M&MTB served areas and population density

By Geoff Brown. First published 2016.

In 1918 the Victorian government established the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board (M&MTB). Among its responsibilities was the development of a metropolitan-wide tramway network. The M&MTB investigated population dispersion and transport flows with tables of statistics and maps such as this. This research was key to the M&MTB’s master plan, known as the General Scheme.

Detail from the M&MTB population and transport services map used to assist with network planning (1922). The black dots indicate population density; the coloured areas indicate locations within half a mile of existing train or tram services. One conclusion from this data is that the population of West Brunswick and West Coburg was not adequately served by either form of transport.

Map courtesy State Library Victoria.