Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp says extension of free tram zone may be better delivered in 2025

LORD Mayor Sally Capp has walked back an election pledge to extend Melbourne’s free tram zone, citing the proposal as a long-term goal that could be delivered closer to 2025.

LORD Mayor Sally Capp has walked back an election pledge to extend Melbourne’s free tram zone, citing the proposal as a long-term goal that could be delivered closer to 2025.

Earlier this year, Cr Capp announced she would extend the zone, currently restricted to the heart of the CBD, to cover the entire City of Melbourne municipality if elected.

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The pledge would deliver free tram trips for suburbs such as Flemington, Cartlon and South Yarra and was expected to cost about $9.5 million annually.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp outside one of her favouite places in Melbourne, the State Library. Picture: Nicole Garmston

But since taking office and raising the issue the Lord Mayor has toned down her ambitious pledge.

“I’ve held discussions about extending the free tram zone with both City of Melbourne officers and external stakeholders, including State Government representatives,” Cr Capp said.

“In these discussions I’ve advocated for an extension and also learned more about what issues need be considered, including the impact on tram schedules and capacity.

“Extending the free tram zone is something I can advocate for but we will need the State Government to get on board and I welcome the State’s commitment already to extend the free zone during major events such as football matches.

“My commitment was always seen as a long-term goal that could ideally be delivered when the Metro Tunnel Project is up and running and the public transport system has more capacity in the heart of the city.”

Trams photographed in Swanston St Melbourne. Picture: David Crosling

There were 19 million tram trips taken in Melbourne in 2015 when the policy was introduced, with the majority of these made in the free tram zone.

State Government spokeswoman Hayley Bester said the zone was created to boost the use of public transport inside the CBD.

“The Government continues to consider a range of options to make the public transport system more accessible — but has no current plans to extend the free tram zone,” she said.

Passengers took about 204 million trips across the city’s tram network in the 2016-17 financial year.