In the news: Increased tram patronage leads to purchase of 12 more trams

From the Age, 14/05/09

Surging tram patronage has forced the State Government to bring forward the purchase of dozens of new trams.

Growth in tram use over the past 12 months was three times the rate recorded between 2001 and 2008.

Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky told a state parliamentary committee that the timing of the $1 billion planned purchase of 50 new trams would likely be brought forward by a year.

Ms Kosky said greater than expected tram patronage growth meant the business case and the purchase of the trams would be hastened and there would likely be funding for the new trams in next year's state budget.

By July there are expected to have been 174 million passengers on Melbourne's trams for the previous 12 months - a 9.9 per cent jump in patronage growth.

The Victorian Transport Plan released in December said the new trams would be in service by 2012/2013 - Ms Kosky said this date would now likely be brought forward by a year.

Read the full article: http://www.theage.com.au/national/more-trams-on-way-after-surge-in-commuters-20090514-b437.html