E-Class trams are set to make their debut on Melbourne’s Route 86 next month, which operates from Waterfront City Docklands to Bundoora RMIT. Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan was joined by Member for Bundoora Colin Brooks and former Victorian Premier John Cain to announce the introduction of low-floor trams to the route. “E-Class trams are the biggest, safest and most accessible trams we’ve ever had on our network — and they’re made right here in Melbourne.” Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan commented “The introduction of E-Class trams on the busy Route 86 corridor will help us get more people where they need to go safer and sooner.” “I know the community will enjoy seeing and getting on board these brand new trams, which many students will take advantage of to get to La Trobe University and Bundoora RMIT campuses.” Member for Bundoora Colin Brooks commented.
Mr. Brooks explained that Route 86 was initially extended to La Trobe University under the former Cain Government during the 1980s and later to its current terminus at Bundoora RMIT. The new E-Class trams will be the first low floor trams to operate along the corridor, making it safer and easier for passengers to get where they need to go, including La Trobe University’s Melbourne Campus.
Minister Allan explained that public transport Victoria is working with Yarra Trams to prepare Route 86 for the introduction of the longer, high-capacity trams, which will carry more passengers along the busy route. A number of upgrades and alterations will ensure the longer E-Class trams can operate safely along the route, which travels through Docklands and Bourke Street Mall, and to the Princess Theatre, Melbourne Museum and High Street, Northcote. The Minister went on to add that E-Class trams are the biggest, safest and most accessible trams on the network. Each tram can carry 210 passengers when full, and include audio and visual passenger information, air conditioning, improved safety features and dedicated spaces for passengers with mobility aids or prams.