Editing Trams in Melbourne (section)

==History==
{{See also|Timeline of trams in Melbourne}}

===Horse trams===
Melbourne's first tram was a [[horse tram]] from [[Fairfield railway station, Melbourne|Fairfield railway station]] to a real estate development in [[Thornbury, Victoria|Thornbury]]; it opened on 20 December 1884, and was closed by 1890. Seven horse tramlines operated in Melbourne, three were built by the [[Melbourne Tramway & Omnibus Company]] (MTOC), while the other four were built by different private companies.<ref name="Hooves and iron: Melbourne's horse trams">{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/horse.htm |title=Hooves and iron: Melbourne's horse trams |author=Russell Jones |year=2003 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=16 January 2012 |archive-date=1 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301111617/http://hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/horse.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

The MTOC's three lines fed their cable tram system: [[Victoria Bridge, Melbourne|Victoria Bridge]] cable tram terminus to Kew ([[Boroondara Cemetery]]), opened in 1887 and closed in 1915 after its sale to [[City of Kew|Kew Council]] for conversion to a [[Prahran & Malvern Tramways Trust]] electric line; [[Hawthorn Bridge]] cable tram terminus to Auburn Road, via Burwood Road, Power Street and Riversdale Road, opened in 1890 and closed on 31 January 1916 after being sold to the [[Hawthorn Tramways Trust]] for conversion to electric traction; and the Zoo line, from the [[Royal Parade, Melbourne|Royal Parade]] cable line to [[Melbourne Zoo|Melbourne Zoological Gardens]], opened on 10 March 1890 and closed in November 1923. The Zoo line was Melbourne's last horse tram and the only line still in operation at the formation of the [[Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board]] (MMTB), however it was destroyed by fire during the [[1923 Victorian Police strike|1923 police strike]]; the MMTB took the decision not to reopen it, thus ending Melbourne's horse tram era.<ref name="Hooves and iron: Melbourne's horse trams"/>

===Cable trams===
{{Main|Melbourne cable tramway system}}
{{See also|Melbourne Tramway & Omnibus Company}}
[[File:A tram car passes the Federal Coffee Palace in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.jpg|thumb|A tram car passes the [[Federal Coffee Palace]] at the south-west corner of [[Collins Street, Melbourne|Collins]] and [[King Street, Melbourne|King]] streets, circa 1890.]]
[[File:Melbourne cable tram 1905.jpg|thumb|left|Cable tram (dummy and trailer) on [[Lonsdale Street]], circa 1905]]
Melbourne's cable tram system has its origins in the MTOC, started by Francis Boardman Clapp in 1877, with a view to operate a Melbourne tram system. After some initial resistance, he successfully lobbied the government who passed the Melbourne Tramway & Omnibus Company Act 1883 on 10 October 1883, granting the company the right to operate a [[cable car (railway)|cable tram]] system in Melbourne. Although several lines were originally intended to be horse trams, and the MTOC did operate three horse tram lines on the edges of the system, the core of the system was built as cable trams.<ref name=RJones>{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/clapp.htm |title=Francis Boardman Clapp: transport entrepreneur |author=Russell Jones |year=2002 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=10 November 2011 |archive-date=23 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823001828/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/clapp.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=MT&OC>{{cite web|url=http://www.tramway.org.au/runningjournal/rj_vol9_no3.pdf |title=The Melbourne Tramway & Omnibus Company Limited |date=June 1972 |work=[[Running Journal]] Vol9 No3 |access-date=10 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512234645/http://www.tramway.org.au/runningjournal/rj_vol9_no3.pdf |archive-date=12 May 2013 }}</ref>

The Act established the Melbourne Tramways Trust (MTT), which was made up of the 12 municipalities that the MTOC system would serve. The MTT was responsible for the construction of tracks and engine house, while the MTOC built the depots, offices and arranged for the delivery or construction of the rolling stock. The MTT granted a lease to operate the system until 1 July 1916 to the MTOC, with the MTOC paying 4.5% interest on the debts incurred by the MTT in building the system.<ref name=RJones/><ref name=MT&OC/>

[[File:Melbourne’s first cable tram.jpg|thumb|Melbourne's first cable tram service on 11 November 1885]]
The first cable tram line opened on 11 November 1885, running from [[Bourke Street]] to [[Hawthorn Bridge]], along [[Spencer Street]], [[Flinders Street, Melbourne|Flinders Street]], Wellington Parade and Bridge Road, with the last line opening on 27 October 1891. At its height the cable system was one of the largest in the world, with {{convert|75|km}} of double track, 1200 gripcars and trailers and 17 routes covering (103.2 route km or 64.12 route miles).<ref name=MT&OC/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.railpage.org.au/tram/cable.html |title=Melbourne's cable trams |author=David Hoadley |date=8 January 1996 |work=Trams of Australia |access-date=10 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121202914/http://www.railpage.org.au/tram/cable.html |archive-date=21 November 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On 18 February 1890, the Northcote tramway was opened by the Clifton Hill to Northcote & Preston Tramway Company. This was Melbourne's only non-MTOC cable tram, built by local land speculators and was operated as an independent line, feeding the Clifton Hill line.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/northcote.htm |title=Northcote: the on again, off again cable tramway |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |author=Russell Jones |year=2004 |access-date=10 November 2011 |archive-date=22 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822235030/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/northcote.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

When the lease expired on 1 July 1916, all the assets of the MTT and MTOC cable network were taken over by the Melbourne Tramways Board (MTB).<ref name=RJones/> The MMTB was formed on 1 November 1919, taking over the MTB cable tram network, with the Northcote tramway and the tramway trusts transferred to the MMTB on 20 February 1920.<ref name="YT-Trams in Melbourne">{{cite web | url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/our-history/trams-in-melbourne/ | work=[[Yarra Trams]] | title=Trams in Melbourne | access-date=26 January 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927162949/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/our-history/trams-in-melbourne/ | archive-date=27 September 2016 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="The early days">{{cite web | url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/our-history/tramway-milestones/the-early-days/ | work=[[Yarra Trams]] | title=The early days | access-date=26 January 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318134537/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/our-history/tramway-milestones/the-early-days/ | archive-date=18 March 2012 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

From 1924 the cable tram lines were progressively converted to electric trams, or abandoned in favour of buses, with the last Melbourne cable tram operating on 26 October 1940.<ref name="YT-Trams in Melbourne"/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/managing-victoria-s-public-transport-network/history-and-heritage/early-history-of-public-transport/ | work=[[Public Transport Victoria]] | title=Early history of public transport | access-date=9 July 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807063057/http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/managing-victoria-s-public-transport-network/history-and-heritage/early-history-of-public-transport/ | archive-date=7 August 2012 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

