Скачать или смотреть 50 Years of The Vintage Talking Tram in Bendigo

It is hard to imagine Bendigo without its iconic trams but that is exactly what threatened the Bendigo trams 50 years ago. In April 1972, the Bendigo trams ran their last public service accompanied by brass bands and a crowd of around 20,000 people lining the streets. The tram fleet was to be dispersed among tram museums throughout Australia and internationally and if it wasn’t for the dedication, passion and vision of a small group of volunteers who fought to save the trams from being sold off around the country, the Bendigo Tramways wouldn’t be the award-winning tourist service it is today.

Back in 1972, the newly formed Bendigo Trust was called upon to present a submission to the Bendigo City Council suggesting that a 15-month trial for a tourist tramway be undertaken. The Bendigo Trust's persistence was rewarded in September 1972 when the Victorian Cabinet announced that it had approved the two-year trial with the first journey taking place on December 9, 1972.

That 15-month trial has now become a 50-year legacy as the Vintage Talking Tram Service is still running 7 days a week through the Bendigo streets, entertaining and educating locals and visitors alike on the important roles the trams have played in the history of Bendigo.

Today, Bendigo Tramways is Australasia’s largest tourist tramway and welcomes over 60,000 visitors annually. The Bendigo Tramways Depot is the oldest operating tram depot in Australia and has been in operation since 1903.