Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said the Brumby Government was taking action to improve the public transport network and provide additional services.

“We are increasing the frequency of the weekday tram services along these routes as a response to increased patronage,” Ms Kosky said.

“These tram routes are a major link from West Coburg and West Preston into the city and we are responding to increased demand during morning and afternoon peak periods.”

The number of additional weekly services include:

• An additional eight weekday services during the AM peak (from 23 to 31) from West Preston (Route 112);
• An additional three weekday services during the PM peak (from 19 to 22) from the city to West Preston (Route 112) including an additional two services on Friday evenings; and
• One additional AM peak service (from 24 to 25) to run from West Coburg to the city (Route 55).

Ms Kosky said the additional tram services on route 112 were made available by the lease arrangement of five additional trams to Melbourne from France.

“All five trams are due to be in service by October this year,” Ms Kosky said.

Two of the AM peak services from West Preston to the city will be introduced progressively from 27 July, as the other lease trams become available.

The changes to the timetables for tram routes 112 and 55 will begin today.

“Ms Kosky said with the additional PM peak services running along route 112 to West Preston, visitors and resident to Melbourne have a greater opportunity to enjoy Melbourne’s restaurants, cultural and sporting events before heading home on a Friday night.

Detailed timetable information on the additional services is now available by calling Metlink on 131 638 or visiting www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au