2019 Melbourne Sessions

In total, there were 30 fantastic TransportCamp sessions. Session notes were taken for each unconference session.

Each post includes all the essential session details, links and a summary of all the key points of discussion.

Comments are enabled, so feel free to continue the conversation in the  post or contact the session leader directly.

Stay tuned on Twitter for all the latest updates!

Tram is King/Bus is King

Session 1

Room: Yarra

Session title: Tram is King/Bus is King

Format: Presentation

Presenter: Scott Przibella, Department of Transport

Contact: scott.przibella@ecodev.vic.gov.au  

Note taker: Vincent Ng

IMG_1851.jpeg

Summary:

Scott Przibella presented a case study from Toronto's King Street Transit Pilot, using it as a basis to explore what are the preconditions for a successful tram priority pilot that could be applied to Melbourne. Toronto faces many challenges similar to Melbourne. In recent years there have been over 130K people who have moved into the downtown precinct. The City has explored a 12 month pilot project to introduce a new tram route into the CBD. Pathways analysis provided different ways to test and redefine road and public space. These included curb extensions, ramps from curbs, buffer zones, planting 250 trees, adding concrete colourfully painted jersey dividers (which later became an iconic image of the project). 

Previously the area had an average of 6km/h, 20% overcrowding on route 504 tram and despite operational improvements the system had reached its capacity of 65,000 pax / day and 20,000 vehicles / day. Following the trial, there were significant improvements in traffic saving 5mins off the CBD commute and 180 car parks were removed. Pedestrian activity was stable and cycling increased by 150-200%. The project has been seen as a considerable success and the discussion focused on what areas could a pilot be explored in Melbourne? Issues that would have be countered with rational evidence would be identifying unreliable public transport bottlenecks (Sydney Road, Collins Street, Chapel Street) and addressing local community concerns such as likely opposition from local traders. A successful program that creates a co-pathway for community to engage in the incremental change.