Motorsport fans travelling to the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix are encouraged to leave driving to the professionals and catch one of the more than 2,300 extra tram services the Allan Labor Government is running to Albert Park this weekend.
The iconic event coincides with the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show and four AFL clashes at Melbourne’s two major stadiums, further cementing the city as the events capital of Australia.
More than 400,000 people are expected to make their way to the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix from 21-24 March with dedicated Grand Prix express trams operating every one to two minutes during peak times from Southern Cross Station and Flinders Street Station (St Kilda Road).
Ticket holders will be able to use their Grand Prix ticket to travel free on trams running in both directions between the city and Albert Park over the four days, removing the need for passengers to touch on with a myki.
Additional trams will run from 5.30am until 10pm each day with Southern Cross Station trams running to Gates 1, 2 and 3 while Flinders Street Station and Melbourne Central Station trams will run to Gates 5, 8, 9 and 10.
Hundreds of customer service employees from Yarra Trams will be positioned across the city to assist ticketholders.
Lakeside Drive and roads within Albert Park are closed to the public, while road closures will also be in place at Spencer Street, Bourke Street and St Kilda Road at various times to allow for increased pedestrian and tram activity.
Regular bus services will also run to the event including on surrounding routes 606, 246, 600, 922, 923.
Rideshare and taxi drop off and pick up points will be available on Canterbury Road, Albert Road, St Kilda Road and Fitzroy Street.
Buses will replace trams on selected services to allow for increased tram and driver availability.
Passengers are encouraged to plan their journey using the PTV Journey Planner at ptv.vic.gov.au as planned works will affect some train lines across the weekend.
As stated by Minister for Public Transport and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams
“We’re helping rev up Victorians and international visitors for this year’s Grand Prix with more than 2,300 extra services to put fans in pole position to watch the race.”
As stated by Yarra Trams Chief Executive Officer Carla Purcell
“In 2023, trams supported approximately 340,000 passenger journeys to Albert Park and we look forward to another huge four days ahead.”
As stated by Australian Grand Prix Corporation General Manager of Operations Tom Mottram
“Ticketholders should plan their journey in advance, take advantage of free travel on trams between the city and the circuit, and use the express trams on Saturday and Sunday.”
