- Published:
- Tuesday 15 September 2020
The Victorian Government is continuing its massive investment in regional passenger rail and boosting Victorian jobs, with 18 VLocity trains now being made locally to improve services across the state.
Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll today announced the latest order of regional trains is now under construction at Dandenong-based manufacturer Bombardier, supporting 100 direct local jobs and hundreds more through the local supply chain.
With an investment of $340 million in the Victorian Budget 2019/20, this new order will include 12 broad-gauge trains to improve capacity on Victoria’s busiest regional lines and six standard-gauge trains for the North East line, which is currently being upgraded.
The broad-gauge trains have been designed for both short and medium distance services and will include a facelift including modified drivers’ cab, dedicated storage area for bicycles and accessibility improvements.
The long-haul standard-gauge trains will begin to replace the aging classic fleet on the North East line next year, providing passengers with a more modern, comfortable journey between Melbourne and Albury.
Incorporating feedback from passengers and V/Line staff, the standard-gauge trains will feature built-in USB chargers, shared tables, dedicated spaces for luggage and bikes, modern catering and food facilities and six accessible spaces for people who use mobility aids with companion seats nearby.
All the new VLocity trains also include mobile phone signal boosters to deliver improved coverage for passengers throughout their journeys.
The new standard gauge VLocity trains will start taking passengers after the North East Line Upgrade is complete and they have undergone rigorous testing.
The Victorian Government has delivered a 40 per cent increase in regional rail services since 2015, with V/Line now running more than 2,000 services every week.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll
“Not only are we building great trains for Victorians – we’re doing it right here in Dandenong, providing jobs for 100 Victorians in construction, and creating work for hundreds more across the supply chain.”
“We’re delivering the world-class regional trains Victorians deserve – with modern amenities to make people’s journeys around our state more reliable, accessible and enjoyable.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“Alongside the upgrade of the North East Line, these trains will deliver a more mod
ern, comfortable journey for passengers travelling between Melbourne and Albury – we can’t wait for them to hit the tracks.”
Quote attributable to Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams
“At a time when many Victorians have lost work due to the pandemic, we’re proud to be building our regional trains right here in Dandenong – providing job security and extra work for hundreds of local people.”