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http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/vrne...0144E0E-9C9D7F9815DE2FC3CA256F80000CEB05?open
Batchelor prompts motorists to THINK TRAM
Wednesday January 5, 2005
Transport Minister Peter Batchelor today urged motorists to Think Tram as
work to improve tram services began on Clarendon Street, in South Melbourne.
Mr Batchelor joined Yarra Trams Acting Chief Executive Dennis Cliche and the
Mayor of the City of Port Phillip, Cr Darren Ray, to paint on-road line
markings for the first hook turn outside Melbourne's CBD.
The new line markings are part of the on-road treatment works being
installed along the Clarendon Street section of Route 112.
"These works represent part of a $30 million initiative which aims to reduce
tram travel times on eight priority routes around Melbourne by improving
traffic flow between trams and other road users," Mr Batchelor said.
"This will improve tram efficiency and travel times on the popular Route 112
and the start of the Clarendon Street work marks what I hope is the
beginning of a new era for public transport in Melbourne.
"Through the Think Tram initiative we are aiming to make tram travel an
attractive and viable transport option.
"Clarendon Street is a great place for this project to start, because it is
not only a popular shopping strip but also provides excellent access to the
CBD.
"With these treatments in place, I'm hopeful it will encourage locals and
visitors alike to leave the car keys at home and Think Tram."
Mr Batchelor said as well as hook turns, measures such as physical barriers
to separate trams from other road users and relocation of tram stops would
be trialled on Clarendon St.
"All of these measures aim to keep people moving and traffic flowing," he
said.
"Hook turns have long been used in the CBD and are an excellent way of
keeping traffic moving without causing delays to trams.
"The relocation of tram stops to the departure side of intersections at
Park, Dorcas and York Streets will allow trams to move through the
intersection on a green light. This eliminates the double delay of
passengers getting on or off the tram and the tram then catching a red
light.
"Relocation of these stops will also include extension of the kerb to
provide safer access to trams."
Mr Batchelor said other treatments, including alterations to traffic signal
sequences and right turn bans would all help improve services on Route 112.
Mr Cliche said the program was about making the most of Melbourne's unique
transport asset.
"Melbourne has one of the most extensive tram networks in the world but we
all need to Think Tram if we are to make the best of this enviable
resource," Mr Cliche said.
"Catching a tram is an easy way of reducing congestion and pollution and I
hope this program will encourage all Melburnians to think twice before
reaching for their car keys."
Cr Ray said the Claredon St Pilot was an important step in providing the
local community with better transport options and attracting shoppers to the
precinct.
"Clarendon St has long been one of Melbourne's well-known shopping strips,
and the pilot will make getting there easier and hopefully reduce the number
of cars trying to find parking spaces," Cr Ray said.
The priority routes being established under the Think Tram program are:
a.. Route 112 - Clarendon St/Collins St/Brunswick St/St Georges Rd
b.. Route 86 - Bourke St/Gertrude St/High St
c.. Route 55 - Queensbridge St/William St/Peel St/Flemington Rd
d.. Route 59 - St Kilda Rd/William St/Peel St/FlemingtonRd
e.. Route 19 - Elizabeth St/Royal Pde/Sydney Rd
f.. Route 109 - Collins St/Victoria Pde
g.. Route 48/75 - Flinders St/Wellington Pde/Bridge Rd
h.. Route 6/8 - Swanston St/St Kilda Rd
Mr Batchelor said options were still being considered for other priority
routes and decisions would be made in consultation with the community and
key stakeholders such as traders.
"The Clarendon Street pilot will provide a useful example for proposals at
the other priority routes but each route will be assessed separately to
determine the best options for the area," he said.
The pilot will run until March with an assessment undertaken to determine
the effectiveness of the treatments. Successful treatments will then be
installed permanently.
Last updated on 5/01/2005
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Dallas
When in doubt, jiggle the cable.
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> in theHun so it must be true
> http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,11861490%5E2862,00.html
>
> Motorists face a new turn to get hooked on
> Jeremy Kelly
> 06jan05
>
> LOOK left, look right . . . look out!