Transdev and John Holland to run Melbourne’s tram network

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john holland, Transdev,

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Transdev and John Holland have formed a consortium to run Melbourne’s world-famous tram network for the next nine years.

Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams today announced the Yarra Journey Makers consortia signed a $6.8 billion contract to operate the world’s largest tram network, which manages 500 trams, 1,600 tram stops, 24 routes and more than 250 kilometres of double track.

Commencing on 1 December 2024, Transdev and John Holland will operate under the Yarra Trams brand and progressively deliver improvements to services and customer experience.

Transdev brings a wealth of experience, operating large-scale networks across 19 locations around the world, including France and Spain, while John Holland operates light rail across Australia and is part of the consortium that run our metropolitan train network – Transdev John Holland also operate Region 9 buses in Sydney.

The new contract has a focus on performance, with strict benchmarks and more monitoring points across day and night services – holding the operator to account to deliver reliable services, while making sure the right tram is used for the right trip.

The agreement will also roll out more accessible Next Generation Trams which will replace the longer serving high floor fleets – further modernising Melbourne’s transport network.

During the contract term, new technology will be rolled out to provide passengers more consistent information in real time, including possible alternative transport options during disruptions and tailored updates for blind and low vision passengers in large text and text to speech.

There will also be more training for frontline staff to better support passengers with particular needs and customers who are culturally and linguistically diverse.

In a first for any Victorian public transport franchise, there will be board gender parity from day one. Transdev John Holland will also set targets to increase employment opportunities for women, Victorian First Peoples, long term unemployed, young people and people living with a disability.

Melbourne’s tram network transports more than 147 million passenger trips each year – complementing the city’s sophisticated integrated road and rail network.

Transdev Australia and New Zealand CEO Brian Brennan said he was proud and excited of the trust placed in YJM to keep Melbourne moving.

“Choosing YJM to run Yarra Trams is a tremendous honour and privilege because the responsibility and opportunities are immense,” Mr Brennan said.

“Our partnership will support the State’s vision of more integrated, sustainable transport for Victoria and the delivery of Melbourne’s Tram Plan.

“Our focus is performance and customer experience – unlocking smarter ways to move more people, day and night, with the real-time information they need, when they need it.”

John Holland’s Executive General Manager – Rail and Transport Steve Butcher said John Holland was proud to be leveraging its skills and experience in end-to-end rail solutions to write the next chapter for the world’s largest tram network.

“Melburnians deserve a world-class tram network – and we’re proud to be bringing our industry-leading expertise to deliver the best possible passenger experience for this growing city,” Mr Butcher said.

“We’re committed to continuous improvement of the tram network and look forward to operating the fleet of Next Generation Trams, as we deliver the state-of-the-art depot infrastructure that will house them.

“We also pride ourselves on creating a diverse, inclusive and connected workforce that reflects the people we serve every day.”

Source: © Copyright State Government of Victoria

Source: John Holland

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