Trams in Australia

In the middle of the 20th century trams fell out of favour, in part because of deferred maintenance during World War II and declining patronage resulting from increased private car ownership.

Lines were closed or severely cut back except in Melbourne: its network of 24 routes covering 250 km (155 mi) is now the largest in the world.

Since the turn of the 21st century tramway networks have been reconstructed in Sydney and in Newcastle, extended in Adelaide and brand new systems have been built on the Gold Coast and in Canberra (marking the first time these two cities have had trams).

Less authentic but invariably popular are replica trams that offer tourist experiences such as in Victor Harbor and in Portland.

By comparison, Melbourne adopted cable trams, the infrastructure (tracks and winding-houses) was owned collectively by the local municipal councils, but operated initially by a private company.

Bendigo initially opened a battery-operated tramline to Eaglehawk, but as this proved unsuccessful it was replaced by steam-trams; these were electrified and expanded circa 1902.

A distinctive feature of many Australasian trams was the drop-centre, a lowered central section between bogies (wheel-sets), to make passenger access easier by reducing the number of steps required to get inside of the vehicle.

The following table lists tram patronage figures (in millions of journeys) during the 2017–18 and 2018–19 financial years (1 July to 30 June).

The system was hugely popular by the 20th century, with an average of more than one tram journey per day made by every man and woman and child in the city.

In 1997, more than 30 years after trams disappeared from Sydney streets, they were reintroduced in the form of a small light rail system.

Called G:link, it runs on a single 20-kilometre line between Helensvale railway station and Broadbeach via Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport and Surfers Paradise.

A northern extension, from the original terminus at Gold Coast University Hospital to Helensvale railway station, was completed in 2018 before the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

An exception was the tram line retained between Victoria Square at the centre of Adelaide and the beachside suburb of Glenelg.

However, the manifesto of a new government elected in March 2018 stated that its focus would be on extending tram services in the city centre and North Adelaide rather than building lines further out.

[26][27][28] An 1864-built pier off Victor Harbor was modified in 1875 to extend to Granite Island and its wharf, which could accommodate deep draught sailing vessels.

The link became known as "The Causeway", along which a railway line was built to convey goods wagons 1 mile 75 chains (1.9 mi, 3.1 km) to the mainland.

In 1894, as increasing numbers of visitors and holiday makers were attracted to the Causeway, the South Australian Railways initiated a passenger service.

[29] Between 1956 and 1986 two rubber-tyred trailers were towed by a small Ferguson tractor, and later by a Land Rover with cladding to imitate the outline of a steam locomotive.

On most days one tram operates an hourly service; two (half-hourly) at busier times and three at Easter and Christmas – New Year holidays.

Recent investigation and transport studies have led to plans to instigate a Light Rail system along the existing South Line.

A public transport trial of trams began in 2009 and in 2010 full funding was committed to restore the Bendigo network for public transport with the development of a raised platform tram stop and yearly ticket costing just A$30 with future extensions to the network in the planning stages.

[31] Geelong maintained an electric tram service from 1912 until 1956; unusually, it was constructed from new – not converted from an existing non-electric system.

At busy times the steam engines hauled a train of several open-sided cross-bench trailers; during slack periods, a single small horse-drawn tramcar sufficed.

[34] The Perth Electric Tramway Society commissioned former Fremantle tram #29 in 1992 at Whiteman Park, and it has provided continuous service on (usually) the 4th Sunday of each month.

[citation needed] Since the start of 2007, there have been four proposals for the reintroduction of trams to the Perth metropolitan area, in the form of light rail.

A line running from Mirrabooka to the Perth central business district (provisionally known as the Metro Area Express) was officially announced in September 2012 but was cancelled in 2016.

There is currently a detailed analysis and study into proposals of the introduction of a light rail service in Hobart's northern suburbs along with political backing from all 3 major parties.

The Tramway Museum, St Kilda operates an extensive fleet of historic South Australian and interstate tram cars and trolley buses.

Work began in 1958 with the arrival of donated vehicles, the first of which was an old trolley bus from the Municipal Tramways Trust, and the museum was opened in 1967 as a static display.

Visitors can ride the electric trams along 2 km of purpose built track that runs between the museum and an adventure playground.