The Urban Forest Fund has awarded Yarra Trams $122,175 to deliver a pilot project that will see some of Melbourne’s tram shelters beautified with greenery.
This innovative project will be delivered in 2024 and aims to demonstrate the benefits of greening transport shelters, including the potential to provide a cooler, safer and more beautiful environment for commuters.
If successful, expansion of the eco-installations throughout the city will create a mosaic of green, vibrant spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Stay tuned for more project updates.
Benefits
Environmental and biodiversity benefits
New greenery will improve the climate resilience of tram stops by:
- reducing urban heat island impact for passenger comfort; and
- reducing water runoff in rainfall event and allow for passive irrigation of plants.
Community benefits
- The project will contribute to beautifying Melbourne and creating a vibrant and inviting environment for passengers, tourists and passers by to enjoy.
- The project will create safer environments by deterring vandalism and demonstrating ‘cues to care’.
- Greater passenger comfort is expected with the creation of cooler spaces.
- Research partnerships with education institutions will be established to evaluate and qualify/quantify the benefits of the project, with outcomes shared to others including transport operators in Melbourne, industry greening professionals and researchers.
Economic benefits
- The tram stops are used by around 800,000 tram passengers annually. This novel, greening initiative will reactivate the City of Melbourne and encourage additional commuters and visitors back to the CBD.
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