Light Rail Transit Association   URBAN TRANSIT NEWS 2005

Shades of Malcolm! YARRA Trams has launched a security review after an incident, reminiscent of the film 'Malcolm' when a tram-obsessed teenager stole one of its trams and drove it across Melbourne, for some 15km. The teenager, wearing a jacket similar to official Yarra Trams uniforms, stopped for passengers, manually switched tracks and negotiated complex junctions. The trip lasted some 30 minutes until power was switched off to end the escapade.

In June, the boy will appear in court to face nine charges, including theft and endangering life, after twice taking a tram - the first time driving for several hundred yards only. Despite this tramway officials, impressed with his driving ability, have indicated that, providing he behaves in the mean time, it would not jeopardise a possible career as a tram driver.

19 April 2005