===First electric trams===
[[File:Box Hill to Doncaster tram.jpg|thumb|left|[[Box Hill, Victoria|Box Hill]] to [[Doncaster, Victoria|Doncaster]] tram]]
The first electric tram in Melbourne was built in 1889 by the Box Hill and Doncaster Tramway Company Limited—an enterprise formed by a group of land developers—and ran from [[Box Hill railway station, Melbourne|Box Hill railway station]] along what is now Station Street and Tram Road to [[Doncaster, Victoria|Doncaster]], using equipment left over from the Centennial International Exhibition of 1888 at the [[Royal Exhibition Building]]. The venture was marred with disputes and operational problems, and ultimately failed, with the service ceasing in 1896.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/boxhill.htm |title=Australia's first electric tram: the Box Hill to Doncaster tramway |author=Robert Green |date=October 1989 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=23 October 2011 |archive-date=23 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823002339/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/boxhill.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

After this venture failed, electric trams returned on 5 May 1906, with the opening of the [[Victorian Railways#Other functions|Victorian Railways Electric Street Railway]] from [[St Kilda, Victoria|St Kilda]] to [[Brighton, Victoria|Brighton]], and was followed on 11 October 1906 with the opening of the [[List of defunct utility companies in Victoria, Australia#The North Melbourne Electric Tramways and Lighting Company|North Melbourne Electric Tramway & Lighting Company]] (NMETL) system, which opened two lines from the cable tram terminus at Flemington Bridge to [[Essendon, Victoria|Essendon]] and Saltwater River (now [[Maribyrnong River]]).<ref name="The early days"/>

====Victorian Railways Electric Street Railways====
[[File:Two Victorian Railway trams.jpg|thumb|right|Two [[Victorian Railways]] trams]]
The [[Victorian Railways]] line came about when [[Thomas Bent]] became [[Premier of Victoria|Premier]]. A leading land boomer, he stood to benefit from construction of the line, through the increased value of his large land holdings in the area, and pushed through the legislation to enable to building of the line by the VR in 1904.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/bent.htm |title=Bent by name, Bent by nature |author=Russell Jones |year=2003 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=23 October 2011 |archive-date=22 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822235125/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/bent.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

The VR tram was called a "Street Railway" and was built using the Victorian Railways {{Track gauge|5ft3in}} [[broad gauge]] instead of the cable tramway [[standard gauge]] of {{Track gauge|impsg}}, and connected it with the [[St Kilda railway station]], which would allow trams to be moved along the St Kilda railway line for servicing at [[Jolimont Yard]].<ref name="VR electric street railways">{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/vrtram.htm |title=VR electric street railways |author=Russell Jones |year=2003 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=23 October 2011 |archive-date=22 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822235824/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/vrtram.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The line was opened in two stages, from St Kilda railway station to Middle Brighton on 5 May 1906 and to Brighton Beach terminus on 22 December 1906.<ref name="The early days"/>

A fire at the Elwood tram depot on 7 March 1907 destroyed the depot and all the trams. Services resumed on 17 March 1907 using four [[Sydney C-Class Tram|C-class trams]] and three [[Sydney D-Class Tram|D-class trams]] from [[Trams in Sydney|Sydney]], which were altered to run on VR trucks salvaged from the fire. These trams sufficed until [[Newport Workshops]] built 14 new trams. The St Kilda to Brighton Beach Electric Street Railway closed on 28 February 1959 and was replaced by buses.<ref name="VR electric street railways"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tramway.org.au/reflections.php?p=vr_tramway_reminisences |title=V.R. Tramway "Reminisences." |author=Paul Nicholson |date=June–July 1969 |work=Running Journal |access-date=28 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220032730/http://www.tramway.org.au/reflections.php?p=vr_tramway_reminisences |archive-date=20 February 2011 }}</ref>

VR opened a second, standard gauge, electric tramway from [[Sandringham railway station]] to [[Black Rock, Victoria|Black Rock]] on 10 March 1919, it was extended to [[Beaumaris, Victoria|Beaumaris]] on 2 September 1926. The service was withdrawn on 5 November 1956 and replaced with buses.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tramway.org.au/reflections.php?p=the_sandringham_tramway |title=The Sandringham Tramway |author=Arthur Stone |date=October–November 1969 |work=Running Journal |access-date=3 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706130417/http://www.tramway.org.au/reflections.php?p=the_sandringham_tramway |archive-date=6 July 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au/htm/article/237.htm |work=[[City of Kingston]] |title=Did You Know?: Trams |access-date=3 June 2011 |archive-date=6 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706122730/http://localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au/htm/article/237.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

====North Melbourne Electric Tramway & Lighting Company====
[[File:NMETL first tram.jpg|thumb|right|First North Melbourne Electric Tramway & Lighting Co tram on opening day]]
The [[List of defunct utility companies in Victoria, Australia#The North Melbourne Electric Tramways and Lighting Company|North Melbourne Electric Tramway & Lighting Company]] (NMETL) was an electricity and tramway company that operated from 1906 to 1922.<ref name="A brief history of the North Melbourne Electric Tramway & Lighting Company">{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/nmetl.htm |title=A brief history of the North Melbourne Electric Tramway & Lighting Company |author=Russell Jones |year=2005 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=4 January 2012 |archive-date=24 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424231907/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/nmetl.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The tramway section was taken over by the MMTB on 1 August 1922 and the electricity section taken over by the [[State Electricity Commission of Victoria]] in 1922.<ref name="Between the Wars">{{cite web |url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/our-history/tramway-milestones/between-the-wars/ |work=[[Yarra Trams]] |title=Between the Wars |access-date=26 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102235108/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/our-history/tramway-milestones/between-the-wars/ |archive-date=2 November 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/component/daPublicBaseContainer?component=daViewAgency&entityId=1002# |work=[[Public Record Office Victoria]] |title=State Electricity Commission of Victoria (previously known as the Electricity Commissioners) |access-date=4 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091006194727/http://www.access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/component/daPublicBaseContainer?component=daViewAgency&entityId=1002 |archive-date=6 October 2009 }}</ref>

