Melbourne's tram network is in for a change of direction, with three routes set to be diverted to new destinations, one route scaled back and another scrapped completely.

The planned tram overhaul was originally scheduled for April, in sync with the opening of the Regional Rail Link, but has been delayed until at least June while the Andrews government considers its first revamp of public transport timetables.

Tram model D2 5001 Credit:Chris Hopkins

The plans, leaked to Fairfax Media, reveal that some of the most overcrowded tram routes in Melbourne have been targeted for change and in the case of route 8 between Moreland and Toorak, permanent discontinuation.

Route 8 is statistically one of the city's most overburdened tram routes. In May it recorded load breaches, in which trams are more than 100 per cent full, right across the morning peak and for most of the evening peak.