We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the place now called Victoria, and all First Peoples living and working on this land. We celebrate the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respect to Elders — past, present and future.
Please be aware that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily the views of Victorian Collections.
Users of this site should be aware that in many areas of Australia, reproduction of the names and photographs of deceased people is restricted during a period of mourning. The length of this time varies and is determined by the community.
Reuse of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander material on this site may require cultural clearances. Users are advised to contact the source organisation to discuss appropriate reuse.
“Trolley Festival – The past is present on market street”
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
Have a question? Contact Melbourne Tram Museum
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
Have a question? Contact Melbourne Tram Museum
Pamphlet titled:
"Trolley Festival – The past is present on market street"
Produced by the Market Street Railway Company, San Francisco, features photo of a Melbourne tram owned by them.
“Historic Cars of the Trolley Festival”, Melbourne Marathoners (1928-30), former MMTB trams #496 and #648. Tram #648 has since been sold to Sacramento Western Railway museum
Trolley Festival ran from 1983 to 1987 due to cable tram track replacement.
Photo - see pdf file for further information. Number Date Brief Description Box 17 RT396 Nov. 99 A 239 arriving Batman Ave Route 70 RT397 Nov 99 W7 1012 running Special, Clarendon St RT398 Nov 99 A 300, Port Melbourne, Mont Albert route 109 RT399 Nov 99 A 286 Port Melbourne line, route 109 RT400 Nov 99 Z3 223 Carlisle St St Kilda, route 69 – with destination set for return Kew Cotham Road RT401 Nov 99 W7 1005 Swanston St route 8 with Christmas decorations – route 8 RT402 Nov 99 Z3 140 Swanston St route 8 with Christmas decorations – route 11 RT403 Nov 99 Z3 144 Swanston and Bourke with “Give way to passengers ”sign – route 1 RT404 Nov 99 Z3s 144 and 196 Swanston St – with sign “Tram stop ahead” RT405 Nov 99 W6 977 Swanston St – route 8 and Z1 72 RT406 Nov 99 11W and City Circle SW5 723 – Spencer and Collins Sts RT407 Nov 99 SW6 960 University terminus, route 16 RT408 Nov 99 SW6 960 University terminus with Z2 108 and other trams RT409 Nov. 99 A 234 Wattle Park terminus, route 70 RT410 Nov 99 New track docklands with old shipping shed in the view. RT411 Nov 99 Flinders St extension Docklands new track RT412 Nov 99 A 255 route 109 Port Melbourne terminus with former station building RT413 Nov 99 SW6 954 Route 16, Ackland St terminus with a Z3 behind. RT414 Nov 99 Restraurant tram 442, Esplanade. RT 415 Nov 2000 Z27 and Z1 Balaclava Junction RT416 Nov 2000 A 278 route 109 Port Melbourne terminus with former station building RT417 Nov 2001 B2 2010 in Yarra livery, Bourke St at Spencer St RT418 Nov 2001 B2 2108 turning from Bourke into Spencer St (route 96) followed by another B2 2048? RT 419 Nov 2001 Z 80 and another two Zs in Swanston St RT420 Nov 2001 Z137 and other Z’s in Swanston St RT421 Nov 2001 Z82 Swanston st RT422 Nov 2001 Z3 169 Wests Road, West Maribyrnong terminus with another Z arriving. Route 57 RT423 Nov 2001 West Maribyrnong terminus board with Swanston Trams signage RT424 Nov 2001 Z3 172 route 82, Wests Road RT425 Nov 2001 A class Flinders St extension route 48 in Yarra Trams livery RT426 Nov 2001 11W Bourke St with MTOCco building in the background.
