Congestion, overcrowding blamed for rise in tram collisions

TRAM collisions are on the rise across Melbourne, with newly released data revealing crashes with cars and pedestrians have reached a five-year high.

A tram is put back on to the tracks after it smashed into a fire hydrant and derailed in Ascot Vale. Picture: Nicole Garmston

TRAM collisions with cars and pedestrians across Melbourne have reached a five-year high.

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According to Transport Safety Victoria, trams collided with 977 cars and trucks in 2017, while 50 pedestrians were also hit. Slips, trips and falls on the Yarra Trams network have also surged, with injuries at platforms almost doubling in the space of a year.

Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said tram safety, particularly collisions, had been an issue for some time.

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A tram is put back on to the tracks after it smashed into a fire hydrant and derailed in Ascot Vale. Picture: Nicole Garmston

“We know that traffic in Melbourne is getting worse and that plays a role,” he said.

“There are bigger trams which carry more people and that means one incident may have more impact on passengers.

“Authorities need to do more to keep cars clear of tram tracks with initiatives like dedicated lanes, education programs and enforcement of road rules.”

A pedestrian runs in front of a tram on Collins St. Picture: Sarah Matray

A tram derails after crashing into a truck in Parkville. Picture: Nicole Garmston

There were 189.7 million passenger trips in 2017, an increase of 1.8 million over 2016.

Mr Bowen said crowding could be a factor behind the growing number of falls.

“A lot of the older models require you to step up on the platform, so people do need to look at what upgrades can be made to stop this from happening,” he said.

Tram drivers have to stop suddenly when cars turn suddenly into the path of the tram. Picture: Sarah Matray

“You do see problems with vehicles turning suddenly into the path of a tram. I saw it recently, and when these things happen the driver has to jolt to a stop.”

“Melbourne has a very big tram network so you would hope drivers would be used to having them around.”

No tram accident fatalities have been recorded since 2014