Rail industry news (Australia, New Zealand)

Extra Grand Prix tram services to get fans trackside

Motorsport fans travelling to the F1 Australian Grand Prix are encouraged to leave driving to the professionals and catch one of the more than 2,300 extra tram services the Victorian Government is running to Albert Park this weekend.

The iconic event coincides with the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show and four AFL clashes at Melbourne’s two major stadiums.

More than 400,000 people are expected to make their way to the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix from 21-24 March with dedicated Grand Prix express trams operating every one to two minutes during peak times from Southern Cross Station and Flinders Street Station (St Kilda Road).

Yarra Trams Chief Executive Officer Carla Purcell said that Yarra trams supported approximately 340,000 passenger journey’s to Albert Park in 2023. 

Ticket holders will be able to use their Grand Prix ticket to travel free on trams running in both directions between the city and Albert Park over the four days, removing the need for passengers to touch on with a myki.

Additional trams will run from 5.30am until 10pm each day with Southern Cross Station trams running to Gates 1, 2 and 3 while Flinders Street Station and Melbourne Central Station trams will run to Gates 5, 8, 9 and 10.

Hundreds of customer service employees from Yarra Trams will be positioned across the city to assist ticketholders.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation General Manager of Operations Tom Mottram discussed the best way to get to the event.

“Ticketholders should plan their journey in advance, take advantage of free travel on trams between the city and the circuit, and use the express trams on Saturday and Sunday,” he said.

Lakeside Drive and roads within Albert Park are closed to the public, while road closures will also be in place at Spencer Street, Bourke Street and St Kilda Road at various times to allow for increased pedestrian and tram activity.

Regular bus services will also run to the event including on surrounding routes 606, 246, 600, 922, 923.

Rideshare and taxi drop off and pick up points will be available on Canterbury Road, Albert Road, St Kilda Road and Fitzroy Street.

Buses will replace trams on selected services to allow for increased tram and driver availability.

Passengers are encouraged to plan their journey using the PTV Journey Planner at ptv.vic.gov.au as planned works will affect some train lines across the weekend.