Passenger Rail, Rolling stock & Rail Vehicle Design

Design works approved for new North East line VLocity fleet

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The Victorian government has conditionally approved the scope of works for new VLocity trains for the North East Line, upgrade works for which are to begin next year.

The new long-haul trains are being built by Bombardier Transportation Australia, and provide similar to other VLocity trains currently in operation across the regional network.

The new trains are being specifically designed to meet the needs of the North East line and will be built and ready to take passengers once the $235 million upgrade to the line is complete.

The state government announcement that it had reached an agreement with Bombardier to complete the design of the bogies for the new standard gauge VLocity trains. VLocity trains have not previously been fitted with standard gauge bogies, so the bogies will take the longest to design, construct and gain safety accreditation.

“The trains that run on the North East Line will be one of a kind – you can’t just buy them off the shelf, that’s why we’ve already started doing the work with Bombardier to ensure they’re ready to go,” Labor MP for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said.

Bombardier is also delivering the next stages of design work for the new standard gauge VLocity trains for the North East Line, including the provision of facilities for food and drink options, sufficient luggage space and room for bikes.

“We said we’d have the trains ready by the time the track is finished – and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” state transport minister Jacinta Allan said.

“Finalising the scope of works is an important step forward and we will continue to work with the Commonwealth government to ensure passengers are the priority as works begin.”