The history of Yarra Trams

Since we commenced operations on 29 August 1999, Yarra Trams has introduced some dramatic improvements to Melbourne’s iconic tram network in a very short time.  Electronic passenger information, low floor trams, platform stops, refurbished vehicles and stops - plus access for the mobility-impaired - have vastly changed public perceptions about tram travel. 

But these changes are only just the beginning.

Yarra Trams was created as part of the State Government of Victoria’s privatisation of the Public Transport Corporation in 1997.  The organisation’s metropolitan operations - ‘The Met’ - were split into two tram and two train business units.  These were initially known as ‘Met Tram 1’ and ‘Met Tram 2’ but were later renamed Swanston Trams and Yarra Trams.

Transfield Services and Transdev formed a 50/50 joint venture company, MetroLink Victoria Pty Ltd, to participate in the international bidding process.  Transfield Services is Australia’s leading operations and maintenance services provider.  Transdev is the world’s largest operator of tram and light-rail services.

The company was successful in winning the Yarra Trams franchise.  National Express Group (Australia) was awarded the Swanston Trams franchise and later rebranded the company as M>Tram.

Refurbishing former Met rolling stock was a key initial priority.  Distinctive, bold new external livery – featuring the green of Melbourne’s parks and gardens nestled against the blue of Port Phillip Bay – replaced the Met’s dark green and yellow colour scheme on A and B-class trams.

In 2001 the City’s first new low-floor Citadis trams were introduced and Melbourne’s first platform stop also opened at Town Hall.  Built by Alstom at La Rochelle in France the 36 new trams were fitted out at the former Preston Workshops.

New sections of track have been added too.  The Mont Albert terminus for route 109 was extended by 2.2 kilometres to Market Street, Box Hill and the Docklands precinct was connected to the tram network for the first time.  Today Flinders Street connects with La Trobe Street via Harbour Esplanade, and an extension operates along Docklands Drive.

Our commitment to managing Melbourne’s transport heritage has seen 23 W-class trams returned to service after the refurbishment of their braking systems.  With the approval of the Director of Public Transport Safety, these world-renowned icons were allowed restricted operation on the free City Circle tourist route, on route 30 along LaTrobe Street and on route 78/79 along Chapel Street.

On 19 February 2004 the State Government announced it had accepted the Yarra Trams bid to acquire and operate M>Tram services following the decision by National Express Group (Australia) to end their franchise agreement in December 2002.

Yarra Trams took sole responsibility for Melbourne’s tram network on 18 April 2004.

Today all of Melbourne’s tram services are now managed by, and operated as, Yarra Trams. Almost 1800 staff – including around 1100 drivers – are part of the new company.

It’s an exciting time, building upon the heritage and history of the City’s world renowned tram network and the tram’s status as a much loved – and photographed - Melbourne icon.

With 28 major tram routes and 474 vehicles (representing six different tram classes) operating from eight depots at Brunswick, Camberwell, East Preston, Essendon, Glen Huntly, Kew, Malvern and Southbank, Yarra Trams truly is Melbourne all over...