Quote Originally Posted by GoldfishMan View Post
I'm on the fence about the Lightrail. They don't call it Trams for a reason: they don't want the public to remember that once upon a time, Sydney had the largest tram network in Australia, more than double the size of the existing Melbourne network. And they don't want people to remember that that network was scrapped not because it wasn't good enough for the people of NSW, but because they accepted the advise of "overseas experts" who were aligned with big oil and automobile companies.

That was a really embarassing point in our history and fair enough that they just want to forget about it and move on. However, what have we got now? Instead of giving Sydney what it really needs, namely a wide and far reaching network with small trams running to service the thinly spread out population, they have instead built a concentrated network with large "trams" benefiting only a few along that limited route.

What's the motivation of doing something like that? It's really questionable is it not?
The trams in Sydney was before my time, so no idea……… lol

Love the trams in Melbourne, especially all the free ride in the CBD. One thing I think Melbourne is doing much better is that the trams and motor traffic can run side by side as the roads are much wider. I don’t like the idea of no cars along George St - but I guess it’s all for safety? If there’s an accident, the trams are much smaller to be removed where the giant Lightrail in Sydney will be blocking the whole line a long time ?

One thing though, the current Lightrail have not yet been tested with overseas tourists yet, would be their moment of truth if they would be popular and can breakeven or make money in the long run.