Melbourne’s tram network is receiving a boost to its capacity and accessibility as new E-Class trams enter passenger service on Route 58 this month.
The latest and largest low-floor, Melbourne-built E-Class trams carry up to 210 passengers and will operate between West Coburg and Toorak from 19 December.
They will join the high-floor B-Class trams on the 18-kilometre route, increasing capacity from 3,000 to 4,500 people during peak times.
In addition to improving capacity by 50%, there will be dedicated spaces for passengers with mobility aids or prams.
Other routes will also benefit from the arrival of the E-Class Trams, as the route’s current low-floor D-Class trams will move to Route 6 (Moreland to Glen Iris), Route 16 (Melbourne University to Kew) and Route 5 (Melbourne University to Malvern).
The addition of the new E-Class trams on Route 58 follows an upgrade of the Toorak Station tram stop to a level access platform stop this June.
Further work is planned for February, when the tram stop at Collins and Williams Street in the central business district (CBD) will also be transformed into a level-access platform stop.
This is the latest fleet of E-Class trams to operate on Melbourne’s tram network. The first entered passenger service back in 2017 and plans are afoot for a new generation of trams to join the network in a few years’ time.
“The introduction of 100 modern, locally-built E-Class trams across the network is the culmination of years of planning and infrastructure upgrades to ensure our trams continue to deliver safe and reliable travel for decades to come.
“We’re continuing to invest in the future of trams, with procurement underway for the design, build and maintenance of 100 accessible and energy efficient next generation trams due to join the tracks from 2025.”
