Your definition of priority and mine seem to differ.
I’m well aware of the right turn arrows brought up in some locations by the approach of a tram, and similarly the 7 second T lights between traffic light phases. I often make mention of them in my videos, but in no way could I call them priority. These are simply slotted in when a phase was going to end anyway, maybe seconds later, but just as likely a minute or more later.
Canberra, Gold Coast and most of the time in Sydney, an approaching tram will interrupt an existing conflicting traffic light phase and receive a T light, mostly before stopping and just occasionally shortly afterwards. These sometimes fail when a tram coming in the opposite direction “steals“ the T light but at least on the Gold Coast the wanted T mostly appears within 30 seconds.
Alexandra Parade 54 seconds and Victoria Parade 71 seconds wasted waiting for permission to move off are living proof that nothing resembling priority exists at those locations, or anywhere else in Melbourne. Even at Johnston St right turning traffic got Priority over the tram that was nearly there. The closest I know of for priority would be where route 12 trams turn between Mills Street and Canterbury Road. But those traffic lights are normally blank anyway, only being activated by an approaching tram. There may be a couple of other similar locations.
I could not imagine too many tramways in especially Switzerland and Germany tolerating the long traffic light delays that are likely to occur anywhere in Melbourne.
Instead of pretending there’s no problem, everyone should be urging their local State MP to get something done about it. Yarra would not care. They likely get more money running more trams due to slower average speeds.
Also observant, but with video proof of the tedious delays.
Richard
> On 16 Mar 2024, at 9:45 am, Mal Rowe mal.rowe@...> wrote:
> On 15/03/2024 13:14, 'Richard Youl' via TramsDownUnder wrote:
>> If Melbourne ever gets tram priority at lights (no doubt the traffic light programmers will want to keep their record of delaying trams as much as possible for over 80 years), it would easily beat Sydney.
> Melbourne DOES have tram priority lights at many locations.
>
> That does not mean that every light goes green when a tram approaches, but every tram is fitted with a transponder that communicates with traffic light controllers.
>
> Most commonly a short T-light cycle is inserted to allow a tram to clear an intersection.
>
> Another common provision is a green right turn light to clear motor cars waiting to turn right on the tram tracks.
>
> Mal Rowe - observant passenger
>
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