- Published:
- Monday 12 September 2016
The Andrews Labor Government is securing the future of Ballarat manufacturing and boosting the capacity of Melbourne’s rail system.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan, Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight and Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard announced the order of nine new X’Trapolis trains from local manufacturer Alstom in Ballarat today.
19 six-car X’Trapolis trains have been ordered from local manufacturer Alstom since the Labor Government came to office – more than $300 million of work.
This new 54 carriage order is part of the Government’s long term strategy to create a pipeline of sustainable, local train and tram building and maintenance work around Victoria.
The Government’s Trains, Trams, Jobs: Rolling Stock Strategy puts an end to the ad-hoc procurement of trains and trams and gives certainty to companies and workers in the engineering and manufacturing industries.
The first train is expected to enter service in mid-2018, following the delivery of existing orders underway, with delivery of the ninth train expected in early 2019.
There will be a fleet of 101 X’Trapolis trains on Melbourne’s network once this work is completed.
The Victorian Budget 2016/17 provided $15 million towards refurbishing and converting the three train-sets of five carriages into four-train sets of four carriages on the Albury line.
This will improve reliability and improve the carriages to make them more comfortable for passengers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“We’re getting on with improving public transport, building the infrastructure we need like the Metro Tunnel and new trains, to keep Victoria moving.”
“We’re guaranteeing local jobs at Alstom in Ballarat and the broader supply chain in Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“I’m really proud of the quality of work the employees at Alstom’s Ballarat workshops turn out and of the contribution Alstom makes to our local community."
“These nine new trains, built in Ballarat for Melbourne, secures local jobs for years to come.”
Quote attributable to the Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“Our pipeline of investment in trains and trams gives local workers certainty, boosts Ballarat’s economy and the capacity of Melbourne’s rail network.”