The Victorian Government of Sir Thomas Bent approved an application by Mr Morgan to build a tramway system in the Essendon area on 29 March 1904, with a poll of ratepayers overwhelming supporting the proposition on 29 July 1904 (2874 votes to 146). Mr Morgan transferred the concession to the NMETL, which had been formed to build the system and provide electricity to the area. Under the concession the NMETL was to construct a tramway and provide electricity within the municipalities of Essendon and Flemington for 30 years, it also mandated a service at least every 20 minutes and had provisions for the undertaking to become property of the municipalities involved earlier than the prescribed 30 years.<ref name="A Brief History of... The North Melbourne Electric Tramways and Lighting Company Limited">{{cite web |url=http://www.tramway.org.au/reflections.php?p=a_brief_history_of_the_north_melbourne_electric_tramways_and_lighting_company_limited |title=A Brief History of... The North Melbourne Electric Tramways and Lighting Company Limited |author=K. S. Kings |date=October 1966 |work=[[Tramway Museum Society of Victoria|TMSV]] Running Journal |access-date=4 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424011139/http://www.tramway.org.au/reflections.php?p=a_brief_history_of_the_north_melbourne_electric_tramways_and_lighting_company_limited |archive-date=24 April 2012 }}</ref>

The NMETL bought land on [[Mount Alexander Road]] for its offices, car barn and power house, with the foundation stone laid by the Mayors of Essendon and Flemington on 24 May 1905, and the first rail laid a month later by Premier Bent. The system opened on 11 October 1906 operating two routes from Flemington Bridge—one to Essendon via Mount Alexander Road, [[Pascoe Vale Road]], Fletcher Street and onto Mount Alexander Road again (with a short branch line along Puckle Street), and the second to Saltwater River via Mount Alexander Road, Victoria Street, Racecourse Road, Epsom Road, Union Road and Maribyrnong Road. The system was approximately {{convert|7|mi|km|1|abbr=on}} and was operated by 25 motor cars and 10 trailers.<ref name="A Brief History of... The North Melbourne Electric Tramways and Lighting Company Limited"/>

===The tramway trusts===
[[File:Bourke St East by George Hyde Pownall 1912.jpg|thumb|Painting by George Hyde Pownall showing trams running down Bourke St in central Melbourne in 1912]]
Due to demand for better public transport in Melbourne's inner suburbs of Prahran and Malvern the [[Prahran & Malvern Tramways Trust]] Act 1907 was enacted. Councillor [[Alexander Cameron (tramways administrator)|Alex Cameron]] of Malvern, who led the push for a municipal tramway service, was elected chairman of the trust by both Malvern and Prahran councils. Construction began on its first tram line in 1909 with the first passenger service commencing on 30 May 1910. Using overhead wires to feed electricity to the trams, the network continued to expand greatly and profitably.<ref name=mmtb>{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/pmtt.htm |title=Steady as she goes: the Prahran & Malvern Tramways Trust |author=Russell Jones |year=2008 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=23 October 2011 |archive-date=8 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008025649/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/pmtt.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Alex Cameron: father of Melbourne's electric trams">{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/cameron.htm |title=Alex Cameron: father of Melbourne's electric trams |author=Russell Jones |year=2009 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=23 October 2011 |archive-date=22 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822235533/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/cameron.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1913, the region covered by the PMTT was extended and, thus, representatives of the [[Hawthorn, Victoria|Hawthorn]] and [[Kew, Victoria|Kew]] councils were also included on the board. In 1916 [[Camberwell, Victoria|Camberwell]] council representatives were also included.

Following the PMTT, the following municipal trusts were formed:
*[[Hawthorn Tramways Trust]] – 1914 (Municipalities of [[City of Melbourne|Melbourne]], [[City of Richmond|Richmond]], [[City of Camberwell|Camberwell]] & [[City of Hawthorn|Hawthorn]])
*[[Melbourne, Brunswick & Coburg Tramways Trust]] – 1916 (Municipalities of [[City of Brunswick|Brunswick]], [[City of Coburg|Coburg]] & [[City of Melbourne|Melbourne]])
*[[Fitzroy, Northcote & Preston Tramways Trust]] – in process of construction when taken over in 1920 (Municipalities of [[City of Fitzroy|Fitzroy]], [[City of Northcote|Northcote]] & [[City of Preston (Victoria)|Preston]])
*Footscray Tramway Trust – in process of construction when taken over in 1920 (Municipality of [[City of Footscray|Footscray]])

===Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board===
{{Main|Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board}}
[[File:Flinders Street Station, Melbourne, at the intersection of Swanston Street and Flinders Street, 1927 - Glass plate.jpg|thumb|right|Intersection of [[Swanston Street|Swanston]] and [[Flinders Street, Melbourne|Flinders]] Streets showing electric and cable trams, 1927]]
The Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB) was formed in July 1919 to take control of Melbourne's cable tram network, six of the seven electric tramway companies, and the last horse tram. By 1940, all cable and horse tram lines had been abandoned or converted to either electric tram or bus operation.

Alex Cameron was its full-time chairman.<ref name=mmtb/> The tramway network had both cable and electric traction and had been constructed by different bodies without any uniform system. Under Cameron, the MMTB brought these systems under its control, extending the electric lines, and converting the existing cable-system to electric traction.<ref name="Alex Cameron: father of Melbourne's electric trams"/><ref>{{Cite Australian Dictionary of Biography |id2=cameron-alexander-5471 |title=
Alexander Cameron (1864–1940) |author=Kathleen Thomson |year=1979 |volume=7 |access-date=4 November 2011 |archive-date=14 April 2011 |url=http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/A070534b.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414134813/http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/A070534b.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> To solve operational and maintenance problem the MMTB introduced in 1923 the iconic [[W-class Melbourne tram|W-class tram]] and phased out the other models.<ref name="Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board W Class No 380">{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/trams/mmtb380.htm |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |title=Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board W Class No 380 |access-date=23 October 2011 |archive-date=5 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130505061117/http://hawthorntramdepot.org.au/trams/mmtb380.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Preston Workshops]] were constructed about this time to manufacture and maintain the new tram fleet.<ref name="Vines2011">{{Cite web |url=http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/heritage/publications-and-research/thematic-and-typological-studies/tram-heritage-study |title=Vines, G. 2010 ''Melbourne Tramway Heritage Study'', report to Heritage Victoria |access-date=8 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501135113/http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/heritage/publications-and-research/thematic-and-typological-studies/tram-heritage-study |archive-date=1 May 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In March 1923 Alex Cameron went overseas to investigate traffic problems. He returned next year, confirmed in his long-held opinions that electric trams were superior to buses and that overhead wires were preferable to the underground conduit (cable) system. Alex Cameron remained chairman there until 1935. He died a few years later in 1940, the same year the last of the cable tram services in Melbourne ended.<ref name="Alex Cameron: father of Melbourne's electric trams"/>

The MMTB generated further patronage by developing the enormous [[Wattle Park, Melbourne|Wattle Park]] in the 1920s and 1930s, it had inherited Wattle Park from the Hawthorn Tramways Trust with the HTTs takeover by the MMTB.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/wattlepk.htm |title=Wattle Park: a tramway tradition |author=Russell Jones |year=2003 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=23 October 2011 |archive-date=8 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008025144/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/wattlepk.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

After World War II other Australian cities began to replace their trams with buses. However, in Melbourne, the Bourke Street buses were replaced by trams in 1955, and new lines opened to [[Preston, Victoria|East Preston]] and [[Brunswick East]].

