- Published:
- Friday 19 October 2018
Ballarat manufacturer Alstom is set to design the new fleet of X’Trapolis trains that will provide a more reliable and comfortable service for Melbourne passengers.
The Andrews Labor Government is engaging Alstom to design a new X’Trapolis 2.0 train with higher local content.
The announcement retains Alstom’s Ballarat manufacturing workforce until the start of production in April 2019 of the five new six carriage X’Trapolis trains ordered in the Victorian Budget 2018/19.
The Labor Government has invested over $4 billion in the last four years for a pipeline of new and upgraded rolling stock, while building the public transport projects our state needs.
This includes $103.5 million for an additional five new six-carriage X'Trapolis trains being built in Ballarat.
In total, 24 X'Trapolis trains have been funded by the Labor Government – with 17 already in service.
Approximately 65 people are employed at Alstom's Ballarat workshop for X'Trapolis fit-outs and necessary modifications including four apprentices and trainees.
The X’Trapolis 2.0 design project is part of the Labor Government’s Victorian Rolling Stock Strategy to modernise the transport system, deliver better services and create jobs across the state.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“This announcement keeps high skilled jobs in Ballarat, and it keeps Alstom in Victoria.”
“We’re building the state’s largest single order of new trains in Victoria – supporting and creating more than 10,000 jobs across the state.”
“Preparing for the next generation X’Trapolis will strengthen this industry and ensure we continue building the trains and projects that get Victorians home safer and sooner.”