Category: Transport
When the Queen rode a tram
The royal visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 2011 was the latest and one of the few times that she has visited Melbourne. It was also notable for being the only time that she or Prince Philip were on a tram (as far as I can tell from my research anyway). On the day, now…
How to improve PTV disruption information
Despite some recent changes, I think there is still a lot of work to be done to improve the quality and accessibility of rail disruption information in Melbourne. Consider the main ‘Disruptions’ page on the PTV website, accessible here: https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/disruptions/disruptions-information/ If you are a passenger looking at this screen, you might thing that all is…
What is the shortest road name in Victoria?
The Victorian Government data portal has lots of great information available for anyone to use. One of the more commonly-used datasets is the Vicmap Transport series, especially the one containing information on gazetted roads. It also contains trails, tracks and even ferry routes. This is the second in a series of posts on road names…
What is the longest road name in Victoria?
The Victorian Government data portal has lots of great information available for anyone to use. One of the more commonly-used datasets is the Vicmap Transport series, especially the one containing information on gazetted roads. It also contains trails, tracks and even ferry routes. This is the first in a series of posts on road names…
Where are the busiest bus stops in Melbourne?
Update 3:25pm 24/07/2020: It’s been brought to my attention that some of the figures below are incorrect due to an error with amalgamating patronage data from multiple stops. I’m working to fix it ASAP and will update here again once it’s complete. Update 7:45pm 24/07/2020: I’ve tried several programs and techniques but nothing seems to…
Six least understood Victorian road rules
There are several hundred rules and regulations governing what is permitted and prohibited on Victoria’s streets, roads and paths. The large majority of these are covered by the Road Safety Road Rules 2017 and Road Management Act 2004. Despite driving tests, public education campaigns and the fact that being out on our streets and roads…
Melbourne’s strange tram stop names
I once came across this curious Google Maps error which placed a tram stop from Pascoe Vale outside the North Balwyn Coles for over two years. Ever since then, I’ve been paying more attention to the names given to tram stops. There are stops named for things that no longer exist or have been rebranded:…
The hidden way to access platforms at Melbourne Central Station
Everyone knows about the lifts and escalators to access the underground Melbourne Central Station. But it seems that far fewer people know about the ‘manual’ way to access your train. In the north-west corner of the concourse for the Elizabeth Street entrance to the station, you will find a small entrance to a set of…
Melbourne bus route patronage data for 2008 – 2019
Download and view the data here. The latest installment of my ongoing publication of transport data for Victoria is two more years of usage data for all bus routes in Melbourne for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 financial years. The Department of Transport obliged with my request quickly and no FOI was needed, so thanks to them…
Road under yacht level crossing removal
In 2005, a level crossing was pre-emptively removed in Melbourne. This is not noteworthy in itself – there have been tens of these types of projects completed in the city over the past few decades. What makes this one different is that instead of involving trains, it grade separated road traffic from boats and fish.…
