Observational analysis of tram delays in inner Melbourne

Evidence-based transport planning starts from strategic policy objectives and an assessment of the existing situation, and identifies the factors with the most promise of achieving the policy objectives. It is reasonable to infer from the Victorian government's target of 20 per cent public transport mode share by 2020, that there will be some mode shift from private cars to public transport, and that this will be achieved in part through faster travel by public transport even if this comes with some trade-off to travel times by private car in inner-city areas. In this spirit, this paper documents the initial stage of a research project aimed at quantifying the potential benefits of a more Zurich-like approach to tram priority in Melbourne. By making detailed observations of the factors that cause the greatest delay to trams, and comparing the potential time savings with those possible from the measures employed to date, it is hoped that a promising new direction for Think Tram projects may be identified. Tram priority projects may thereby gain more popular support and demonstrate real success in Melbourne as they have in other cities. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E216058.