Demonstrates the work of Robert Thomson in photography, collection and/or production of slides
Assembled album in a black presentation folder of 31 colour slides, collected or produced by Robert Thomson. A list of all photographs with details has been compiled. All rights reserved for all photos.,
melbourne, tramways, trams, tram 239, route 70, batman ave, tram 1012, clarendon st, tram 300, port melbourne, route 109, tram 223, tram 69, tram 1005, route 8, swanston st, tram 140, tram 144, tram 196, tram 977, tram 72, tram 11w, tram 723, city circle, tram 960, tram 108, tram 234, wattle park, docklands, trackwork, flinders st, tram 255, tram 954, tram 442, tram 27, tram 1, tram 278, tram 2010, tram 2108, tram 80, tram 137, tram 82, tram 169, wests road, west maribyrnong, swanston trams, tram 172, route 82, route 48, bourke st, mtoco
Photo - see pdf file for further information. Number Date Brief Description Box 16 RT372 23-1-1980 W2 271, High St Kew reconstruction trackwork – route 48 RT373 23-1-1980 W2 504 Burwood Road RT374 23-1-1980 Z7 East Burwood terminus RT375 23-1-1980 Z26 Burwood Highway, route 75 RT376 23-1-1980 W2 255 North Balwyn terminus, route 48 RT377 24-1-1980 W5 at North Coburg terminus – route 19 RT378 24-1-1980 Z37 (route 19) and a W route 20 at North Coburg terminus RT379 24-1-1980 W2 378? Park St St Kilda terminus, route 12 RT380 24-1-1980 Z121 route 88 at Bourke St terminus with Spencer St station in background RT381 25-1-1980 Z1 118 and another Z81? At East Preston terminus – both route 88 RT382 26-1-1980 SW5 812 route 67 at Carnegie terminus RT383 28-1-1980 MMTB Austerity bus No. 301 RT384 26-1-1980 SW5 818? And SW6 965 at Carnegie Glen Huntly Road at start of the single line Truganini Road – note the single track signs. Both route 67. RT385 26-1-1980 W2 504 at East Malvern Darling Road – route 3 RT386 26-1-1980 SW5 787 route 52, Mathews Ave. RT387 26-1-1980 SW5 684? Airport West terminus, route 52, RT388 26-1-1980 High St Kew track reconstruction, W6 986, route 48 RT389 26-1-1980 SW6 965 route 67, Glen Huntly Road level crossing RT390 27-1-1980 SW6 962 Collins St route 42 Spencer St terminus RT391 27-1-1980 Z3 121, route 88 Bourke St Mal with parked cars. RT392 27-1-1980 Z3 188? Bourke St route 96 RT393 27-1-1980 3MP tram Camberwell Route 72 at Gardiner level crossing RT394 28-1-1980 MMTB Bus 370, Leyland OPS1 on display RT395 28-1-1980 MAN Bus 103, on display showing Doncaster Depot
Demonstrates the work of Robert Thomson in photography, collection and/or production of slides
Assembled album in a black presentation folder of 24 colour slides, collected or produced by Robert Thomson. A list of all photographs with details has been compiled. All rights reserved for all photos.,
melbourne, tramways, trams, tram 271, high st kew, trackworks, route 48, tram 504, tram 7, east burwood, tram 26, tram 255, north coburg, route 19, tram 37, park st st kilda, tram 121, bourke st, spencer st, tram 118, east preston, route 88, route 12, route 67, carnegie, tram 812, tram 67, buses, tram 965, truganini road, route 3, route 52, tram 787, tram 986, level crossings, glen huntly rd, matthews ave, tram 962, collins st, route 42, tram 188, route 72, gardiner
