50 years since last Bondi tram shot through
Fifty years ago, incredulous Bondi locals who had been dismissive of news that those bulging beach-bound toast rack trams would be replaced by buses, finally realised the government meant business. But they doubted the plan could succeed: how could 60-seat double decker buses do the work of 160-seater double sets of trams? Without priority on the road, could buses get through the traffic?
By the end of the ‘forties, the first moves were made against the trams. The outer end of the Watsons Bay line was seen as a soft target but the villagers of Vaucluse proved an insurmountable obstacle. They knew exactly which strings to pull and soon exacted a promise from the government to re-open the line. Only months after its closure, on Sunday May 28, 1950 trams returned to one of Sydney’s most scenic routes.
But the lesson had been learnt. The next route to change would need to be one where the tram service was slow and the replacement bus service could use a faster route. Its success could then be used to claim the superiority of buses.
In 1954, new double deck buses that ran express from the halfway point to the city replaced the outer section of the Bellevue Hill to Bondi line. It was seen as faster by commuters.
After closures elsewhere, by 1960 it was the turn for Bondi, long seen as a Sydney favourite. The tactic of using express peak hour buses was used, even while the trams were still running. Yet it appears that not all within public transport were singing from the same song sheet. Tram staff began delighting Bondi folk with comfortable corridor trams complete with soft leather seats – never before seen on the route in daylight. Double sets of the toast racks still catered for peak-hour travellers and weekend crowds of beachgoers.
As the last day for the Bondi and Bronte lines drew near, a fleet of the newest and best double decker buses was selected. With weeks to go in February 1960, people from all over Sydney began enjoying their last sentimental rides to Bondi and Bronte.
On February 27, 1960, emotions ran high. Trams were crowded all day and extra trams were put on. Teenagers and nostalgic folk packed the night services. An older corridor tram, 1773, was chosen as the last to run. With the word out that many trams were simply being burnt, dissenting riders wanted to preserve whatever fittings they could for posterity.
In the early hours of Sunday February 28, the 1773 departed Bondi for the depôt with rowdy but sad passengers. The last Bondi tram had finally shot through!
We acknowledge the David Keenan series of books. Popular stage, television and radio actresses Mora O’Sullivan and Valerie Newstead will delight with “Backstage Tales” at the next gathering of the Waverley Historical Society on Monday March 8 at 4 pm on the 1st floor of Club Bondi Junction in Gray Street. All welcome.
– BY PETER McCALLUM
