In terms of safety, these trams have been completely rebuilt to comform with modern safety requirements. In terms of accessibility, I personally do not believe it is really an issue on this route. It is intended for tourism, not commuting, and alternative accessable transport around the city and out to HarbourTown do exist, and are easy to access and are frequent. Having said this, St Kilda Tramway Museum in Adelaide has a W where ‘the centre saloon of the tram has been modified for disabled access. The wide sliding doors provide protection for disabled passengers in times of inclement weather’ Overall, they do serve their intended purpose well and are some of the most comfortable in the Melbourne fleet.
They are definitely a cool bit of kit, but giving travellers options to suit a variety of needs is a good thing. A hybrid approach between dedicated heritage vehicles and access compliant vehicles provides a good mix.
The city circle trams are mostly used by tourists and i don’t think it’s really an issue as its not really intended for commuting. You can see it is targeted at tourists with the many announcements about important places around the city (3:17) and i certainty wouldn’t use it as an everyday service and I know others who wouldn’t use it either as if you are are wanting to get from one side of the city to the other, it would just be quicker to cut through it with the Swanston Street trams, route 58 and 19 trams running north-south and routes 30, 86, 96, 11, 48 and 109 running east-west, if you are wanting to get to docklands 86 terminates alongside the city circle at Waterfront City Docklands and route 30 terminating not to far before that at Central Pier Docklands (All tramlines mentioned either are fully or partially served by low floors). Plus most suburban train lines go through the city loop, which basically follows the route of the city circle.
I will continue to stand by a 'hybrid' approach. It worked brilliantly in London and ensured that heritage needs were considered and provided accessible transport options for those who could benefit from it.
I would modify the w class trams to tow an accessible trailer. But would it would have a w8 interior but low floor. And also it would have a drivers cab
Interesting thought, could be a good way to ensure that accessibility needs are considered. One key stakeholder that may have some concerns would be the Heritage Trust, who were quite resistive to a much smaller suite of modifications proposed in the 90s. Proof that stakeholder management is so important, and that trying to 'please everyone' is often a difficult goal.
In terms of safety, these trams have been completely rebuilt to comform with modern safety requirements.
In terms of accessibility, I personally do not believe it is really an issue on this route. It is intended for tourism, not commuting, and alternative accessable transport around the city and out to HarbourTown do exist, and are easy to access and are frequent.
Having said this, St Kilda Tramway Museum in Adelaide has a W where ‘the centre saloon of the tram has been modified for disabled access. The wide sliding doors provide protection for disabled passengers in times of inclement weather’
Overall, they do serve their intended purpose well and are some of the most comfortable in the Melbourne fleet.
They are definitely a cool bit of kit, but giving travellers options to suit a variety of needs is a good thing. A hybrid approach between dedicated heritage vehicles and access compliant vehicles provides a good mix.
The city circle trams are mostly used by tourists and i don’t think it’s really an issue as its not really intended for commuting. You can see it is targeted at tourists with the many announcements about important places around the city (3:17) and i certainty wouldn’t use it as an everyday service and I know others who wouldn’t use it either as if you are are wanting to get from one side of the city to the other, it would just be quicker to cut through it with the Swanston Street trams, route 58 and 19 trams running north-south and routes 30, 86, 96, 11, 48 and 109 running east-west, if you are wanting to get to docklands 86 terminates alongside the city circle at Waterfront City Docklands and route 30 terminating not to far before that at Central Pier Docklands (All tramlines mentioned either are fully or partially served by low floors). Plus most suburban train lines go through the city loop, which basically follows the route of the city circle.
I will continue to stand by a 'hybrid' approach. It worked brilliantly in London and ensured that heritage needs were considered and provided accessible transport options for those who could benefit from it.
I would modify the w class trams to tow an accessible trailer.
But would it would have a w8 interior but low floor. And also it would have a drivers cab
Interesting thought, could be a good way to ensure that accessibility needs are considered.
One key stakeholder that may have some concerns would be the Heritage Trust, who were quite resistive to a much smaller suite of modifications proposed in the 90s. Proof that stakeholder management is so important, and that trying to 'please everyone' is often a difficult goal.
@@TalkingPlanningor even modifying them to have a wheelchair lift/ramp