Call for Geelong trams

But transport group backs electric buses

GEELONG transport advocates are calling for strong investment into adequate infrastructure, but opinion is divided over the form of public transport Geelong needs.

The region is at the forefront of manufacturing worldfirst polymer concrete to make Melbourne trams safer.

The Ocra Product kerbing, made locally in association with Deakin University, uses recycled glass.

Committee for Geelong chief executive Jennifer Cromarty said the region should build on this innovation to develop trackless trams for the city.

“Moving people more easily and more frequently around the city is central to creating a more vibrant, liveable, environmentally friendly city,” Ms Cromarty said.

“Geelong is growing fast, and we need modern public transport infrastructure so that we don’t further choke up the CBD with cars.”

Last year, the Committee for Geelong and urban planning and design experts Urbis called on the state government to invest in a $7.5m trial of an advanced “rail-less” tram to connect key urban fringe areas with CBD destinations, such as Westfield shopping centre and the hospitals.

“As Geelong looks to rebuild its economy post-pandemic, we need to be bold and hold to aspirations that position our city to be sustainable, attractive and well designed,” Ms Cromarty said.

“The trackless tram may just be the catalytic project to unlocking the potential of our central district and to connect our city from Corio Bay to the Barwon River and beyond.”

But Public Transport Users Association Geelong branch convener Paul Westcott said investment should focus on existing infrastructure.

“I think people often look to technology solutions to transport problems, when they can be much simpler and much more affordable,” he said.

“We (the PTUA) would see trackless trams and trams as a bit of diversion, particularly with the cost of putting them in.

“It would be far better to boost our existing public transport system by adding electrically powered buses.

“That could happen in the near future.”

He said “lack of frequency” made the current system inadequate, but there was “no guarantee” a trackless system would address these issues.

“Frequency is key – it’s much easier to put buses into more areas,” he said.

Mr Westcott said areas such as Armstrong Creek were underserviced and the 2026 Commonwealth Games should be a “driver” for transport infrastructure.

“What we’d like to see is that the changes that are made to accommodate the Commonwealth Games event should not stop after the Commonwealth Games,” he said.