Photo - see pdf file for further information. Number Date Brief Description RT341 14-4-1974 PCC1041 at Wattle Park RT342 17-4-1974 St Kilda Road Extension – was High St and Brighton Road RT343 31-3-1975 PCC 1041 at Moonee Ponds Junction RT344 1989 SW6 914 Truganini Road, single line RT345 Jan 90 Z59 westbound in La Trobe St route 89 RT346 Apr 89 W 380 Albert Road with A283 on St Kilda line over bridge (Tours database provides a date of 25-6-1989 for an ARHS tour) RT347 1989 Truganini Rd duplication work RT348 1989 Truganini Rd duplication work RT349 1989 Truganini Rd duplication work’ RT350 Jan 90 SW5 763 Balaclava Junction RT351 Apr 1989 W2 533 Overhead test car Victoria Parade and B class RT352 Apr 1989 W2 533 overhead test car Port Melbourne line RT353 Apr 1989 ditto at Port Melbourne station RT354 Jan 1990 11W scrubber in William St RT355 1986 Transport Art tram SW5 731 - Painted by Lesley Dumbrell RT356 Apr 89 SW6 869 leaving Malvern depot RT357 Apr 89 W1 431 on tour – Truganini Road RT358 Apr 89 W1 431 at East Brighton terminus RT359 Apr 89 W380 and W1 431 on tour Albert Road South Melbourne RT360 Apr 89 W1 431 East Malvern Darling Road RT361 c1989 L 104 William St and Z95 at La Trobe St RT362 c1989 L 104 Peel St RT363 Jan 1990 SW6 921 Balaclava Junction RT364 Apr 1989 B2 2007 Victoria Parade RT365 Apr 1989 B2 2007 Mont Albert terminus RT366 Apr 1989 B2 2007 Bundoora line Plenty Road RT367 Apr 1989? Z3 209 and B2 200) at Bundoora terminus RT368 Apr 1989? B2 2009 and Z2 111 at Bundoora terminus RT369 Apr 1989 W5 839 and W1 431 Truganini Road RT370 Apr 1989 W1 380 Albert Road and B2 on over bridge RT371 Apr 1989 SW6 923 Dandenong Road
Demonstrates the work of Robert Thomson in photography, collection and/or production of slides
Assembled album in a black presentation folder of 30 colour slides, collected or produced by Robert Thomson. A list of all photographs with details has been compiled.
melbourne, tramways, trams, tram 1041, wattle park, st kilda road, tram 914, tram 59, truganini road, tram 380, st kilda light rail, tram 283, tram 763, balaclava junction, tram 533, port melbourne, tram 11w, william st, transporting art, tram 869, tram 431, tram 104, east malvern, east brighton, peel st, victoria parade, mont albert, bundoora, tram 2007, tram 209, tram 2009, tram 111, tram 839, albert road, tram 923, dandenong road
The book titled "MMTB Electric Tramways and Motor Omnibuses Sections and Fares", dated 14 Feb. 1966, the day of the introduction of decimal currency to Australia - all fares in cents. Details the various section stages and fares for each tram and bus route, General instructions, concession fares, and photos or drawings of the various special tickets, eg passes or prepaid tickets.
Yields information about the Feb 1966 Fares and Sections for the MMTB at the time of the introduction of decimal currency.
Green cloth covered bound book, 108 pages, plus printed end sheets used in covers. Book consists of four sections, bound with sewn cloth binding on the outside with glued white paper end covers. Dated 14 Feb. 1966, the day of the introduction of decimal currency to Australia - all fares in cents.
tramways, tickets, fares, sections, decimal currency
The book titled "MMTB Electric Tramways and Motor Omnibuses Sections and Fares", dated March 1960. Details the various section stages and fares for each tram and bus route, General instructions, concession fares, and photos or drawings of the various special tickets, eg passes or prepaid tickets. See item 879 for a version of the same date but different cover sheets. Not known which one proceeded - one could have been a reprint.
Yields information about the March 1960 Fares and Sections for the MMTB.
Black cloth covered bound book, 124 pages, plus printed end sheets used in covers. Book consists of four sections, bound with sewn cloth binding on the outside with glued white paper end covers. Two errata pages have been glued in on top of original page - pages 13 and 47.
tramways, tickets, fares, sections
Set of two signs regarding vacating a seat for disabled people and not talking to the driver whilst the tram is in motion. Actual use not known. Printed by Jac signs.
