Establishment
In 1885 the Melbourne Tramway and Omnibus Company was granted a 30-year monopoly franchise for the entire cable tram network in Melbourne, with no competing lines being permitted. The franchise ended in 1916, after which the operation of the entire cable network was handed over to the State government. The Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB) was formed in 1918, and took over the cable tram network and the tramway trusts by 1920.
The MMTB was established under the provisions of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Act 1918 (No.2995). By an order of the Governor-in-Council dated 22 July 1919, the seven members of the Board, including a Chairman and a Deputy Chairman were appointed.
The MMTB was given responsibility for the operation of all tramways within a sixteen kilometre radius of the Melbourne GPO, the only exceptions were the lines operated by the Victorian Railways. The MMTB was an independent statutory body which reported to the Minister of Public Works until 1952 and subsequently to the Minister of Transport.
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