Iconic symbols of the city
Other Australian cities had trams, but by the 1970s the networks were removed and buses introduced in their place.The buses were cheaper to run, the removal of the trams was a cost cutting exercise. Melbourne however, held onto their trams, there were a combination of factors which contributed to Melbourne's trams' survival.
There was strong union opposition to their removal, unlike the other cities the infrastructure and trams themselves were relatively new. It was also argued that pulling up the rails embedded in concrete would be incredibly expensive and so the trams remained. They're now considered an iconic part of the city.
The first trams that appeared in Melbourne were horse drawn ones in 1884. Electric trams arrived later and there are still some historic trams circulating the city.
This green and yellow tram is the most iconic, this series of tram was put into service in the 1920s and remained in service for the next 60 years. It's so iconic that these old models are now prohibited from being sold overseas, they are sent on overseas loans though. They are also registered with the National Trust as a heritage icon.
These green and yellow trams are also still in use in the city centre. This one is infront of the Victorian parliament building.
The historic trams are more of a tourist experience, the modern trams are public transport. Here's one is going down St. Kilda road.
Riding a tram in Melbourne is the quintessential visitor to Melbourne experience. It's also the easiest way to get around in and out of the city centre.