Metropolitan Transit Authority (Victoria)

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) was a State Government of Victoria owned corporate body that operated suburban passenger trains,trams and buses in Victoria, Australia. It was set up under Section 15 of the Transport Act 1983 and commenced operation on 1 July 1983. It was a statutory body set up to manage the trams formerly operated by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board, the metropolitan train operations of the former VicRail, and the operations of the former Melbourne Underground Rail Loop Authority (MURLA).

The authority employed more than 12,000 people across five divisions in 1984-85. The aim of the authority was to integrate the provision of public transport in Melbourne. A green and gold livery was adopted for vehicles, with a yellow trefoil logo and "Metropolitan Transit" tagline (Later changed to 'The Met').

Divisions

Standard MTA style signage at Montague

Metropolitan rail services were previously operated by VicRail. The 'MetRail' division was established as part of MTA, and worked closely with the State Transport Authority to provide suburban Rail services. The MTA provided funds to the STA to operate some train services on its behalf and for capital projects relating to MetRail.

The 'Met Bus' and 'Met Tram' divisions took over the services operated by the former MMTB.

By 11 April 1988, integration of the transport systems had been achieved and the separate divisions brought together. The management of the Authority was restructured into three vertically integrated directorates concerning operations, project development, and resources. The MTA was merged with the State Transport Authority on 1 July 1989^[1] to form the Public Transport Corporation. In 1997, the government announced that The Met would be privatised. Sections of railway to the east and north of Melbourne fell under Hillside Trains, while the west and south fell under Bayside Trains. The tram network was split between Swanston and Yarra Trams^[2]. Bus services were privatised between 2 separate bus operators, National Bus Company and Melbourne Bus Link. The Met logo can still be seen in various places, including the Kew Tram Depot, Camberwell Station & the Deakin University Bus Terminal.

References

1. ^ Due to the commencement of the Transport (Amendment) Act 1989.
2. ^ Melbourne Metropolitan Rail (Train and Tram) Franchising Project

• Public Record Office Victoria - Metropolitan Transit Authority

Preceded by Victorian Railways	Railways in Melbourne 1983 – 1989	Succeeded by Public Transport Corporation
Preceded by Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board	Trams in Melbourne 1983 – 1989