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Iconic Australian trams to be saved from scrapheap and used in new roles

Xinhua, October 24, 2016 Adjust font size:

Australia's Victorian State government has flagged plans to repurpose Melbourne's iconic W-Class trams.

Research undertaken by Public Transport Victoria (PTV) found a strong public sentiment toward the rattling, green, light-rail vehicles, which were first used in Melbourne in 1923, prompting PTV and the government to explore options on how to refurbish and use the trams rather than send them to the scrapheap.

While some of the vehicles are still being used on tourist tram routes most are in storage at risk of rust, rot and vandalism.

Jacinta Allan, Victoria's Minister for Public Transport, said that Premier Daniel Andrews would establish an advisory group to decide the best use for the trams.

"W-Class trams hold a special place in the hearts of all Victorians, and the Andrews Labor Government will ensure they can be enjoyed for generations to come," Allan told News Limited on Monday.

"These icons have sat dormant for far too long, which is why we're establishing a reference group to undertake an audit on each and every one of them and develop a plan to determine their future use.

"We hope to see more of these icons back on our streets."

The trams served Melbourne's famous tram network, which is the largest urban tram network in the world carrying approximately 190 million passenger trips each year, from 1923 until they were phased out in 1994.

A spokesperson for EY Sweeney, the research firm who carried out the survey of Melbourne commuters, said there was little support for continued use of the vehicles on commuter routes.

"Once educated of the operational impacts of W-Class trams, the majority are supportive of removing them from regular routes," the spokesperson told News Limited.

"Only 40 percent would rather put up with a slower network and keep seeing W-Class trams on regular routes."

Survey participants suggested turning the trams into cafes, using them as homeless shelters and recycling them into sculptures as possible uses for the vehicles. Endit