MOMENTUM is building in the push for a tram link between Footscray and Melbourne’s CBD.
The state’s public transport lobby has joined calls by Maribyrnong Council and local state politicians for the 82 tram route to be extended to the CBD and Docklands.
In its state budget submission, released last week, the Public Transport Users Association calls for the connection to be fast-tracked.
PTUA president Tony Morton said the connection would significantly improve access to the rapidly developing Docklands from the CBD as well as from Footscray and Maribyrnong.
“The extension would also provide access to the Footscray transit city from the CBD and Docklands,” he said.
Maribyrnong Council has been in discussions with the state government about the feasibility of the project linking with Spencer Street.
The council’s 2012 Integrated Transport Strategy found both local tram routes (57 and 82) have the potential to provide faster and more frequent service, as well as contributing to development along their corridors.
“Plans for the emerging ‘activity bridge’ between the Melbourne CBD and Footscray through renewal of the Dynon North areas offer the opportunity for new public transport services along the Dynon Road corridor — potentially in the form of a new tram route linking Footscray to the CBD at Spencer Street.”
The strategy notes existing connections with surrounding areas are difficult and tram travel along routes 57 and 82 is very slow.
“These tram services require higher capacity vehicles and greater frequency as they already experience significant congestion in peak periods.”
The council is calling for better priority where the trams share road space with other vehicles and a further extension of the 82 tram route into the Maribyrnong Defence site, slated for 3000 new homes.
Australasian Railway Association CEO Bryan Nye said Melbourne’s rail and tram network must be improved if the Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Strategy was to achieve one of its key principles: a 20-minute city.
“We need to embrace and expand Melbourne’s tram network to achieve its full potential,” he said. “Melbourne has the largest operating tram network in the world, but to achieve the 20-minute city concept, the network needs to be optimised with dedicated corridors and priority traffic lights.”
Western suburbs Greens MP Colleen Hartland backs the push by the PTUA and council for the route 82 extension. She intends to raise the proposal in State Parliament and seek funding for its completion.
