Bendigo Heritage Attractions chief executive Peter Abbott said a number of studies into using the trams as public transport had not been viable.

“(Commuter trams) are not in any strategic plans. The reality is these 100-year-old trams are not wheelchair compliant,” he said.

“If went to public transport, we would have to have to make some major changes as to how we operate. It is certainly not a focus.”

Mr Abbott said any potential plans in a perfect world would still require a lot of work.

“Generally it has been found to be unviable when studied. If we had kept the 1974 system we might have had a chance,” he said.

“The tram routes need to be expanded more, particularly to growth areas. 

“The old network in the 1970s ran to Eaglehawk and Bendigo station, which would be fantastic. But it’s not here and reinstating it would cost a fortune.” 

Mr Abbott said the organisation was looking at altering price structures in April as well as re-promoting yearly commuter passes.

He said there were no plans to change the timetables so that trams will run in peak commuter times.

Trams currently run every hour from 10am to 4.30pm from Central Deborah Gold Mine to Joss House. The trip is schedule to take 38 minutes.

“The only changes are linked to what is going in the next two weeks. We are testing the safety of a new tram timetable where (trams will be making a left turn off McCrae Street),” Mr Abbott said.

Bendigo Tramways will introduce a two-week tram trial from Monday, February 5.

The trial will explore the potential of introducing the depot tram stop as a two-way stop where trams will now stop at the Bendigo Tramways depot on the way back to the city. 

Previously they have only stopped on their trips out of the city towards Lake Weeroona.

The extra stop means that trams heading from Lake Weeroona to the city will make a left turn off McCrae Street into Tramways Avenue.

“This trial will allow more people visit the tram depot,” Mr Abbott said.

“The next stage is changing the price and promoting short-ride tickets for people who might not have time to do the whole trip or who simply want to use the tram to get from one stop to another.

“We are re-promoting to locals a commuter pass because what we think is if people have to pay for parking there is an opportunity for people buy a (commuter) tram ticket if they live on or near the route.”