Melbourne’s public transport network struggled through a major heat wave to kick off 2026.
Matthew Sims, reporter at the Eastern Melburnian, was behind some proper boots-on-the-ground journalism, buying a thermometer and hopping on one of the old, sweaty trams that make up a third of the fleet that isn’t air conditioned.
During his reporting, Sims learned more investment is needed across the public transport system to make it more climate-ready. He told the National Account’s Archie Milligan that a bias towards road networks in state and federal investment disincentivises broader usage of public transport.
Watch the full interview below.