The Adelaide tram extension: Very good
November 2, 2007
Initially I was a critic but now my views have changed of the Adelaide tram extension. At first, I wondered (1) would it be feasible or just a waste of space and public money; and (2) do we really need an extended tram service when the buses are doing just fine?
Well, after catching the tram from the Rundle Mall stop to Greenhill Road to meet mum after work tonight, my views have changed.
Firstly, the disruption to traffic is absolutely minimal. Cars stick to their lane and the tram its own. If uninitiated drivers are confused by the roads and rules, well they shouldn’t be behind the wheel. It’s all fairly simple on the roads.
Secondly, the carriages are quite ample I feel. Apparently, there has been a lot of whinging in the media about the trams getting chock-a-block and reduced to standing room only. So? Passengers are there to commute not sit back and relax. It’s not the Ghan and shouldn’t be positioned to be. When I got on it today it was reasonably full: I stood but was comfortable.
Lastly, just think of transport like this: how quickly can a bus load 20 passengers? How quickly can a tram or train load 20 passengers? Which is more efficient and effective in a speed/load sense? The latter two, exactly. The old BeeLine bus would go from stop-to-stop; take 1-3 minutes to load its passengers through its two entry-points; would need to pull back out into the traffic… The tram (and trains) pulls up at a stop; passengers board autonomously; it’s loaded and off again in less than a minute. The tram does have to stop at lights but big deal.
Overall, I enjoyed the experience. I got from Rundle Street to my destination within 5-7 minutes and didn’t mind standing up in the well air conditioned carriage.
As much as this will ultimately be one of Rann’s trophies I think he’s done something that’s useful and sustainable. It does connect the beach ‘burbs and CBD with the West, education district of the city which is important considering the impending growth of that sector in Adelaide.
I completely agree with you on this topic. The efficiency and energy usage of the trams is great. They replaced the buses that used to travel up King William thus cutting down on emissions also.
At the beginning of the project the opposition was that it would take too long, cost too much and that no one would use it.
Well it was finnished before the deadline and it was under budget. AND now they are saying the trams are over crowded. completely contradicting their previews argument that no one would use it, how could no one be using it if they are over crowded. COMPLETE SUCCESS LOVE THE TRAMS!
hee hee sounds like a good positive review of the tram services in adelaide. At least your public transport system functions and you have something that works…unlike us here in shitney! garggh =P. i wish i couldda caught that tram…with you…ah well, soon…1 day! where are you? you’re never around. missing you heaps…oh well back to study! =(
mwa