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Public transport
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Melbourne is served with a robust public transportation network. It has one of the world's most extensive tram networks, almost 300 bus routes and a train system with more than 15 lines. Unlike many major cities in the world, Melbourne has an integrated public transport system. With Metcard, users can buy one ticket and are able to use it on bus, train and tram, or all three of them. Today, the city's public transport networks are run by private operators.
Tram
Main article: Trams in MelbourneThe city of Melbourne, the second-largest city in Australia, is home to the third largest tram network in the world, consisting of 245 kilometres of track, 500 trams, and 1770 tram stops. Operated by the private company Yarra Trams since privatization in the late 1990s, Melbourne's trams contribute greatly to the city's distinctive character and are held in great affection by the people of Melbourne.
Local rail transport
The train network is run by Connex Melbourne.
At the substantive level, the railway network was assessed by a secret report commissioned by the Department of Infrastructure, in April 2004, as effectively at 100 percent capacity during peak periods due to serious "bottlenecks" around and in the city, leaving the system inadequate for meeting present, let alone future demands. The decades of under-investment has meant that very large new suburbs have no rail lines, and that the existing system has been unable to boost services to effectively capitalise upon the clearly increased demand caused by the rise in fuel prices - a missed golden opportunity as commuters struggle with inadequate services in uncomfortably packed carriages, with their small seats and lack of legroom. The lack of new express tracks also means that the far flung outer suburbs have slow services into the inner areas, causing far more to use the parallel freeway-tollway systems than would otherwise occur.
See also: List of Melbourne railway stationsLink to Google Earth Map of Melbourne's Metropolitan railway system, current and deceased lines
Bus
Main article: Buses in MelbourneThe bus network is run by several dozen bus companies under a franchise from the State Government, although the system is currently being rebranded as part of the 'Metlink' brand.
See also: List of Melbourne bus routes and List of bus companies § VictoriaTaxi
Taxis in Melbourne are required to carry a certain livery. Taxi licenses are valued at around $300,000.
Airports
Melbourne's International Airport located adjacent to the outer north-western suburb of Tullamarine is the nation's second busiest. Over 30 airlines and 22 million passengers are served and service there each year. A secondary airport is located at Avalon, to the south-west between Melbourne and Geelong. A cut-price airline, Qantas subsidiary Jetstar, has recently commenced using Avalon for its flights to Sydney and Brisbane. Melbourne's first major airport, Essendon Airport, is no longer used for scheduled international or domestic flights. Airbase RAAF Point Cook, where the Australian Air Force originated, is located near the city's southwestern limits. Moorabbin Airport is located to the south of Melbourne, and is primarily used for recreation flying and for flying lessons, conducted in Piper and Cessna aircraft. Moorabbin is also used for small airlines such as services to King Island. Moorabbin is a GAAP airport and its code is YMMB.
Road
A controversial current project is the building of the Mitcham to Frankston Freeway, or Eastlink as it is now officially known. At a cost of $2.5 billion the freeway is currently being built through some of the most heavily developed regions of Melbourne, thus justifying the exorbitant cost. At the heart of the controversy the freeway is set to become a tollway, despite election promises from both Steve Bracks, the current Victorian Premier, and opposition leader Robert Doyle that the freeway would be toll free.
See also: List of Melbourne highways and List of Melbourne freewaysLong distance rail transport
There are two interstate freight lines from Melbourne, one heading for Adelaide and the other for Sydney.
Sea
The Port of Melbourne is Australia's largest container and general cargo port. Regular shipping lines operate to around 300 cities around the world and 3200 ships visit the port each year. The Port of Melbourne is located in the inner west of Melbourne, near the junction of the Maribyrnong and Yarra rivers.
Station Pier in Port Phillip Bay handles cruise ships and the Spirit of Tasmania ferries which cross Bass Strait to Tasmania.
External links
- Public Transport in Melbourne, Australia (RailPage Australia)
- Metlink Melbourne