From somebody ‘in the know’.

Personally, it seems incredible to me that all 3 have failed the test at exactly the same time. Did somebody lift the bar on what was considered safe standards?

Maybe one day we could see a a converted Z doing this. At least they are not full of wood - just rust I suppose...

Regards,

“The W-class trams used for the Restaurant Tram service have lost accreditation due to deterioration of the woodwork. It is my opinion that they may need to undergo a W8 type conversion which will provide additional safety for the driver, staff and passengers, but Yarra Trams said it will work with the operator to resolve the situation. It is my understanding that the trams will just sit at the pick up stop for the duration of the tour as a static restaurant.
Personally, I'd be cancelling my booking if I had one, as I think part of the charm of dining on board is the fact that the view out the window changes by the minute. It's a deplorable state but it should not have been unexpected: from 1 January, there will only be four city circle trams (all W8-class vehicles) running until more W8 conversions are completed by Bendigo Tramway Workshops. Two trams will operate on both inner and outer circuits every ½-hour, providing a ¼-hourly departure from Waterfront City terminus in Docklands”.