1941-1950

1941

6 July
The Ordnance Factory branch line was opened along private right-of-way adjacent to Wests Road from Raleigh Road to Williamsons Road, Maribyrnong.  No regular service was provided as trams operated when required for factory shift workers.

July - August
All-night tram services were greatly expanded due to petrol rationing and increased shiftwork caused by wartime conditions.

14 September
The employment of conductresses commenced, due to manpower shortages caused by the war.

9 November
On the Footscray system, a branch line to the Ammunition Factory was opened, running from Ballarat Road to River Street via Gordon Street.  No regular service was provided as trams operated when required for factory shift workers at the munition factories. 

1942

24 February
For security reasons, restrictions were imposed on certain tram destination displays for the duration of the war:  ‘Explosives Factory’, ‘Ordnance Factory’ and ‘Ammunition Factory’ were not to be used.

24 May
A new line was opened from Ascot Vale to Moonee Ponds Junction.

1943

16 May
The Essendon line was extended from Birdwood Street to Essendon Aerodrome.  The Commonwealth Government requested this extension because of wartime conditions.

1945

June
The Victorian Railways Commissioners stated their intention to close the Sandringham tramway, which sparked a vigorous opposition campaign by locals, and delayed closure of the line for a further 11 years.

1946

3 February
Services commenced running on the new line from William Street, City to Hanna Street (South Melbourne) Depot.

1950

23 February
Day one of a strike by tramway employees which continued until 24 April.