Yarra Trams Chief Executive Officer, Michel Masson said: "Today marks an exciting new chapter in the life of Melbourne's tram network, with KDR and Yarra Trams now coming together to operate and manage Melbourne’s Tram Franchise."

"Yarra Trams remains committed to enhancing the tram network for the future, providing a travelling experience that passengers can rely upon and be proud of. We will further enhance service on Yarra Trams through improved information provision and measurable performance improvement on the world's largest operating tram network."

"We understand that the passenger journey experience is built on a platform of exceptional performance management and passionate service delivery. We therefore recognise that safety, reliability, punctuality and service are what matters to our passengers."

"Our guiding principle for operating Melbourne's tram network is to Think Like A Passenger. Our aim is to deliver a Moving Safe Haven that provides the best possible travelling experience, contributes to the economic sustainability of our city and strengthens our local communities. Our ability to Think Like a Passenger ensures passengers have the information they need for their journey, a safe and clean travelling environment, high quality customer service and a reliable service," said Mr Masson.

KDR is committed to reducing the negative impact of service disruptions to passengers, the continued improved performance in the availability of a service and the number of trams arriving on time. Yarra Trams will continue to reduce time delays for passengers and reduce cancellations with the goal of improving punctuality at destination and throughout the journey to 82.5 per cent.

KDR is experienced in developing a comprehensive operating plan that will ensure Yarra Trams operates safely and efficiently. KDR will utilise route optimisation and maximise tram deployment based on demand by ensuring high capacity trams are allocated to high demand services. KDR will ensure that the daily tram service is effectively resourced and operated and that any need for change to meet capacity requirements is promptly addressed.

"With a growing population, environmental inputs and economic considerations, a successful Melbourne Tram Franchise will play a crucial role in increased patronage across Melbourne's transport system. KDR will develop initiatives to maximise the capacity of the network such as greater prioritisation for trams to tackle bottlenecks on our roads, and identify opportunities to further meet the specific needs of potential and current customer groups," said Mr Masson.

"We will work collaboratively with all key stakeholders, including the government, Metlink and other transport operators to achieve a multimodal approach to tram operations to ensure that the travelling public has a seamless and simple interaction with the system to harness the full potential of Melbourne's integrated transport network."

"We want our passengers to know where they are going, how they are going to get there, how long it will take and what forms of transport including trams, that they will use to arrive at their destination. Our Find Your Way program is informed by our Think Like a Passenger philosophy and complements our Moving Safe Haven vision to deliver enhanced safety, reliability and a high quality of service to our passengers through greater access to more relevant and timely information."

The Melbourne Tram Franchise will continue to operate as Yarra Trams with a new look that will see the commencement of a revitalisation of Melbourne’s trams that will provide real changes to further develop our trams, with an integrated approach to enhance the external and internal amenity of the Yarra Trams fleet.

"Over time the community will start to see some enhancements that will improve passenger travel, such as work to smooth your ride, work to replace vandalised glass in windows and doors, new and improved passenger information, a heavy duty deep clean across the entire fleet and the replacement of worn or damaged cloth seats," said Mr Masson.

"Our first priority was to ensure that as a result of the transition process, there were no disruptions to employees or passengers, with a smooth and seamless change over of Yarra Trams operators."

KDR is delighted to be given the opportunity to become the operator of Yarra Trams and the custodian of Melbourne's loved tram network. This is an exciting time and one of great opportunity, as we work to further enhance Melbourne's tram network and prepare for the challenges of the future.