The Victorian Government has built the first of 25 new state-of-the-art trains in Ballarat, with passengers on some of the busiest rail corridors set to receive more reliable and accessible journeys.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams has announced that the first X’Trapolis 2.0 train has rolled off the production line, as part of a $986 million Labor Government investment.
The new trains have nearly 10 per cent more capacity than the Comeng fleet, accommodating around 1,225 people, and also have dedicated wheelchair spaces and mixed-use spaces for prams and bicycles.
“Our investment in these next generation trains will deliver more reliable and smoother journeys for passengers,” Williams said.
The 25 new trains will gradually replace Melbourne’s longest-serving Comeng trains where they run on the metropolitan network, providing passengers with a more reliable, accessible and energy efficient journey.
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison spoke about what the manufacturing means for the community.
“Our investment in next generation Ballarat built X’Trapolis 2.0 trains are supporting local manufacturing jobs and delivering a world-class travel experience for passengers,” she said.
Production of the X’Trapolis 2.0 has provided a huge boost to Victoria’s manufacturing industry thanks to a 60 per cent local content quota supporting up to 750 local jobs across the supply chain – including up to 150 in Ballarat.
The first X’Trapolis 2.0 train will soon begin a rigorous testing program on the network before it takes its first passengers.
The Labor Government has invested more than $9 billion in locally-built metropolitan and regional trains, trams, buses and enabling infrastructure – supporting up to 10,000 Victorian jobs across the industry and supply chain.
