Melbourne Tram System

Tourists become significantly amazed by the fact that trams remain an important part of Melbourne's public transportation system, a very significant service which also caters to the needs of visitors touring the city by way of a different vehicle. Particularly in the CBD and inner suburbs, trams have extremely good coverage with regular stops and reasonable time tabling.

In Melbourne, the tram system is regarded as one of the key public transport systems and is given utmost importance in the city's traffic system where motorists must take a so-called hook-turn just to give way to a tram passing on a city intersection. Indeed, the trams do not only present a very safe and conducive transport service, it also brings about a sense of respect from every motorist which literally passes by its route.

The system has been under private control for over eight years now and service routes continue to branch out. Like trains, the trams bring people in and out of Melbourne's Central Business District via inner and outer suburbs. All of them are electric trams which offer a fast, more convenient and more environmentally friendly transport service.

To be able to ride the trams commuters, residents and tourists are expected to determine first the places where they want to go so they can then determine the “zones” which they need to pass through. There are two zones, 1 and 2 and traveling within these zones determines the ticket selected and hence the cost. There are maps on trams that will help you determine this but if you are confused asking the tram driver or fellow commuters is helpful. Metcards/tickets, which conveniently is also used for all public buses and trains, can obtain the card through customer service stations, vending machines at the stations, authorized retail outlets, on trams (coins only) or online at www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au.

The metlink website also contains timetabling information which is also available at every stop. Concerning the actual travel, commuters must follow safety procedures in and around the tram station and the tram itself. In cases of emergencies, you may call the Emergency Assistance hotline 000.

If you plan to stay longer in Melbourne, you may want to utilize the service of the tramTRACKER for tram commuters and it can be accessed through your PCs Internet connection, landline telephone or through Short Messaging Service (SMS) on your mobile phones.