On 06/11/2023 15:01, 'pn1' via TramsDownUnder wrote:
> Almost every weekend, Melbourne tram services are disrupted by demonstrations and/or protests. Maybe Melbourne should have a system of “relief” lines like those that existed on the wonderful first generation Sydney tram system?


That's effectively what Latrobe St and William St are used for.

Disruption in Bourke or Collins St results in services being diverted
via LaTrobe and disruptions in Swanston sends trams down William St, but
not rejoining St Kilda Rd untill Anzac Station.

See https://tdu.to/m/277845/todays-diversionsfor a non-demo related example.

Mal Rowe