[[File:Melbourne tram surf.jpg|thumb|right| An overcrowded East Preston tram in [[Fitzroy North]], 1944]]
Melbourne's tram usage peaked at 260 million trips in 1949, before dropping sharply to 200 million the following year in 1950.<ref name="TDIA">Transport Demand Information Atlas, Vol 1</ref> However usage defied the trend and bounced back in 1951, but began a gradual decline in usage which would continue until 1970.<ref name="TDIA" /> During the same period bus use also went into decline and buses have never proved as popular with passengers as trams at any time in Melbourne's history.

By the 1970s Melbourne was the only Australian city with a major tram network.<ref>Keenan, David R. "Melbourne's Tramways in 1974." (Transit Press, 1974)</ref> Melbourne resisted the trend to shut down the network for three major reasons: partly because the city's wide streets and geometric street pattern made trams more practicable than in many other cities; partly because of resistance from the [[trade union|unions]]; and partly because the Chairman of the MMTB, [[Robert Risson|Sir Robert Risson]], successfully argued that the cost of ripping up the concrete-embedded tram tracks would be prohibitive. Also, the infrastructure and vehicles were relatively new, having replaced Cable Tram equipment in only the 1920s–1940s. This destroyed the argument used by many other cities, which was that renewal of the tram system would cost more than replacing it with buses. There is a 1960s colour film called "Citizen Tram" on YouTube commissioned by Risson too.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/BPh-WCdO0sc Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20191002191339/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPh-WCdO0sc&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPh-WCdO0sc| title = "Citizen Tram" (1960s MMTB Film) | website=[[YouTube]]| date = 15 October 2011 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

By the mid-1970s, as other cities became increasingly choked in traffic and air pollution, Melbourne was convinced that its decision to retain its trams was the correct one, even though patronage had been declining since the 1950s in the face of increasing use of cars and the shift to the outer suburbs, beyond the tram network's limits.

The first tram line extension in over twenty years took place in 1978, along [[Burwood Highway]]. The W-class trams were gradually replaced by the new Z-class trams in the 1970s, and by the A-class trams and the larger, articulated B-class trams in the 1980s.

In 1980, the controversial [[Lonie Report]] recommended the closure of seven tram lines. Public protests and union action resulted in the closures not being carried out.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://researchbank.swinburne.edu.au/vital/access/services/Download/swin:8497/SOURCE3 |title=Political factors in the rebuilding of mass transit |author=John Andrew Stone |year=2008 |publisher=[[Swinburne University of Technology]] |pages=183–186 |access-date=11 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522113208/http://researchbank.swinburne.edu.au/vital/access/services/Download/swin:8497/SOURCE3 |archive-date=22 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Metropolitan Transit Authority and Public Transport Corporation===
{{Main|Metropolitan Transit Authority (Victoria)|Public Transport Corporation|l1=Metropolitan Transit Authority}}
[[Image:Hook Turn Sign Melbourne.jpg|thumb|right|[[Hook turn]] sign]]
The MMTB, along with the [[Railways in Melbourne|metropolitan railway assets]] of [[Victorian Railways|VicRail]], were absorbed into the newly formed Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) on 1 July 1983, while the regional assets of VicRail were absorbed by the [[State Transport Authority (Victoria)|State Transit Authority]] (STA). The MTA was formed to co-ordinate and operate the Melbourne public transport system, during 1986–87 an integration of rail, tram and bus divisions took place, with the operations, maintenance and administration of these departments fully integrated by 11 April 1988.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/component/daPublicBaseContainer?component=daViewAgency&entityId=1038 |title=State Transport Authority |work=[[Public Record Office Victoria]] |access-date=29 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002042901/http://access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/component/daPublicBaseContainer?component=daViewAgency&entityId=1038 |archive-date=2 October 2011 }}</ref><ref name="PROV MTA">{{cite web |url=http://access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/component/daPublicBaseContainer?component=daViewAgency&entityId=1044 |title=Metropolitan Transit Authority |work=[[Public Record Office Victoria]] |access-date=29 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002042738/http://access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/component/daPublicBaseContainer?component=daViewAgency&entityId=1044 |archive-date=2 October 2011 }}</ref>

[[Image:Z1-class-tram.96 swanston collins.jpg|thumb|left|Z1.95 in The Met livery on [[Swanston Street]]]]
The MTA introduced a new green and yellow livery and uniform design, with a new logo, showing the integration of Melbourne's public transport system, replacing the MMTB logo, and introduced a new time-based integrated ticketing system, for all modes of Melbourne's public transport.<ref name="YT-Trams in Melbourne"/>

An Automatic Vehicle Monitoring system was introduced in 1985, improving communication with drivers and allowing tracking of trams throughout the network. This reduced tram bunching and improved reliability of tram services.<ref name="YT-Trams in Melbourne"/>

The [[St Kilda railway line|St Kilda]] and [[Port Melbourne railway line|Port Melbourne]] railway lines were converted to light rail lines in 1987, with the lines closed on 1 July 1987 and 11 October 1987 respectively. Trams first ran on the St Kilda line on 20 November 1987, with Port Melbourne following on 13 December 1987.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vicsig.net/infrastructure/line/Port-Melbourne |title=Port Melbourne Line |work=Vicsig |access-date=29 November 2011 |archive-date=29 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829211033/http://vicsig.net/infrastructure/line/Port-Melbourne |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vicsig.net/infrastructure/line/St-Kilda |title=St Kilda Line |work=Vicsig |access-date=29 November 2011 |archive-date=29 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829072747/http://vicsig.net/infrastructure/line/St-Kilda |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/our-history/tramway-milestones/towards-the-modern-era/ |title=Towards the modern era |work=[[Yarra Trams]] |access-date=26 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318142144/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/our-history/tramway-milestones/towards-the-modern-era/ |archive-date=18 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The conversion consisted of the track being re-gauged from [[Irish gauge|broad gauge]] {{track gauge|5ft3in|lk=on}} to [[standard gauge]] {{Track gauge|impsg}}, the overhead wires being [[Track gauge conversion|converted]] to tramway voltage and light rail platforms built adjacent to the former stations platforms.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.railpage.org.au/tram/melbintr.html |title=Melbourne's tram system |author=David Hoadley |year=1998 |work=Trams of Australia |access-date=29 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000613044817/http://www.railpage.org.au/tram/melbintr.html |archive-date=13 June 2000 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

