The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has called on the Baillieu Government to commit to a four-kilometre extension of the number 8 tram along Toorak Road from Glenferrie Road to Summerhill Road, Hartwell. The extension would link four tramlines and fill in a severe public transport black hole for residents in Toorak, Hawthorn East, Glen Iris and Camberwell.
“The extension of the number 8 tram along Toorak Road is decades overdue and now is a good time to complete it,” said PTUA eastern spokesman Jeremy Lunn. “It’s a glaring hole and missing link in our tram network.”
“It should have been built by the previous government as a prerequisite for the $550 million Stockland Tooronga development. But now this residential, retail and commercial development has gone ahead, the tram extension is urgently needed.”
“The tram extension would also serve the Coles Group head office. This major office building lacks adequate public transport, adding significantly to traffic congestion.”
The of the 8 tram extension would link a number of tram, train and bus services including including:
- 8 tram on Toorak Road, which terminates at Glenferrie Road in Toorak;
- 16 tram on Glenferrie Road;
- 72 tram on Burke Road; and
- 75 tram on Toorak Road/Camberwell Road.
“It would also open up the potential to provide a rail connection at a new interchange on the Alamein line in Hartwell,” Mr Lunn said.
“Without extending the 8 tram, we’re only going to see increased traffic congestion on Toorak Road and adjacent streets. Residents and businesses will suffer from increased pollution and noise from cars.”
“Currently this four-kilometre section of Toorak Road is a severe public transport black hole. It takes tram commuters 45 minutes to travel only four kilometres.”
“The tram extension is a 21st century solution for the inner east of Melbourne and should be a high priority for the Baillieu Government,” Mr Lunn concluded.