By Kritika Seksaria
Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Melbourne has stirred up quite the excitement in the Australian media. The newspapers have been publishing regularly, the nation’s sprucing plans, the Queen’s itinerary and her plans for each city.
Arriving in Melbourne on the 26th of October, Her Majesty will be walking by the Federation Square, taking a tram ride around the CBD and visiting the National Gallery of Victoria. Here is the first of three posts discussing the significance and history of the touristy activities the Queen has listed on her agenda.
Melbourne Trams
One of the largest tram networks in the world, Melbourne trams are a major form of public transport in the city. The era of the tram started in 1848 when cable trams were used for commuting. The electric tram started operating only after 1906. Since then, trams have become an icon symbolising Melbourne lifestyle.
Over the years, tram routes have expanded and trams too have been developed with the advent of technology. Melbourne is proud of the decision to retain its trams especially since it is a very convenient mode of conveyance with the increasing traffic and occasional chock-a-block of cars in the city. In a way it can be looked upon as a melting pot where people from all walks of life share a common space in the few moments of transition as they get on with their daily lives. Depending on the time of the day, you can expect to see school children, suit wearing corporate officials, partygoers, old people and even the punky-looking, drugged random person who hasn’t decided which stop to get off at.
Also, trams stop at more frequent intervals compared to a bus or a train, thus becoming accessible for more people and also providing the opportunity to enjoy the city. I have loved riding around suburbs and appreciating the picturesque view that would glance by in a blink while travelling on a high-speed train or bus. Living and working in a metropolitan is hectic and often frenzied. Even though a lot of fellow commuters choose to glare into their I pad, I often spot romantics like me who gaze out of the window and admire the hustle and bustle of different activities on the same route every day.
The tram’s cultural significance has been skilfully described in an article in The Age published 10 years ago:
“In cool Melbourne, trams serve up a warm, comic version of real life. We can view works of art on trams, eat on tram restaurants, watch plays staged on trams and read tram poetry. They turn a group of individuals into fellow travellers, a bunch of strangers into an audience”
We can still spot on certain routes a replica of the vintage green and yellow trams. The free city circle ride on the old maroon trams take passengers to the landmarks of the city thus offering in the true sense, the opportunity to entirely experience the soul of Melbourne. As Melburnians we have both good and bad days with the tram, however, in an ever-changing world, there are some things worth preserving.
