Transdev and John Holland have joined forces to manage Melbourne's iconic tram network for the next nine years, with plans to improve reliability, provide more accurate real-time information and enhance customer service.
The consortium, known as Yarra Journey Makers, will operate under the Yarra Trams brand from 1 December 2024. The network, the largest of its kind in the world, includes 500 trams, 1,600 tram stops, 24 lines and over 250 kilometres of double track.
These improvements will be overseen by Transdev, which has extensive experience in operating large networks in 19 locations worldwide, including France and Spain, and John Holland, which operates light rail in Australia and is involved in the management of metropolitan rail networks.
The new contract emphasises performance, with strict benchmarks and additional monitoring points to ensure reliable service throughout the day and night. It also aims to modernise the fleet with Next Generation Trams, replacing older high-floor models.
New technology will be introduced to provide passengers with more consistent real-time information, including alternative transport options in the event of disruption, and tailored information for visually impaired passengers through large text and text-to-speech features.
There will also be increased training for staff to better assist passengers with special needs and those from diverse cultural backgrounds. For the first time in a Victorian public transport franchise, there will be gender parity on the board, with targets set to improve employment opportunities for women, Indigenous Victorians, the long-term unemployed, young people and people with disabilities.
Melbourne's tram network, which carries more than 147 million passenger journeys a year, will benefit from these updates and be further integrated with the city's sophisticated road and rail systems.