Smart Passengers

This week I attended a breakfast briefing held by KDR, the new owners of Yarra Trams. Chairman Linda Nicholls and CEO Michel Masson were the speakers. My notes indicate that the content of their speeches was:

Intermodality - KDR are very happy with Metlink, multi-mode fares and the fact that the tram system exists as part of an integrated public transport system

Safety - this was emphasised at many points throughout the talk. It looks like the new owners are going to continue the push to keep motorists from zooming past trams while pax are alighting. Good.

"Think like a passenger" - this is the main plank of KDR's new approach to running YT. The question to ask is "What would a passenger NEVER say about the service we provide?" - and one example given was that a passenger would never compliment YT on the fact that the trams are so clean. It looks like we're getting another refurb program.

Event transport - KDR went to the various sporting bodies and asked "What can we do to help you?" - apparently this is the first time anything of the sort has happened.

There are two types of passengers - the regulars with the TramTracker app on their iPhones, and the new or occasional passengers eg regional visitors and international students. It's the second group that needs to be catered for - it's growing very fast, and they need help. For instance, if you're on Collins Street and see two trams both showing "Kew Depot" does it make sense that one goes via Route 109 and one via Route 48?

For new developments, KDR wants to be more than just a stakeholder - transport planning needs to be a partner in the earliest stages of design.

The session was then opened for questions.

Q: Are tram route extensions on the agenda? A: New developments need extensions but a new approach is needed. For instance, if we need a 15min journey to the CBD, how can we provide it? Dedicated fast trams, tram-trains etc will be looked at.

Q from Graham Currie: What is the plan to combat slow traffic delaying trams? A: Integration of the operations, infrastructure and rollingstock divisions within YT will mean everyone looks at the passengers' needs. Also, there will be partnerships with other stakeholders - everyone needs to understand that road is a limited space so we need to use it cleverly to move the maximum possible amount of passengers and freight. Michel mentioned that he has been told by most people that the state government is not prepared to spend money to make it happen, but that's not the impression he's getting from his talks with the government.

Q: There are accessible trams on routes without the matching accessible tram stops, and vice versa. Will this be fixed? A: This is in mind and a plan will be made.

Q: Swanston St routes terminate at Melbourne Uni - are there any plans for a shuttle service to even out the gaps between services? A: We need to do for Melbourne what Keolis did for Bordeaux, and if it turns out shuttle is needed we will do it. As part of that we need to look at what's already available eg the city shuttle bus.

Q: What will KDR do about litter on trams, especially cigarette butts? A: Cleanliness of trams is one of the big things we're doing. A new livery is one thing, but a clean interior is much more important as the passengers see inside for way longer than outside. Also, we will emphasise sustainability. Solar panels on trams and depots is being looked at.