As a result of the Transport (Amendment) Act 1989 the MTA and STA were merged into the Public Transport Corporation (PTC) on 1 July 1989, bringing all rail services in Victoria under one body.<ref name="PROV MTA"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/component/daPublicBaseContainer?component=daViewAgency&entityId=2984 |title=Public Transport Corporation |work=[[Public Record Office Victoria]] |access-date=29 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080507070201/http://access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/component/daPublicBaseContainer?component=daViewAgency&entityId=2984 |archive-date=7 May 2008 }}</ref>

By the late 1980s, the state government was under financial pressures brought on by an economic downturn. In January 1990, the [[Australian Labor Party|Labor]] government of [[Premiers of Victoria|Premier]] [[John Cain II|John Cain]] tried to introduce economies into the running of the public transport system, including the removal of [[Conductor (transportation)|tram conductors]]. This provoked a long and crippling strike by the tramways union in January 1990, resulting in a back-down by the government and the retention of conductors.<ref name="Melbourne tramways: union vs management">{{cite web |url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/union.htm |title=Melbourne tramways: union vs management |author=Russell Jones |year=2003 |work=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot |access-date=29 November 2011 |archive-date=23 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823002116/http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/union.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the [[1992 Victorian state election|1992 state election]], the [[Liberal Party of Australia|Liberals]] came to power under Premier [[Jeff Kennett]], who planned to cut the costs of Melbourne's public transport network and remove conductors. [[OneLink Transit Systems|OneLink]] were contracted in 1995 to introduce an automatic ticketing system. The tramway union, which opposed this move, went on strike during the 1997 Grand Prix. One month later the government announced plans for [[privatisation]] of the PTC.<ref name="Melbourne tramways: union vs management"/> The tram conductors were replaced with ticketing machines between 1996 and 1998—shortly before the system was privatised.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.robx1.net/victkt/metcard/html/history.htm |title=Metcard—A brief history |author=Rob O'Regan |year=2002 |work=Victorian Public Transport Ticketing |access-date=29 November 2011 |archive-date=2 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002152743/http://www.robx1.net/victkt/metcard/html/history.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Privatisation===
[[Image:M-Tram.jpg|thumb|right|B2.2078 class tram in [[M-Tram|M>Tram]] livery in 2001]]
On 1 July 1997, in preparation for privatisation of the [[Public Transport Corporation]], Melbourne's tram network was split into two businesses: Met Tram 1 (later renamed Swanston Trams) and Met Tram 2 (later renamed Yarra Trams).<ref name="History of Yarra Trams">{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220100753/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-60/38_read-103/ |archive-date=20 February 2011 |url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-60/38_read-103/ |work=[[Yarra Trams]] |title=History of Yarra Trams |access-date=26 January 2012}}</ref> [[VicTrack]], a new statutory authority within the Victorian Government, was created in 1997 to hold the ownership of land and assets relating to Victoria's tram and rail systems.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.victrack.com.au/en/we-are-victrack/about-victrack |work=[[VicTrack]] |title=About VicTrack |access-date=24 October 2011 |archive-date=3 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111103130436/https://www.victrack.com.au/en/we-are-victrack/about-victrack |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, a statutory office was established—the [[Director of Public Transport]]—to procure rail and tram services and to enter into and manage contracts with transport operators.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/documents/council/Select_Committees/Trains/Submissions/SCTS_18_Att_3.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221010/http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/documents/council/Select_Committees/Trains/Submissions/SCTS_18_Att_3.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-10 |url-status=live |author=Paul Mees |date=July 2005 |publisher=[[Parliament of Victoria]] |title=Privatization of Rail and Tram Services in Melbourne: What Went Wrong? |access-date=9 July 2012}}</ref>

After a tendering process the businesses were awarded as 12-year franchises, with Swanston Trams won by [[National Express]], and the Yarra Trams business by [[TransdevTSL]].<ref name="YT-Trams in Melbourne"/><ref>{{cite press release |title=Transfield Services/Transedv Partnership with the State Government of Victoria to Operate the Entire Melbourne Tram Network |url=http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20040219/pdf/3kpf73m37my2b.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221010/http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20040219/pdf/3kpf73m37my2b.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-10 |url-status=live |author=[[Transfield Services]] |publisher=[[Australian Securities Exchange|ASX]] |date=19 February 2004 |access-date=9 August 2012}}</ref> Following a transitional period, the right to operate the two tram businesses was officially transferred from the government to the private sector under franchise agreements on 29 August 1999.<ref name="YT-Trams in Melbourne"/>

National Express renamed Swanston Trams as [[M-Tram|M>Tram]], similarly along with its [[M-Train|M>Train]] suburban train business, on 1 October 2001.<ref name="YT-Trams in Melbourne"/> After several years of failing to make a profit, more than a year of negotiations over revised financing arrangements with the government, and grave concern over its future viability, National Express Group announced on 16 December 2002, its decision to walk away from all of their Victorian contracts and hand control back to the state government, with funding for its operations to stop on 23 December 2002.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iii.co.uk/investment/detail/?display=news&code=cotn:NEX.L&action=article&articleid=4537089 |work=Interactive Investor |title=National Express – Pre Close statement |access-date=24 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=National Express walks out of Australian rail service |author=Alistair Osborne |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2836793/National-Express-walks-out-of-Australian-rail-service.html |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=17 December 2002 |access-date=24 October 2011 |archive-date=12 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112160218/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2836793/National-Express-walks-out-of-Australian-rail-service.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The government ran M>Tram until negotiations were completed with Yarra Trams for it to take-over responsibility of the whole tram network from 18 April 2004.<ref name="YT-Trams in Melbourne"/><ref name="History of Yarra Trams"/>

