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Trams’ return symbolises city recovery
Tuesday, 26 November, 2013
Trams’ return symbolises city recovery
After an absence of almost three
years the official return of the distinctive ding ding of
tram bells to Christchurch streets is hailed as a symbol of
the city’s recovery.
Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel will cut the ribbon at tomorrow’s tramway reopening ceremony in Cathedral Junction. She welcomes the trams’ return as another tangible example of progress in the Central City rebuild.
“Pre-quakes almost every tourist brochure of Christchurch had photos of the trams in Cathedral Square so it’s wonderful to have them back on track. It’s a big psychological boost for Christchurch residents to see such a popular attraction adding colour to city streets.
“With the tourist season beginning, the timing couldn’t be better because the trams will help connect visitor accommodation and retail areas in the CBD with key attractions such as the Botanic Gardens and the Canterbury Museum,” Mayor Dalziel says.
Prior to the earthquakes the trams carried an estimated 280,000 passengers a year. The Mayor paid tribute to those who had worked so hard to reinstate the service amid the disruption caused by demolitions and road works.
“Tramway operators Wood Scenic Line, the Council, the Heritage Tramways Trust and CERA have all done their utmost to get the trams up and running again.”
The Christchurch City Council is funding a $1.5 million repair and upgrade of the tramway which will eventually see the service return to its former 2.6 kilometre loop, and there are plans for an extension along Oxford Terrace and down City Mall.
The trams will initially run from New Regent Street through Cathedral Junction to Cathedral Square and along Worcester Boulevard.
Until the old tramway loop taking in Armagh Street is reinstated, which won’t happen until some time next year, the trams will travel the wrong way along parts Cathedral Square and Worcester Boulevard. Pedestrians unused to much traffic in these areas are advised to keep a look out for the trams. Safety measures include new road markings, warning signs, and changes to traffic signals.
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