Goya Dmytryshchak
The centenary of Footscray tramlines was celebrated last week.
On September 6, 1921, three Footscray tramlines were opened, running services in three directions from Footscray railway station with M-class trams.
The three local tram routes operated for more than 40 years.
Today, route 82 runs through Footscray.
It operates from Essendon Depot and runs from Moonee Ponds junction to Footscray train station, with more than a million passenger trips taken each year before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Starting in May 1954, part of route 82 is the last remaining segment of the Footscray tram network.
Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said it was an important milestone as the state government transitioned to next generation trams, which will enter the network from 2025.
“Trams are an iconic feature of our city and Footscray is no exception, with local tram routes transporting locals for just over 40 years until 1962 when the line was transformed,” he said.
“As we mark the centenary of our iconic tram network starting in Footscray in 1921, we are also looking to the future and the continuing evolution of the network, with a new maintenance and stabling facility to be built in the inner west at Maidstone.”