Yields information about tramcar signs.
Set of 2 tram signs blue background with white letters, on an adhesive backing.
tramways, tramcars, signs
Set of 7 photographs, probably by the MMTB of Wattle Park. 1 - Night photo of the chalet 2 - view looking across to the chalet with people picnicking 3 - One of the former W2's at the park. 4 - General view of the park with people. 5 - Another view with one of the W2's in the view, 6 - View with the golf course 7 - General view with mature trees.
Yields information about Wattle Park during the 1960s, which was owned and maintained by the MMTB.
Set of 7 black and white photographs.
tramways, mmtb, wattle park, golf
Set of 7 photographs, probably by the MMTB of Wattle Park. 1 - Wattle Park Chalet building 2 - ditto - side view 3 - Children's playground area 4 - General view of the footpaths and park 5 - one of the water features 6 - View of some of the buildings. 7 - part of the golf course.
Yields information about Wattle Park during the 1960s, which was owned and maintained by the MMTB.
Set of 7 black and white photographs.
tramways, mmtb, wattle park, golf
Photographs show X1 461 when new and men boarding or leaving the tramcar to illustrate the step height. Both photos show a driver in position. The tram has the destination of depot. The tram entered service early Sept. 1926. Photographed at Hanna St South Melbourne depot.
Yields information about the X1 class tramcar when new.
Set of two Black and White photographs
On the rear has the stamp of G J Fraser of 154 Little Collins Street Melbourne.
tramcars, x1 class, tram 461, new tramcars
Document - letters and comments and suggestions for a tender specification for the Austral Otis grinding machine from Chief Engineer MMTB to A G Wray Engineer for Tramways, NSW Govt Tramways. The grinder was used to remove corrugations from the rail head. Includes comments about the performance of a similar machine in Melbourne. Dated July 1929.
Yields information the performance of the Melbourne rail grinders - 1929
Document or memo - 6 typed foolscap sheets and 3 quarto typed letters.
tramways, mmtb, track work, track maintenance, rail grinding, specifications, sydney
Document or memo from the Director of Passenger Services Division to staff regarding the announcement by the Minister for Public Transport Alan Brown about the introduction of bus services to replace tram services on some routes after 8 pm. This caused considerable concern and industrial issues. Dated 6/1/1993. See also items 3049, 3052 (closure of route 82), and 5498.
Yields information the 1993 proposal to replace trams with buses on some routes in the evening and weekends.
Document or memo - single A4 sheet
ptc, tramways, buses, bus replacement, tram replacement, closure
Document or letter to the Director of Infrastructure Management (PTC) from the Manager of Protective Services about cars passing stationary trams. Dated 15/1/1992. Contains data, letter from the Chief Superintendent Transit Police, offences recorded, and outcomes. Originated from a 1991 memo from Manager Kew Depot.
Yields information about the issue of motor cars passing stationary trams.
Document or letter - 7 A4 sheets, stapled in top left hand corner - photocopied.
ptc, tramways, kew depot, traffic control, police, motor cars
Booklet titled "PTC Enterprise agreement" dated 1992, to remain in force until 1/1/1993. Lists all the unions involved (17 + Victorian Trades Hall), consultative mechanisms, objective, implementation strategy, bargaining, productivity, wage increases and national standards. Has an Appendix regarding peripheral and incidental duties, a summary of 20 key issues.
Demonstrates a PTC document with regard to a industrial relations agreement of 1992.
Booklet - 12 A4 pages centre stapled.
ptc, tramways, railways, unions, union agreements, wages, agreements
Booklet titled "Services for Customers with special needs", dated 1/12/1991 published by The Met and V/Line providing details of disability services at major railway stations, Travellers Aid, lifts, wheelchairs, vision impairment, hearing. Primarily rail focused.
Yields information about the scope of disability services on Victorian Public Transport in 1991 - poor compared to now.