On 25 June 2009, it was announced that [[Keolis Downer]], a joint venture between [[Keolis]] and [[Downer Group|Downer EDI]], would be the operator of the Melbourne tram network from 30 November 2009. The contract was for eight years, with an option for a further seven years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/who-we-are/ |work=[[Yarra Trams]] |title=Who we are |access-date=26 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203152028/http://yarratrams.com.au/about-us/who-we-are/ |archive-date=3 February 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===System upgrades===
{{See also|Yarra Trams}}
As a part of the privatisation process, franchise contracts between the state government and both private operators included obligations to extend and modernise the Melbourne tram network. This included acquiring new tram rolling stock, in addition the existing tram fleet was refurbished.<ref name="Privatisation Boosts Rail Investment in Melbourne">{{cite magazine|title=Privatisation Boosts Rail Investment in Melbourne |author=Ian Hammond |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQQ/is_10_40/ai_66931446/ |magazine=[[International Railway Journal]] |date=October 2000 |access-date=10 November 2011 }}{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="Melbourne Refurbishes to Improve Image">{{cite magazine|title=Melbourne Refurbishes to Improve Image |author=Ian Hammond |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQQ/is_6_41/ai_80898097/ |magazine=[[International Railway Journal]] |date=June 2001 |access-date=10 November 2011 }}{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Swanston Trams (M>Tram) introduced 59 new [[Siemens Combino]] (D-class) [[Low-floor tram|low-floor]] built trams by [[Siemens Mobility|Siemens]], at a cost of A$175 million, and invested approximately A$8 million in refurbishing their fleet, while Yarra Trams introduced 36 [[Alstom Citadis]] (C-class) low-floor trams, at a cost of A$100 million, and invested A$5.3 million refurbishing their fleet.<ref name="Melbourne Refurbishes to Improve Image"/><ref name="C-class">{{cite press release |title=New era for public transport starts today |url=http://franklin.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/MediaRelArc02.nsf/0/0CB6751618ECE8244A256AE5008133D1?Open |publisher=Office of the Premier |date=12 October 2001 |access-date=10 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509111659/http://franklin.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/MediaRelArc02.nsf/0/0CB6751618ECE8244A256AE5008133D1?Open |archive-date=9 May 2012}}</ref><ref name="NEW LOW-FLOOR TRAM HONOURS TRAMWAYS LEGEND">{{cite press release |title=New Low-Floor Tram Honours Tramways Legend |url=http://franklin.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/MediaRelArc02.nsf/0/79B7C8A44C7671A04A256C0C0000D780?Open |publisher=Minister for Transport|date=2 August 2002 |access-date=10 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509111727/http://franklin.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/MediaRelArc02.nsf/0/79B7C8A44C7671A04A256C0C0000D780?Open |archive-date=9 May 2012}}</ref>

[[File:Tram stop sign outside Flinders Street station.jpg|thumb|left|Tram stop sign outside [[Flinders Street railway station|Flinders Street station]]]]
In 2003 the marketing and umbrella brand [[Metlink]] was introduced to co-ordinate the promotion of Melbourne's public transport and the communications from the separate privatised companies. Metlink's role was to provide timetables, passenger information about connecting services provided by several operators, fares and ticketing information and introduce uniform signage across the Melbourne public transport system.<ref>{{cite press release|title=A New Identity for Melbourne's Public Transport System|url=http://franklin.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/798c8b072d117a01ca256c8c0019bb01/861b4c03c1c2088fca256d410008cf92!OpenDocument |publisher=Minister for Public Transport|date=9 June 2003 |access-date=10 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509111735/http://franklin.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/798c8b072d117a01ca256c8c0019bb01/861b4c03c1c2088fca256d410008cf92%21OpenDocument |archive-date=9 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/about-metlink/ | work=[[Metlink]] | title=About Metlink | access-date=7 April 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607234329/http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/about-metlink/ | archive-date=7 June 2011}}</ref>

Since privatisation extensions have been made to the tram system, with the $28 million extension of the 109 to Box Hill opening on 2 May 2003,<ref>{{cite press release |title=Melbourne's New Tramline Unveiled|url=http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/bc348d5912436a9cca256cfc0082d800/9eab51baa5822b08ca256d1d00088a96!OpenDocument |publisher=Office of the Premier|date=2 May 2003 |access-date=10 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120606004218/http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/bc348d5912436a9cca256cfc0082d800/9eab51baa5822b08ca256d1d00088a96!OpenDocument |archive-date=6 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> a $7.5 million extension along Docklands Drive in Docklands opened on 4 January 2005,<ref>{{cite press release |title=Docklands Drive Tram Extension Now in Service |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080727092647/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-105/99_read-325 |archive-date=27 July 2008 |url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-105/99_read-325 |publisher=[[Yarra Trams]] |date=4 January 2005 |access-date=26 January 2012}}</ref> and a $42.6 million extension of the 75 to Vermont South opening on 23 July 2005.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Major Public Transport Boost Opens in Melbourne's East |url=http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/b0222c68d27626e2ca256c8c001a3d2d/77f706ecbd1cb0a2ca2570490003dfcc!OpenDocument |publisher=Minister for Public Transport|date=23 July 2005 |access-date=10 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120606004226/http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/b0222c68d27626e2ca256c8c001a3d2d/77f706ecbd1cb0a2ca2570490003dfcc!OpenDocument |archive-date=6 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:E 6001 in PTV livery on the Preston Workshop test track, September 2013.JPG|thumb|[[E-class Melbourne tram|E 6001]] in [[Public Transport Victoria]] livery at [[Preston Workshops]] on the test track before entering passenger service, September 2013]]
It was announced on 27 September 2010 that [[Bombardier Transportation]] had won a $303 million contract to supply and maintain 50 new [[E-class Melbourne tram|E-class]] trams, the contract includes an option for a further 100.<ref name="50 TRAMS ORDER FOR MELBOURNE CREATES LOCAL JOBS">{{cite press release |title=50 Trams Order for Melbourne Creates Local Jobs |url=http://archive.premier.vic.gov.au/newsroom/12031.html |work=From the Minister for Public Transport |date=27 September 2010 |access-date=19 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019060638/http://archive.premier.vic.gov.au/newsroom/12031.html |archive-date=19 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Bombardier Wins Contract for 50 Trams for One of the World's Largest Tram Operations in Melbourne, Australia">{{cite press release |title=Bombardier Wins Contract for 50 Trams for One of the World's Largest Tram Operations in Melbourne, Australia |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2010/09/29/idUS150770+29-Sep-2010+HUG20100929 |work=[[Bombardier Transportation]] |agency=Reuters |date=29 September 2010 |access-date=10 September 2013 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016062425/http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/09/29/idUS150770+29-Sep-2010+HUG20100929 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=VicsigE>{{cite web |title=E Class |url=http://www.vicsig.net/trams/tram/e/v1 |work=Vicsig |access-date=19 November 2011 |archive-date=12 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212002244/https://vicsig.net/trams/tram/e/v1 |url-status=live }}</ref> They will be built at Bombardier's Dandenong factory, with the propulsion systems and bogies coming from Bombardier's factories in [[Mannheim]] and [[Siegen]], Germany, respectively. The trams will be 33 metres long and have a capacity of 210 passengers and are due to be in service in 2013.<ref name="Bombardier Wins Contract for 50 Trams for One of the World's Largest Tram Operations in Melbourne, Australia"/><ref name=VicsigE/><ref name="Carey">{{cite news|last=Carey|first=Adam|title=New low-floor trams miss first stop by seven months|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/new-lowfloor-trams-miss-first-stop-by-seven-months-20120817-24e1q.html|access-date=31 March 2013|newspaper=[[The Age]]|date=18 August 2012|archive-date=13 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313152106/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/new-lowfloor-trams-miss-first-stop-by-seven-months-20120817-24e1q.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The first E-class tram arrived at Preston Workshops in late June 2013 for testing, with the first two E-class entering revenue service in November 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Melbourne's first new generation tram arrives|url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/melbourne-s-first-new-generation-tram-arrives/|work=26 June 2013|access-date=4 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710200409/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/melbourne-s-first-new-generation-tram-arrives|archive-date=10 July 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Longer and louder: New E-Class tram makes itself heard">{{cite news|last=Gough |first=Deborah |title=Longer and louder: New E-Class tram makes itself heard |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/longer-and-louder-new-eclass-tram-makes-itself-heard-20131104-2wvt8.html |access-date=4 November 2013 |newspaper=[[The Age]] |date=4 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104075947/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/longer-and-louder-new-eclass-tram-makes-itself-heard-20131104-2wvt8.html |archive-date=4 November 2013 }}</ref>

