The Allan Labor Government is improving access to major events at the Melbourne Showgrounds, with the delivery of a new level-access tram stop right at its entrance - making travel safer, easier and more inclusive for all passengers.
Construction and track renewal works are now complete at the intersection of Union Road and Epsom Road in Ascot Vale, delivering a more accessible and reliable journey for passengers on Route 57. This means 102 new level-access tram stops have now been built by the Labor Government.
In October, the 100th level-access tram stop was built on Victoria Street between O'Connell and Cobden Street, allowing passengers travelling on Route 57 to access Queen Victoria Market more easily.
The new stops on Union Road and Victoria Street will soon start servicing new G Class trams. Designed for comfort and accessibility, the new trams feature a low-floor design for easy boarding, longer carriages including dedicated space for wheelchairs and mobility aids, and quieter and more energy-efficient motors.
A total of 100 G Class trams will gradually replace the older high-floor models. Each tram can carry up to 150 passengers - nearly twice as many as the current trams serving Melbourne's west.
The first G Class trams are now undergoing testing at the purpose-built Maidstone Tram Depot, ahead of taking passengers on routes 57, 59 and 82.
We're building more level-access tram stops over the next two years, including a stop outside the Moonee Ponds Civic Center, a stop on Mt Alexander Road at the intersection of Glass and Leake St, and stops along Droop St in Footscray, improving access to the new Footscray hospital.
For more information on the works visit transport.vic.gov.au/tram-readiness(opens in a new window).
As stated by Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams
"Melbourne Showgrounds hosts some of the city's biggest events and this upgrade will make it easier for passengers to catch the tram to major events."
"This is another step toward a more accessible tram network for all Victorians, as we continue to deliver more locally made trams, as well as new and upgraded infrastructure to build a better public transport system for all passengers."
As stated by Member for Essendon Danny Pearson
"We're making it easier than ever for people to get to major events at the Melbourne Showgrounds, with a new accessible tram stop right at the entrance and further upgrades across the network."