Booklet - 24 pages finished to DL size, centre stapled.
the met, disability services, v/line
Pamphlet "Now you've got the tickets how are you going to get there?" published jointly by The Met and Sport and Recreation Victoria with a map of the major sporting venues in the city area and the Victorian Arts Centre. Published before the diversion of the Batman Ave tram line via Flinders St. Gives tips on parking, train/tram travel, and the MCG footbridge. The line was diverted via Flinders St on 6/6/1999 - see reference.
yields information about the travelling to the major Melbourne sports venues.
Pamphlet - 2 fold DL printed in colour with map.
trams, tramways, the met, sporting venues, public transport, maps, batman ave, batman avenue
Gives details of the new ticketing arrangements commencing 1 Jan 1990 for tram drivers, conductors, bus drivers etc in providing single journey tickets. Notes the commencement of scratch tickets on 1/12/1989. Provides images of the tickets that were available for purchase, emergency tickets. See item 51for the scratch tickets.
Yields information about ticket systems for single trips commencing 1990.
Book - 12 A4 pages, printed in colour, centre stapled.
the met, mta, trams, tramways, tickets, instructions.
Letter from Steve Crabb, Minister of Transport to each transport employee advising of the formation of the new transport authority (Metropolitan Transit Authority or The Met) from 1 July (1983). Provides limited information about the change from the VicRail, MMTB and other transport authorities.
Demonstrates the method of informing employees of the formation of the MTA in 1983.
Letter - A4 sheet undated - printed on Minister of Transport letterhead.
the met, mta, metropolitan transit authority, letters, steve crabb
Use to identify a tramway employee - Richmond car house or depot. Would have allowed free travel when in uniform to and from work. Used possibly from mid 1910's when the Tramway Board was formed until it was replaced by the MMTB in 1921 or when a different identification system was implemented. Most likely made by Stokes and Sons - possible imprint covered by the leather part.
Demonstrates the method of identifying cable tram employees.
Round pressed brass badge with the words "Conductor" pressed into the centre of the badge around the top portion of the badge, the letters "3R. Has a nickel-plated finish with the Tramways Board logo on the lower part of the badge. On the rear of the badge, two metal lugs have been soldered onto the badge and a two-piece leather strap with a buttonhole cut into it to enable it to be worn on a uniform. See item 6686 for a gripman badge.
Pamphlet - "Buses replace trams - St Kilda Road and High Street" - part of the Metro tunnel project works, Oct 2019 affecting mainly route 6 trams along with St Kilda Road routes. Includes a map of the work zone and bus replacement services.
Demonstrates a passenger information document about trackworks.
Pamphlet - 6 fold DL printed
trams, tramways, st kilda road, high st, route 16, metro tunnel, trackworks
Pamphlet - "St Kilda - A Tram Driver's tour" - sightseeing trips for passengers, giving information about St Kilda and its attractions such as Ackland St using a Route 96 tram and/or Route 16. Produced by Yarra Trams Oct. 2008.
Demonstrates a passenger information document about St Kilda.
Pamphlet - double side DL single sheet. Two copies held.
trams, tramways, st kilda, route 96, route 16, ackland st
Booklet issued for the use by drivers on the then new Bourke St tram line, which commenced on Sunday 26/6/1955. Provides a long list of Do Nots, typical of the time. Gives information to crews about the new trams, their quiet running, and their handling. Has a few "Always" at the rear of the booklet.
Demonstrates an information document produced by the MMTB for drivers of the new Bourke Street routes.
