Bay tram

Today I travelled for the first time on this tram, one of several Flexity trams recently introduced to ply the Adelaide - Glenelg route. I took the photo at the Moseley Square terminus, a very short walk from the jetty and beach.

The tram is much easier to board than the 1920s H class ones, which remain in service for now but are to be phased out in the not too distant future. Wheelchairs and prams can be taken on board without too much difficulty. Bikes are not allowed (why not?).

I was surprised how few seats there are for a vehicle of its length, and how hard the seats are: they look (and feel) as if they are made of moulded plastic with a thin covering (film?) of material. Still the journey takes less than 30 minutes and the ride, most of it on reserved track, is smooth, so the risk of numb-bum is low.

People have complained about inadequate airconditioning, and I can see why: the large non-opening windows are tinted but not sufficiently to stop the sun cutting through on a 30 degree day like today.

Despite this the trams are a considerable improvement on the H Class primarily because of their ease of boarding. Many disabled people will be able to ride a tram for the first time while elderly people (a significant proportion of passengers if today is any guide) will not have to struggle to get on board. Whether younger passengers will give up their seats for them is another matter.