Yarra Trams Station Space Supports Youth Programs

Yarra Trams opens charity café at Middle Park stop 130 supporting youth homelessness programs

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Yarra Trams Opens Café at Middle Park Stop 130

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Melbourne tram riders can now grab coffee while supporting youth homelessness programs at a new café inside Middle Park's route 96 station. Yarra Trams hosted a celebration Tuesday for For Change Co., the charity operating the café at stop 130, with CEO Julien Dehornoy and local MPs Martin Foley and Josh Burns attending. The transit agency provides the light-filled station building space at a peppercorn rent, allowing the charity to focus resources on its mission.

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For Change Co. focuses specifically on tackling youth homelessness across Melbourne, using social enterprise models to fund support programs. The partnership demonstrates Yarra Trams' commitment to supporting organizations that contribute to a stronger, more inclusive city beyond just transportation services. Transit agencies increasingly partner with community organizations to activate underutilized station spaces while providing social benefits. The café model allows the charity to generate revenue while raising awareness about youth homelessness issues among the thousands of daily route 96 passengers.

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The station building at Middle Park provides an ideal location for the charity's operations, with natural light and high foot traffic from tram passengers. Yarra Trams officials said the peppercorn rent arrangement significantly reduces the charity's operating costs, allowing more funds to support youth programs. Passengers using stop 130 can support the initiative by purchasing what the charity calls a 'coffee for a cause.' The café combines professional barista service with the charity's mission to create employment pathways for young people experiencing homelessness.

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The café's grand opening to the public took place Tuesday, May 10th, following the thank you event with transit and government officials. Yarra Trams officials said the partnership represents the agency's broader mission to contribute positively to Melbourne beyond transportation services. The charity didn't provide specific details about operating hours or menu offerings, though officials said passengers can visit during regular tram service times.

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Route 96 passengers traveling through Middle Park can now support youth homelessness programs with their morning coffee purchase. The initiative combines transit services with meaningful community support, creating a model other transit agencies may consider for underutilized station spaces. Moovit provides real-time route 96 schedules and stop 130 arrival times for Melbourne riders planning to visit the café.