Frequently Asked Questions

There are no compulsory stops on Melbourne’s tram network. Passengers who wish to board should hail the tram as it approaches. In limited cases, where the tram is full and no on-board passenger has requested a stop, or if the tram needs to adjust to a disruption, drivers may pass passengers who hail the tram. In these cases, the driver should alert passengers waiting at the stop of this action by sounding the tram’s bell.

At stops, drivers must provide sufficient time for passengers to exit or board the tram before departing.

It may not be safe to run to catch a tram that is already at a tram stop, particular if it requires a person to cross traffic or tram lanes.

Waiting for people running to a stop can delay a tram and affect the journeys of other passengers either on board or waiting at stops further along the line. While drivers may be able to wait for passengers on occasion, time spent waiting means that passengers further down the line may not have as reliable a journey.

Departing stops on time helps passengers rely on the information provided to them so they can plan their journey with confidence.  

Yarra Trams recommends planning your journey and checking tramTRACKER for up-to-date departure information.

There are no compulsory stops on the Yarra Trams network. If you would like the tram to stop, please pull the cord or push the stop request button to advise the driver you’d like to get off at the next available stop.

Melbourne’s tram network is unique in sharing 75 per cent of road space with other vehicles, which means incidents affect services on a daily basis. When a tram service is disrupted, Yarra Trams manages the network in real-time and adjusts services so trams can operate on the unaffected parts of routes, helping to get more people to where they need to go and minimising the unavoidable inconvenience to passengers.

Yarra Trams appreciates that trams stopping short of their destination can be frustrating, and apologises for any inconvenience caused where stopping short has been necessary.

Should you be affected by an unplanned disruption, information will be available via tramTRACKER, or via @yarratrams on Twitter.

The performance of Melbourne’s tram network is monitored by Public Transport Victoria (PTV).

Monthly performance results are posted on the Yarra Trams website and on posters inside all trams.

If performance falls below set thresholds, eligible passengers may apply for compensation. Should this occur, information will be available via the Yarra Trams website and on board trams.

The safety of our passengers is Yarra Trams’ priority.

When boarding or exiting your tram, it is important to take care around doors as some can close automatically.

Please always pull the cord or push the stop request button to advise the driver you would like to exit the tram.

On newer trams, a flashing button denotes that the doors can be reopened.

Passengers should not enter the tram if an audible warning is sounding. Please note that all low-floor trams have lights and buzzers which sound before the doors close.

We're looking for friendly people who share our customer and safety-focused approach. Yarra Trams has more than 2,200 people who work to keep Melbourne’s trams moving, working at 13 locations around the city. All current vacancies are published on the Yarra Trams website.

For more information about vacancies at Yarra Trams, click here.

An ‘a’ or ‘d’ displayed next to the route number of a tram is an indication of changes to the route of the tram.

A tram with 'a' after the route number, e.g. 16a, means the tram route has been altered. This will be used for special event shuttle trams, trams affected by planned network upgrades or unplanned disruptions. The destination can sometimes change, so check the front of the tram for its current destination, listen for announcements or check tramTRACKER.

A tram with 'd' after the route number, e.g. 72d, means the tram is going to finish its run at the depot. The depot will be displayed as the destination on the front of the tram and will be announced inside the tram.

So remember: ‘a’ = altered, and ‘d’ = depot!

The safety of our passengers is Yarra Trams’ priority.

Melbourne’s tram network is unique in sharing 75 per cent of road space with other vehicles, so it’s critical that everyone knows how to stay safe when travelling on and around trams. The shared road space in which trams operate increases the potential for sudden braking due to motorists, pedestrians or cyclists moving into the path of a tram.

We recommend passengers sit down where possible, ensuring that seats are always offered to those most in need.  If you are standing on a tram, always hold on and use your tram stance to stand strong.  For more information about tram safety, click here.

In all situations where a passenger has been injured we recommend the driver is informed so a report can be made to assist with claims to the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).

If a passenger requires urgent medical attention, calling 000 should always be your first action.

If you have been injured on a tram and wish to lodge a claim, please contact the TAC directly on 1300 654 329. They will be able to discuss your options with you.

In the interests of passenger comfort and safety, Yarra Trams aims to keep trams at a comfortable temperature throughout the year. However, achieving this on a moving vehicle that opens its doors frequently, operating within Melbourne's changeable weather conditions, can be challenging.

Yarra Trams appreciates that when the temperature in a tram is not at a comfortable level, it can be frustrating and in some cases distressing. Work is ongoing to provide passengers with the most comfortable trip possible.

Read more about heating and cooling on board trams.