City Circle tram reprieve

Docklands retailers have been given a reprieve after a proposal to reduce the City Circle tram service was shelved.

Concerns were raised after The Age last month reported Public Transport Victoria and Yarra Trams were proposing to run the City Circle tram in one direction only, halving the service.

With the City Circle bringing many tourists to Docklands, and in particular Harbour Town, retailers were concerned a reduction in services would impact their businesses.

Docklands Chamber of Commerce president Joh Maxwell said the chamber was very concerned when it heard about the proposed changes and quickly requested a meeting with Public Transport Victoria.

Mrs Maxwell said Public Transport Victoria had advised that, following stakeholder engagement, it decided not to make any changes to the City Circle tram at this point in time.

“Public Transport Victoria has agreed to keep Docklands stakeholders informed if any changes are planned,” Mrs Maxwell said.

Prior to the meeting Public Transport Victoria had told Docklands News that it regularly reviewed timetable and routes across all modes of public transport and if any changed were proposed would need to be approved by the Minister for Public Transport.

“PTV and Yarra Trams will provide the full details of the changes to the community if a proposal goes ahead,” a spokesperson said.