Melbourne's Tram Network: Unveiling Busiest and Quietest Routes

Melbourne's extensive tram network, recognized as the world's largest operational system, transports over 200 million passengers annually. Recent passenger data, collected from January 2019 to June 2025, identified the busiest and quietest routes across 22 of the city's 24 tram services.

Melbourne's Busiest Service: Route 96 Dominates Patronage

Route 96, connecting St Kilda Beach to East Brunswick, holds the distinction of being Melbourne's busiest service.

This route has consistently recorded over one million passengers per month since September 2022. Its high patronage is attributed to its coverage of high-density residential areas, many lacking train access, and its stops at major attractions such as Bourke Street Mall, Crown Casino, MSAC, and Melbourne Museum.

Other routes experiencing significant usage include 109, 86, 58, and 19. Routes 58 and 19 are particularly busy due to their proximity to The University of Melbourne and their passage through the Central Business District (CBD).

The Quietest Routes: Route 82 Leads the Less Utilized Services

In contrast, Route 82 is identified as Melbourne's quietest tram service.

Operating a 9.2km stretch between Footscray and Moonee Ponds, its monthly patronage hovers around 100,000 passengers.

Other less utilized routes include 78 (North Richmond to Balaclava), 57, and 64. Routes 82 and 78 are notable for being the only services entirely outside the Melbourne CBD.

COVID-19 Impact and Evolving Travel Patterns

Tram patronage experienced a decline during the COVID-19 lockdowns but is now showing an upward trend towards pre-pandemic figures.

Following the final lockdown period in 2021, the Department of Transport and Planning implemented various timetable changes across most routes. These adjustments were made in response to passenger feedback indicating reduced demand during morning rush hour and increased need for services on weekends, evenings, and during major events.

The Department of Transport and Planning affirmed its commitment to monitoring services and making future adjustments as travel patterns continue to evolve, acknowledging the ongoing increase in patronage.