Alstom Ballarat will produce new X’Trapolis 2.0 trains beyond 2019, after it agreed to update its design to incorporate more local content.
The manufacturer recently came to terms with the State Government on a program to update the X’Trapolis trainsets it delivers to the Melbourne Metro network.
The X’Trapolis 2.0 design will be used for all future deliveries after the current five-train order, which is due for completion by the end of 2019.
Alstom will deliver the five six-carriage X’Trapolis trains after the State Government provided $103.5 million for the additional trains in its 2018-19 Budget.
A total of 24 X’Trapolis trains have been funded by the Victorian Government, with 17 already in service.
“This announcement keeps high skilled jobs in Ballarat, and it keeps Alstom in Victoria,” state transport minister Jacinta Allan said.
“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.”
65 workers are currently employed at Alstom’s Ballarat workshop for X’Trapolis fit-outs and necessary modifications, including four apprentices and trainees.
“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,” Allan said.