Trams Need to Get Back on Track for Safety’s Sake

The recent death of Garry Ledger, a 78-year-old South Australian who fell on a Melbourne tram and succumbed to his injuries three weeks later, has highlighted the safety record of the city’s tram network. While trams are often touted as a convenient and environmentally friendly way to get around, the experience for older passengers can be far from smooth.

Falls on trams are not just an occasional occurrence but a significant public health and safety issue that will only become more pressing in the years to come. Between 2020 and 2025, 129 people were hospitalized after falling while riding a tram, with 78% of those injured aged 60 or older.

The problem is not limited to trams; it’s a symptom of broader issues with urban planning and transportation systems. As cities age, their infrastructure often remains geared towards younger commuters who don’t have the same mobility concerns as seniors. Older passengers like Neil Rickards, 72, who catches the tram along St Kilda Road about four times a week, must contend with trams accelerating without warning.

The safety improvements recommended by Coroner Ingrid Giles are based on best practices used in other cities. Features such as pre-boarding ticket validation and boarding assistance alerts have been shown to reduce the number of falls on trams. Melbourne’s tram network has yet to adopt these measures, despite its vast size – 250 kilometers of track with over 1800 stops.

While some experts argue that introducing such systems would be too expensive or impractical, it’s hard not to see this as a case of delaying necessary changes. Graham Currie, chair of public transport at Monash University, notes that there are improvements that could and should be made – even if they’re just incremental changes like placing seating closer to doors.

The debate over the feasibility of these safety upgrades is not new; it’s a familiar refrain in discussions about urban planning and transportation. Yet, as Currie noted, “we have an ageing population, and we need to do better.” The fact that Melbourne’s tram network has yet to catch up with other cities on this issue raises questions about our priorities.

The Yarra Trams spokesperson emphasizes the ongoing efforts to improve passenger safety – but these efforts should not be limited to targeted campaigns or occasional reviews of safety practices. It’s time for a more comprehensive overhaul of the system, one that puts the needs and concerns of older passengers front and center.

The question now is whether this latest incident will prompt meaningful change or simply another round of lip service from transport officials. As Rickards said, “I’m not too sure what else they can really do.” Maybe it’s time for a fresh perspective on what’s possible.

The tram network is not just a mode of transportation; it’s a vital part of Melbourne’s fabric. It’s high time we got back to basics and made its use safe and accessible for all – especially our older citizens who rely on public transport more than ever.