The Andrews Labor Government is delivering better connections at one of Melbourne’s most important inner-city transport hubs, and improving capacity and accessibility along one of the city’s longest and busiest tram routes.
A $12.3 million upgrade of South Yarra station and tram stop has now reached its first milestone with the station component complete and open to passengers – delivering more space, better facilities and easing congestion at the busy station that services four metropolitan lines to Melbourne’s south east.
The new-look station includes a bigger entrance and forecourt to relieve congestion and improve accessibility, better shelter, new quicker Myki machines, a free mobile phone charging station and vital upgrades to support passengers with disability, ground tactiles for visually impaired people and hearing loops for people with hearing impairment.
The next stage of the project will deliver a new tram stop directly outside ahead of the introduction of modern, accessible E-Class trams on Route 58 in September – after the Minister for Planning granted a Planning Scheme amendment when the Liberal-dominated Stonnington Council sought to block access to public transport for people with disability.
The new stop will be delivered in June, providing level access to trams, a wider pedestrian crossing, new clear tram shelters, real-time passenger information, extra bike hoops and new bike lanes so cyclists can safely travel past the stops.
Alongside better accessibility, comfort, safety and passenger information, E-Class trams will increase capacity on Route 58 by 50 per cent in the morning peak – from 3,000 to 4,500 people at any time, reducing overcrowding and boarding delays.
A review of the route in preparation for the longer trams will see eight stops – all of which are between 100 and 290 metres of another stop – close, while others will be relocated to make boarding safer and better space stops.
The north-bound Collins/William Street stop will be relocated between Collins Street and Little Collins Street ahead of being upgraded to an accessible, level access stop next year. Extensive engagement will be undertaken with local communities along the route about the stop changes.
Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll
“We’re making public transport work for all Victorians – with longer, more accessible trams coming to Route 58 to give passengers more space on their journeys and upgraded stations to cater for our growing inner-city suburbs.”
Quote attributable to Member for Southern Metropolitan Region Nina Taylor
“South Yarra Station is one of our busiest transport hubs – as we welcome people back onto public transport, these upgrades to train and tram infrastructure will help ease congestion and improve accessibility.”
Reviewed 13 April 2021