Presented by Robert Clark MP		www.robertclark.net

New tram service for sports precinct

The Premier, Mr Kennett, has opened a new $12.5-million route through Melbourne’s sports and entertainment precinct.

The two-kilometre route runs over the new Exhibition Street Extension, which is part of the CityLink project.

The route will carry passengers direct from the city to the MCG, Melbourne Park and the new Multi-Purpose Stadium, currently under construction.

The route 70 service has been relocated from Batman Avenue to run over the Exhibition Street Extension directly between the MCG and Melbourne Park.

The Premier said the addition of the new Yarra Trams service will provide easier access to Melbourne’s sporting venues for the six million people a year who visit the precinct.

To optimise the movement of people in and out of the area during major events, an additional track has been installed to enable enough trams to be stabled in the precinct, ready to move more than 10,000 people an hour.

The re-alignment will give Route 70 passengers a direct service into the City from Wattle Park, with services continuing to run to Flinders Street, along Spencer Street and terminating at Latrobe Street.

The project improves access to the CBD and enhances safety at the existing Swan Street tram stops.

Trams will run more frequently on route 70 and additional trams will service the sports precinct during special events.

There will be four tram stops along the new route:

• Swan Street stop (Richmond Station West).
• Melbourne Park Tennis Centre stop.
• Exhibition Street stop.
• The MCG stop, which will open later this year after the completion of a new footbridge.

(News Release, Office of the Premier of Victoria, June 6, 1999)