In April 2012, [[Public Transport Victoria]] (PTV), a new [[statutory authority]] was formed after amendments to the [[Transport Integration Act 2010]] and the passing of the Transport Legislation Amendment (Public Transport Development Authority) Act 2011. PTV assumed responsibility from the Director of Public Transport for the provision and administration of Victoria's transport services. It also provides information on fares, transport services and initiatives, and is responsible for overseeing and improving Victoria's public transport services.<ref>{{cite web |title=Transport Legislation Amendment (Public Transport Development Authority) ACT 2011 (No. 61 of 2011) |url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/num_act/tlatdaa201161o2011828/ |work=[[Government of Victoria (Australia)|Government of Victoria]] |publisher=Australasian Legal Information Institute |access-date=25 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316204248/http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/num_act/tlatdaa201161o2011828/ |archive-date=16 March 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/ | work=[[Public Transport Victoria]] | title=Welcome to Public Transport Victoria | access-date=7 April 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707072221/http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/ | archive-date=7 July 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/managing-victoria-s-public-transport-network/ | work=[[Public Transport Victoria]] | title=Managing Victoria's public transport network | access-date=25 November 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405054741/http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/managing-victoria-s-public-transport-network | archive-date=5 April 2012 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:Caulfield-Monash-Rowville Tram Melbourne 2018.jpg|alt=Map showing the 2018 State Government proposal for a new tram line from Caulfield railway station to Chadstone, Monash University, Waverley Park and Rowville|thumb|Map showing the 2018 State Government proposal for a new tram line from Caulfield railway station to Chadstone, Monash University, Waverley Park and Rowville]]
The era since privatisation has also brought large patronage increases, an increase in platform stops, and a new ticketing system. In 1999–2000 year—when the tram system was privatised—patronage was 127.3 million per annum, this has increased almost each year since, and in the 2012–2013 year was 182.7 million passenger trips, a 4.2% year-on-year patronage increase; trams are the second most utilised public transport method, between trains and buses.<ref name=ptvar /> Yarra Trams, the [[Department of Transport (Victoria, 2008–13)|Department of Transport]], and later Public Transport Victoria, committed to introduce level boarding [[Tram stop|stops]] to improve accessibility and safety, and comply with the Disability Discrimination Act; as of January 2014 360 accessible stops have been constructed, all since 1999.<ref>{{cite press release |title=330 and counting for platform stops |url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2011/330-and-counting-for-platform-stops/ |publisher=[[Yarra Trams]] |date=27 May 2011 |access-date=26 January 2012 |archive-date=19 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319034049/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2011/330-and-counting-for-platform-stops/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Accessible trams|url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/getting-around/accessible-transport/accessible-trams/|work=[[Public Transport Victoria]]|access-date=16 January 2014|archive-date=16 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116213747/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/getting-around/accessible-transport/accessible-trams/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Metcard]] ticketing system which operated from 1996 was switched off on 29 December 2012, leaving [[myki]]—which has been in operation on Melbourne trains since 29 December 2009, and valid on Melbourne trams and buses since 25 July 2010—as the sole ticketing system.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/ |work=[[Public Transport Victoria]] |title=myki |access-date=22 April 2013 |archive-date=23 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423184857/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Metcards a piece of Melbourne history |author=Stephen Cauchi |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/metcards-a-piece-of-melbourne-history-20121229-2bzy6.html |newspaper=[[The Age]] |date=29 December 2012 |access-date=29 December 2012 |archive-date=1 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101044036/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/metcards-a-piece-of-melbourne-history-20121229-2bzy6.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Myki rolls out – but only on city trains |author=Clay Lucas |url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/myki-rolls-out--but-only-on-city-trains-20091228-lhc8.html |newspaper=[[The Age]] |date=29 December 2009 |access-date=29 December 2012 |archive-date=31 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231004616/http://www.theage.com.au/national/myki-rolls-out--but-only-on-city-trains-20091228-lhc8.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Myki will grow on you: ticket boss |author=Jason Dowling |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/myki-will-grow-on-you-ticket-boss-20100811-11ztt.html |newspaper=[[The Age]] |date=12 August 2010 |access-date=29 December 2012 |archive-date=17 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417003440/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/myki-will-grow-on-you-ticket-boss-20100811-11ztt.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Recent ===
[[File:Z3-class tram -173 running a Route 72 service to Melbourne University stuck in traffic heading south along Burke Road at Camberwell Junction.jpg|thumb|Trams in Melbourne are frequently delayed by [[Traffic congestion|vehicle traffic]], making the network one of the slowest in the world.<ref>{{cite news |title=Slow rides for Melbourne's tram travellers |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-19/melbourne-trams-among-slowest-in-the-world/8541228 |access-date=25 March 2024 |work=ABC News |date=19 May 2017 |language=en-AU}}</ref>]]
At the start of 2015, the Free Tram Zone was introduced, which provided for free tram travel within the [[Melbourne central business district|CBD]], [[Docklands, Victoria|Docklands]] and the [[Queen Victoria Market]], and ticketing was simplified to have just two payment zones.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Carey|first=Adam|date=2014-12-31|title=Free tram travel in CBD and Docklands a touchy subject for some|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/free-tram-travel-in-cbd-and-docklands-a-touchy-subject-for-some-20141231-12g1ys.html|access-date=2021-08-29|website=The Age|language=en|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829072403/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/free-tram-travel-in-cbd-and-docklands-a-touchy-subject-for-some-20141231-12g1ys.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Primarily aimed at helping tourists move around the city centre, the Free Tram Zone was criticised by some as contributing to tram overcrowding.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Carey|first=Adam|date=2015-05-12|title=Car parks cash in on Melbourne's free tram zone|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/car-parks-cash-in-on-melbournes-free-tram-zone-20150511-ggz3tf.html|access-date=2021-08-29|website=The Age|language=en|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829072405/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/car-parks-cash-in-on-melbournes-free-tram-zone-20150511-ggz3tf.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Philp|first=Nicola|date=2019-06-09|title=The free tram zone is a gimmick that needs to go|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/the-free-tram-zone-is-a-gimmick-that-needs-to-go-20190607-p51vjw.html|access-date=2021-08-29|website=The Age|language=en|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829072400/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/the-free-tram-zone-is-a-gimmick-that-needs-to-go-20190607-p51vjw.