Thank you
for contacting Yarra Trams regarding delays caused by traffic congestion at the
intersection of Swanston and Flinders streets. I would like to apologise for the
frustration and inconvenience which you have experienced.
Yarra Trams is committed to
providing a reliable and efficient service for all passengers and appreciates
your interest in improving tram punctuality. We do work closely with external
stakeholders including VicRoads and local councils to work on improving tram
efficiency across the network.
I can confirm that the busy
traffic conditions at the intersection of Swanston and Flinders streets can
delay tram services. This is most often evident during the evening peak hour
period.
Yarra Trams has recently worked on
projects to improve tram punctuality on busy areas of the network including High
Street in Northcote, Domain Interchange and currently along the entire Route 96.
The intersection of Swanston and Flinders streets, the busiest on our network
with 12 different routes passing though it, provides a unique challenge greater
than other areas on the network.
We will continue to work closely
to provide the best possible service on all tram routes and use your feedback to
assist our planning for upcoming improvement works.
I wanted to use the bus to town on Labour Day, but because of the Moomba Parade in St Kilda Road, the buses were diverted, so I caught the tram. I had a look at the diversion. Instead of travelling up St Kilda Road, then through Southbank, past the Casino and over Queensbridge to Flinders Street, the bus routes 216/209/220 turned into Kingsway and travelled on to Flinders where they turned right and picked up the normal route. There was no information about temporary stops and why couldn't the bus turn into Kingsway and then right into Sturt Street and pick up the normal Southbank route? I can't find my email now, but I don't think I would have suggested using Power Street, but if I did, Transdev is quite correct that Power Street can't be used, but the bus could pick up the normal route in Southbank Boulevard. Transdev is a big company, owned by several companies, yet it does not employ a serious professional to respond to complaints, suggestions and queries. Make of its response what you will, replete with spelling errors. I make spelling errors, but no one pays me to write.
We
are writing to you in response to your feedback dated 8th of April
2014; case number 01612008, regarding the 216/219 and 220 services this year on
Labour Day. Thank you for taking the time to contact us and giving us the
opportunity to respond.
Public
Transport Victoria is the body that is responsibly for the placement of
temporary bus stops and in the case of the Moomba Festival the reason that there
are no temporary stops put in place is because the diversion for half of the
day. The drivers are unable to pick up customers from a non-designated but
stops, only bus stops; the diver can incur a fine and loss of demerit points for
doing so.
The
main reason that the buses don’t go down Sturt and Power Street is because there
is only an exit, no entrance for the freeway.
If
there is anything further we can help you with, please do not hesitate to call
03
9488 2100 or to leave additional feedback please visit our feedback and comments
page on our website: http://www.transdevmelbourne.com.au/talk-to-us/Feedback-and-Comments/