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WHEN you wander out of one of the fine establishments on High Street or Pall Mall on a Friday or Saturday night, seeing that tantalising tram track can set off a few questions.
Instead of waiting for a taxi, why can't I just hop on board to another part of the CBD?
Of course, if you're waiting for a tram in Bendigo, you'll be waiting for a while.
A draft report into the future of Bendigo Tramways says Bendigo's population needs to be at least 150,000 to support a commuter tram network - a figure the city won't reach for another 20 years.
Growing up in Adelaide, the tram could take you from the city streets and then become almost like a train, tearing down to the beach in no time.
Melbourne's tram network is useful because it transfers you quickly and easily from one central location to another.
Without them, the shops of Brunswick Street or Church Street would be just out of reach.
It was the tram that opened these areas up for me - and probably many others - creating another hub in a city full of hubs.
Jumping on and off a commuter tram could create a similar, although smaller, retail hub for the areas of Bendigo it services.
But then again, why not just catch the bus?