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Between 2015 and 2019, 50 more E-Class trams were ordered by the [[Daniel Andrews|Andrews]] state government, bringing the total order to 100 to be delivered by 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Department of Economic Development|first=Jobs|title=New train and tram orders|url=https://transport.vic.gov.au:443/our-transport-future/our-projects/new-and-upgraded-trains-and-trams/new-train-and-tram-orders|access-date=2021-08-29|website=transport.vic.gov.au|language=en-au|archive-date=1 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201091609/https://transport.vic.gov.au/our-transport-future/our-projects/new-and-upgraded-trains-and-trams/new-train-and-tram-orders|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In April 2018, the state government announced a new extension of the tram network from [[Caulfield, Victoria|Caulfield]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-tram-to-connect-citys-south-east|title=New Tram To Connect City's South-East|date=10 April 2018|website=Premier of Victoria|language=en-US|access-date=4 January 2019|archive-date=4 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404130348/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-tram-to-connect-citys-south-east/|url-status=live}}</ref> The {{Convert|18|km|4=1|abbr=on}} extension would serve [[Chadstone, Victoria|Chadstone]], [[Monash University]], [[Waverley Park]] and [[Rowville, Victoria|Rowville]].<ref name="abc.net.au">{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-10/new-tram-route-for-melbourne-chadstone-clayton/9635720|title=Government plans new tram route for Melbourne's south-east|date=10 April 2018|website=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=4 January 2019|archive-date=23 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923180138/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-10/new-tram-route-for-melbourne-chadstone-clayton/9635720|url-status=live}}</ref> The state government allocated $3 million to plan the route, which would be constructed in two stages, with the first running from Caulfield to Monash.<ref name="abc.net.au" /> In 2019 the government also allocated $4.5 million to plan for two new tram lines to the [[Fishermans Bend, Victoria|Fisherman's Bend]] [[urban renewal]] precinct, although it stopped short of committing to the project.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Booker|first=Chloe|date=2020-09-07|title=Mayor takes aim at 'unacceptable' inaction on Fishermans Bend plan|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/mayor-takes-aim-at-unacceptable-inaction-on-fishermans-bend-plan-20200903-p55rzu.html|access-date=2021-08-29|website=The Age|language=en|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829072402/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/mayor-takes-aim-at-unacceptable-inaction-on-fishermans-bend-plan-20200903-p55rzu.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2020, six tram stops were rebuilt to be low-floor and accessible on [[Nicholson Street]] in [[Carlton, Victoria|Carlton]] as part of the Route 96 Project started in 2012 to make the entire line level-access and more separated from car traffic.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Route 96 Upgrade, Victoria – Railway Technology|url=https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/route-96-upgrade-victoria/|access-date=2021-08-29|website=www.railway-technology.com|language=en-GB|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829072403/https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/route-96-upgrade-victoria/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=PTV Route 96 tram upgrade on Nicholson Street {{!}} Yarra City Council|url=https://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/news/2019/12/12/ptv-route-96-upgrade-nicholson-street|access-date=2021-08-29|website=www.yarracity.vic.gov.au|language=en|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829072402/https://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/news/2019/12/12/ptv-route-96-upgrade-nicholson-street|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite gradual stop upgrades, by 2021 73% of Melbourne's tram stops were still inaccessible for people in wheelchairs with initiatives like the Route 96 Project being criticised as too slow.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jacks|first=Timna|date=2021-06-27|title=Wheelchair users take legal action over 'frustrating' pace of tram upgrades|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/wheelchair-users-take-legal-action-over-frustrating-pace-of-melbourne-tram-upgrades-20210627-p584n8.html|access-date=2021-08-29|website=The Age|language=en|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829072401/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/wheelchair-users-take-legal-action-over-frustrating-pace-of-melbourne-tram-upgrades-20210627-p584n8.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of the project, [[Acland Street]] in [[St Kilda, Victoria|St Kilda]] was closed to cars and a plaza built.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Acland Street Plaza Revitalised – Yarra Trams|url=https://yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2016/acland-street-plaza-revitalised/|access-date=2021-08-29|website=yarratrams.com.au|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829072403/https://yarratrams.com.au/media-centre/news/articles/2016/acland-street-plaza-revitalised/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the 2020–21 budget, the state government announced $1.48 billion for 100 next generation trams, [[G-class Melbourne tram|G-class trams]], to replace older low-floor trams, to be delivered from 2025 following the completed order of 100 E-class trams.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Trams – Made And Maintained In Victoria {{!}} Premier of Victoria|url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/trams-made-and-maintained-victoria|access-date=2021-08-29|website=www.premier.vic.gov.au|language=en|archive-date=19 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719062649/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/trams-made-and-maintained-victoria|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Jacks|first=Timna|date=2021-05-01|title=Melbourne's next generation trams could be trackless with rubber wheels|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/melbourne-s-next-generation-trams-could-be-trackless-with-rubber-wheels-20210422-p57ldr.html|access-date=2021-08-29|website=The Age|language=en|archive-date=13 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113101942/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/melbourne-s-next-generation-trams-could-be-trackless-with-rubber-wheels-20210422-p57ldr.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2021, the Government announced that a new maintenance and storage depot would be built at [[Maidstone, Victoria|Maidstone]] to accommodate these new trams. {{As of|2024|03}}, the [[Maidstone tram depot]] is currently under construction and is scheduled to be completed in 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Maidstone home for Next Generation Trams|url=http://www.railpage.com.au/news/s/maidstone-home-for-next-generation-trams|access-date=2021-08-27|website=Railpage|archive-date=27 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827001659/http://www.railpage.com.au/news/s/maidstone-home-for-next-generation-trams|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Department of Economic Development|first=Jobs|title=Next Generation Trams|url=https://transport.vic.gov.au/our-transport-future/our-projects/new-and-upgraded-trains-and-trams/next-generation-trams|access-date=2021-08-29|website=transport.vic.gov.au|language=en-au|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130132105/https://transport.vic.gov.au/our-transport-future/our-projects/new-and-upgraded-trains-and-trams/next-generation-trams}}</ref>