Booklet - 12 pages printed on light fawn paper, centre stapled.
trams, tramways, bourke st, new trams, new tramways, opening, instructions
Set of 8 pamphlets detailing the proposed works and dates undertaken by VicRoads, Yarra Trams and the State Government. All include a small map of the works. 1 - Victoria Parade East Melbourne - 5 fold - 2005/2006 2 - Tram stope 26, High St Northcote - 3 fold - Feb. 2006 3 - Part time tram lanes Smith St and Brunswick St Fitzroy - 3 fold - May 2006 4 - Bourke St - have your say - 4 fold - June 2006 5 - Toorak Road tram terminus - 3 fold - Nov. 2006 6 - Bourke St tram stop construction - 4 fold - Sept 2007 7 - Elizabeth St at Queen Victoria Market platform stop - 2 fold - Nov. 2007 8 - Nicholson St - have your say - 4 fold - June 2009
Demonstrates an information documents produced by Vicroads as part of the Think Tram projects.
Set of 8 pamphlets - folded to DL printed on gloss paper.
trams, tramways, vicroads, think tram, projects, roadworks, tram stops, toorak road, bourke st, high st, elizabeth st, nicholson st, victoria parade
Pamphlet issued by Vicroads, the State Government and Yarra Trams explaining the Think tram projects, their benefits, and impacts. See item 7335 for some of the projects undertaken.
Demonstrates an information document produced by Vicroads.
Pamphlet - 3 fold DL printed on gloss paper.
trams, tramways, vicroads, think tram, projects, roadworks, tram stops
Form used by the MMTB traffic staff to report accidents, provide information, details of the event, conditions, damage, names of those involved, cause of the collision, map or drawing of the location, witness details and sobriety of the people involved. Has a drawing of both W and Z class trams - form 3/396
Demonstrates an accident report form used by the MMTB c1975
Form - four foolscap pages printed on yellow paper and stapled in top left hand corner.
trams, tramways, mmtb, accidents, forms, collisions
Pamphlet issued by Metlink as a guide to staff working on New Year's public transport 2010. Provides a guide to transport services, free travel, all night services, getting home, fire works map.
Demonstrates an information document produced by Metlink for staff.
Pamplet - 6 fold DL printed on gloss paper.
trams, tramways, melbourne, metlink, new years eve, public transport
Map issued by The Met, March 1991 based on a Melway map of the Central city area providing details of tram, bus and trains, attractions, major institutions, tourism information, and dining out areas or streets.
Demonstrates a map produced by The Met to assist Melbourne visitors.
Map - 14 fold printed on gloss paper.
trams, tramways, the met, maps, melbourne, cbd
Used by Conductors to enable the checking of tickets by Examiners. Was to be filled out prior to the commencement of journey and placed in the clip provided. Has space for date, punch mark, each fare time and Signature and Number. See also item 2609 for a similar form dated Aug. 1971
Demonstrates a MMTB Supplementary Running Journal.
Form - "Supplementary Running Journal" form number 3/134, dated Dec. 1968. Five copies held.
trams, tramways, mmtb, conductors, revenue journal, inspectors, tickets
Possibly issued by the Conductor's school following the completion of S J Charles training as a conductor. Dated 22 Apr 1975 - gives table number, time and depot. Signed R P Bradshaw Instructor.
Demonstrates a MMTB a report for duty form.
Form - Report to Depot - printed with details filled in and date stamped.
Dated 22 Apr. 1975
trams, tramways, mmtb, conductors, training, kew depot
Issued to a retired employee, with conditions of travel on the rear and the employee's signature.
Demonstrates a MMTB retired employee's pass.
Laminated pass or ticket - yellow card, No. 147 made out for J Stewart,
J Stewart in ink and dated December 1976.
trams, tramways, mmtb, tickets, retirement
Form used when the passenger did not have money - Headed MMTB, with Address, passenger details, number, signature, identification, part to be returned and details. Each has been numbered. Printed on off-white paper. Pads of forms were provided to conductors. The instructions to the payee notes that their fare could be paid using postage stamps. See items 1303, 1841 and 224.
Demonstrates a MMTB Unpaid fare form.
Document or form - two parts with perforated strip, No 12068, form 3/242, April 1974.
trams, tramways, mmtb, tickets, fares, conductors
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
