- Published:
- Wednesday 7 February 2018
The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled the final life-size model of Melbourne’s new High Capacity Metro Train, giving people their first chance to experience the biggest, most advanced train in Victoria’s history.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan inspected the model train today, which will be on public display at Birrarung Marr from 9 February.
The ‘Melbourne, meet your train’ event will be free and feature full access to the train, a virtual reality experience for kids, a public transport information hub, kids’ activity zone, as well as competitions and prizes.
The event will end with a light display as part of White Night on 17 February, after which the train will be used for ongoing testing and training purposes.
Over the course of 2017, Victorians provided 2,500 pieces of feedback on the design of the 160-metre-long, seven-carriage train.
Feedback from accessibility and passenger groups, train drivers and technical experts led to 157 design improvements – including better hand holds, extra priority flip-down seating and improved bike and pram zones.
Manufacturing of the 65 High Capacity Metro Trains will begin soon at Melbourne’s Newport workshops, and will create 175 of the project’s 1,100 local jobs.
For more information about the ‘Melbourne, meet your new train’ event, visit transport.vic.gov.au/biggertrains.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“In just a few days, Victoria will get their first look at the biggest, most advanced train in Victoria’s history.”
“We’ve worked with passengers, drivers and the experts to get the design of the new trains right, and now we’re getting on with building them – to create jobs and a better transport network for Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“Work is soon to begin to build 65 better trains – supporting local jobs and hitting the tracks in 2019.”
“We’re making up for four years of complete inaction under the former Liberal Government – building bigger trains to carry more passengers and support local jobs.”