Plans for tram connections to Brimbank are off the table despite the council’s presence at a metropolitan transport forum focusing on “the role of trams in a growing Melbourne”.
The Star Weekly revealed in 2011 that trams could line Ballarat Road – with a possible extension of Maribyrnong’s tram line from Hampstead Road – after proposals by Brimbank council’s economic development and transport committee.
The tram proposal had the support of community transport groups. Then in late 2013, the council’s Plan Melbourne submission called on the state government to “examine the extension of tramlines into the middle-ring suburbs of Melbourne’s west to further improve public transport options beyond rail and bus services”.
Its 2012 Sunshine town centre structure plan also floated a possible feasibility study into light rail along Ballarat Road from Footscray to Caroline Springs.
However, council’s infrastructure and environment general manager, Paul Younis, who attended a Yarra Trams presentation in April, said there were now no plans for trams.
“Council’s transport priorities focus on building better road connections, walking and cycling, removing rail crossings, improving the bus network, connecting the freight network, and better train services.”
A Public Transport Victoria spokeswoman also said there were no current plans to extend the line from Footscray to Brimbank.
“There are currently good connections between the municipalities of Brimbank and Maribyrnong on the train and bus networks,” she said. “In 2013 and 2014, Public Transport Victoria made changes to the bus network in the Brimbank area through a thorough community consultation process.
“A total of 310 extra bus services were added in 2014, ” she added.
