A STREETCAR TO BE DESIRED..? EXPLORING THE IMPACTS OF TRAM NETWORK MODERNISATION ON COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS OF PLACE QUALITY.

Melbourne's tram network is undergoing a strategic modernisation program, including upgrades to over 1,000 stops across the network that often require major changes in the design of legacy streetscapes. This once-in-a-generation state government investment represents a significant opportunity to reimagine how tram streetscapes can function as key destinations that provide an enhanced user experience, build upon existing neighbourhood identity, and improve overall place quality. From 2016 to 2020 a research program sponsored by Keolis Downer as part of Monash University's Sustainable and Effective Public Transport graduate research industry partnership was developed to explore community perceptions of place quality in Melbourne streets and better understand how that perception may be impacted by various tram infrastructure design schemes. The research was conducted in two stages: 1. The 'Movement and Place' framework was adapted to classify tram network segments by roadway infrastructure design and streetscape place context. Deployment of the classification system resulted in the identification of four categories of streetscapes representative of Melbourne's broader tram network. 2. The four streetscape categories were then applied in site selection for a survey that asked community members to rank the importance and performance of 36 place quality indicators at 24 sites across Melbourne's tram network. Analysis of survey results found that users view modernised tram streetscapes as containing a higher quality design for all modes of transport (not just trams) when compared to their legacy counterparts. Priorities for improvement were identified, such as a desire to improve the provision of shelter from harsh weather across all four streetscape categories. Overall, this research helps identify how tram infrastructure can be designed to improve community perceptions of place quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]