The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) wanted to upgrade tram stops along Melbourne’s La Trobe Street to improve user experience, accessibility and integration with the wider public transport network. Improvements included providing level access platforms, improving shelter canopy coverage for weather protection and removing four legacy safety zone stops. DTP engaged us to deliver the detailed design for upgrading 12 tram stops that would meet their goals and enhance the city’s wider transport experience.

Within a fast-paced five-month timeline, we designed 12 accessible platforms, removed legacy safety zone stops, and created an advanced ‘kit of parts’ for platform elements. Platform design, street element design, parking strategy, upgrades to signalised intersections, track renewals, overhead power systems, street lighting, and drainage improvements were included, and these elements facilitated the removal of the former safety zone stops.

The upgraded tram stops provide accessibility and convenience for passengers. The upgrades enhance user experience and establish connections to the State Library Station, set to open with the Metro Tunnel in 2025. This will enable more convenient transfers between train and tram services. These changes also improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, while aligning with the city’s broader urban renewal initiatives.

A new framework creates tram stop design efficiencies

The DTP identified key drivers – accessibility, safety, consistency, maintenance and durability – for the tram network upgrade. Our transport strategy, planning and advisory teams developed a comprehensive framework, via a ‘kit of parts’, which addressed these drivers. The ‘kit-of-parts’ design sets a new standard for improved repeatable tram stop deployment in Melbourne. Suitable for steep or flat sloping sites, the design includes larger canopy areas, improved circulation and passenger information.

We developed the framework to be a repeatable design for ease and consistency for different tram stop locations. It incorporated developing an approvals plan, delivery strategy, economic benefits statements, and mapping the user experience. The concept and functional designs, in conjunction with site investigations, led to the detailed design and development of twelve tram stops along the La Trobe Street corridor in the CBD.

We met all program milestones thanks to the continuity of technical staff throughout various project phases and our established collaborative frameworks with DTP. We assisted DTP, Yarra Trams and contractor Fulton Hogan in the on-site delivery.

Melbourne tram at a platform with passengers waiting

One of the upgraded tram stops on La Trobe Street

Enhancing experience through lighting design

A refined night-time lighting strategy was developed in collaboration with Yarra Trams. This initiative focuses on enhancing user experience and inclusive public transport access after dark. Our approach included a comprehensive literature review, a night-time vulnerability assessment across 50 tram stops, and three focus group co-design workshops. 

The new lighting strategy strives to enhance the passenger experience by introducing user-centric and inclusive lighting solutions for night-time travel and improve wayfinding across the network. The design incorporates ambient light and a warm glow to illuminate surfaces surrounding the platforms. The lighting strategy enhances comfort for users by mitigating the fishbowl effect – when passengers feel exposed under bright lights on platforms and dark spaces in surrounding areas. The emphasis on balanced brightness between tram stops and their environments ensures clear sightlines for passengers and promotes a safer night-time experience.

Digital tool shares 3D models with real-life context

By collating extensive project data, we combined design models, survey information and geographic data into an ArcGIS Web Scene to bring 3D models into their real-world context. This format provided DTP direct interaction with the data, enabling tailored insights without relying on third-party processing. We also offered in-house additional processing of LiDAR (light detection and ranging) data which uses laser light to measure distances and creates detailed 3D representations of surfaces. This technology avoided the need for survey recapture. Our focus on risk and scope helped promptly address key issues and project efficiency.

Partners & Collaborators

Yarra Trams