trams run slower across the network.

The move is a blow for Lord Mayor Sally Capp, who wants the free tram zone expanded to boost tourism and inner city businesses.

The Andrews Government said the price would be more onboard crowding, slower trams worsening network reliability, and less money for service improvements.

“We do extend the free tram zone on occasions for major events however, we have no plans to extend the free tram zone permanently,” a spokeswoman said.

“We’re also building Victoria’s biggest public transport project that will open up new precincts in our city.”

Following its introduction, trip numbers within the zone rose by 95 per cent from 18.5 million in 2014 to 35.9 million in 2015.

People getting on and off trams in the CBD. Picture: Sarah Matray
People getting on and off trams in the CBD. Picture: Sarah Matray

The government argues that the increase in demand by extending the zone would require more tram numbers in peak hour that’s not possible with the current fleet and network configuration.

In its submission, the Committee for Melbourne said the free tram zone was important for Brand Melbourne, but fell short of its potential.

“That is why the committee strongly supports the extension of the free tram zone to

include some of Melbourne’s most important cultural and sporting institutions,” it said.

“It will provide participation benefits for the community and provide accessibility benefits by ensuring transport is easier to navigate.”

One of Victoria’s most prominent transport lobby groups, the Public Transport Users Association, has called on the state government to scrap the free tram zone.

In a submission to a state parliamentary inquiry into the issue, the PTUA argued the zone covered the busiest parts of the tram network and delayed services through overcrowding.

The government said extending the free tram zone would increase crowding and make trams run slower across the network.. Picture: Sarah Matray
The government said extending the free tram zone would increase crowding and make trams run slower across the network.. Picture: Sarah Matray

Spokesman Daniel Bowen said paying customers found it difficult to board during commutes.

“It is costing tens of millions of dollars that could be spent upgrading services,” he said.

“These funds could be improving the tram system, providing better traffic light priority and helping make public transport more attractive.

“If the free tram zone is expanded those problems would just expand with it.”

Mr Bowen said the state government should instead focus on helping outer suburbs with little to no services.

“There are a lot of parts of Melbourne that have no viable public transport option at all,” he said.

“Improving the connections between services, including suburban parts of the tram network, is really a priority.”

The PTUA has also called for more work into off-peak pricing and targeted concessions for people on low incomes.

MAYOR PUSHES FOR FREE TRAM ZONE EXTENSION

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp has revived a bid to extend the city’s free tram zone.

Cr Capp said it was confusing for visitors to Melbourne that the zone ended close to, but before, key tourist attractions.

In a private submission to the inquiry, the Lord Mayor said the zone’s ­expansion beyond the Hoddle Grid and Docklands would boost the inner-city economy.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp wants the CBD free tram zone extended.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp wants the CBD free tram zone extended.

“The free tram zone in its current configuration has been a resounding success. The time has now come to more fully realise its potential. Let it flourish, don’t constrain it,” she said.

“Extending the free tram zone to include the National Sports Museum, the National Gallery of Victoria, the Melbourne Museum, the Melbourne Zoo, RMIT, the University of Melbourne, hospital precincts and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre will provide significant benefits to people navigating the city between our premier tourism and education destinations.”

Ms Capp made the submission in a personal capacity — her view is not endorsed by the City of Melbourne.

The policy was a key plank of her 2018 lord mayor by-election campaign, but she was forced to put it on the backburner because the free tram zone is a state government initiative and there are no plans to extend it.

However, Ms Capp has renewed her push for the measure through the parliamentary inquiry, which took submissions until Friday.

“Businesses located in North Melbourne, Carlton, Southbank and along St Kilda Rd are all connected to the central economy of Melbourne,” her submission said.

“These businesses and their employees would benefit greatly from an extension of the free tram zone in those areas.”

The free tram zone comprises the Hoddle Grid and Docklands. Picture: Supplied
The free tram zone comprises the Hoddle Grid and Docklands. Picture: Supplied

The Lord Mayor said it was not in Victoria’s best interests to force delegates attending convention and exhibition events to buy a Myki card to travel one stop “to do business, create partnerships, shop, dine and spend on entertainment”.

“It also seems unfair for students that the zone stops short of their daily destination,” she said.

“In a CBD with nearly a million daily visitors and growing, now is not the time to think small.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Arron Wood has broken ranks with Cr Capp’s over extending the free tram zone.

Cr Wood, who is considering challenging the Lord Mayor at council elections this year, said the millions it would cost to fund it shouldn’t be the council’s first priority.

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“Getting something for free is hard to say no to, but business, retailers & community are hurting, coronavirus threatens to make matters worse,” he tweeted.

“Focusing on our city economy & ensuring it thrives is my priority.”

Cr. Wood, who was elected deputy on the ticket of former lord mayor Robert Doyle, has at times had a testy relationship with Cr Capp.

Some observers believe that running against Cr Capp would split the business vote and allow a Greens or Labor Party-backed candidate to be elected.

However, it’s understood that some senior state Liberals opposed to the Lord Mayor see Cr Wood as an option.

In 2018, it was estimated that providing free trams for the entire City of Melbourne council area would cost about $9.5 million a year.

john.masanauskas@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/lord-mayor-sally-capp-renews-bid-to-expand-free-tram-zone/news-story/98804414641202e3648204e222b1a1a9