I heard a Yarra Trams executive talking today about how the tram fleet was performing in the heat.  He mentioned that the Bumblebees were soon to be purchased, but they would have airconditioning upgrades as part of the deal/process.

So the Government has changed its mind again? The French mustn't want them back.

So the Government has changed its mind again? The French mustn't want them back.

I was on the understanding those trams had been purchased quite a while ago.  I was also on the understanding that they were surplus to the Mulhouse fleet requirements, and handing them back would have meant that Melbourne would be short of long trams for route 96.  Sort of a win-win for everyone. We were paying enough in renting them, buying them is a logical step and they will help until the E-class enter service.
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/bee-trams-to-stay-but-at-what-price-20101012-16huk.html

I was on the understanding those trams had been purchased quite a while ago.  I was also on the understanding that they were surplus to the Mulhouse fleet requirements, and handing them back would have meant that Melbourne would be short of long trams for route 96.  Sort of a win-win for everyone. We were paying enough in renting them, buying them is a logical step and they will help until the E-class enter service.
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/bee-trams-to-stay-but-at-what-price-20101012-16huk.html

It's still a little unclear, but I think that they have now been purchased. The old PTV website said that they were still negotiating, the new however, states that they have been purchased. So the purchase has probably been finalised in the last year or so.

Liam.

There is probably no way to get the 'bouquet' of a few years service out of the them, 'you offend, you spend'.

Regards Glenn

It is my understanding that they were purchased outright some time ago.  They were originally leased as surplus to requirements and subject to being confined to the 96 owing to their size.  That has not proven a significant obstacle and they seem to work happily alongside other trams.  They were not, in the end, required back and the option to purchase was exercised.  As such they now belong to the State of Victoria (as do all other operational YT trams) and are leased to Yarra Trams for operation.

It is my understanding that they were purchased outright some time ago.  They were originally leased as surplus to requirements and subject to being confined to the 96 owing to their size.  That has not proven a significant obstacle and they seem to work happily alongside other trams.  They were not, in the end, required back and the option to purchase was exercised.  As such they now belong to the State of Victoria (as do all other operational YT trams) and are leased to Yarra Trams for operation.

Not all rollingstock is owned by the State, page 97 onwards of the tram invitation to tender outlines the ownership arrangements. The D1/2 and C1 trams are owned by separate entities under a lease purchase agreement.

Liam.