The first new G Class tram has arrived at the new Maidstone Tram Depot in Melbourne, where it will begin testing.
The depot, which will help maintain, clean and house the new G Class fleet, was officially opened by Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams on Friday.
The first new tram will undergo a series of tests at the purpose-built facility to assess the braking systems, accessibility features and overall reliability, before it begins planned testing on the light rail network later this year.
A fleet of 100 new low-floor, next-generation trams will be rolled out on Routes 57, 59 and 82 and will gradually replace the older high-floor trams.
The Victorian Government said the new trams offer more space and better accessibility for up to 150 passengers, which is almost double the size currently operating in Melbourne’s west.
The low floor design will make boarding easier for people with wheelchairs, prams and mobility issues, and the trams will also feature more doors and handrails.
The next-gen trams will also offer modern heating and cooling systems, as well as improved passenger information, with the new design developed in consultation with accessibility groups, passengers and tram drivers.
“This is an exciting milestone for Melbourne’s west – with local workers, local design and local innovation driving the future of our city’s iconic tram network,” said Member for Footscray Katie Hall.
With a 65 per cent local content requirement, the new fleet is being manufactured in Dandenong by Alstom, with the program supporting up to 1900 local jobs across manufacturing, construction and the supply chain.
Alstom also has the contract to operate the purpose-built Maidstone maintenance depot for the next 15 years, supporting over 40 full‑time employees.
The depot will feature advanced technology, including digital monitoring tools and an automated vehicle inspection system – a tram scanner that captures precise measurements as trams pass through, ensuring safety and performance standards are met in real time.
The premises also incorporates LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, adaptive reuse and recycled materials to reduce environmental impact.
Speaking about the arrival of the first G Class at the depot, Pascal Dupond, Alstom Australia and New Zealand Managing Director said on Friday: “Today is about more than opening a facility – it’s about supporting the future of Melbourne’s tram network.
“Maidstone is a state‑of‑the‑art depot that will keep the G Class fleet running safely and reliably for the next 15 years.
“Built in Dandenong by our skilled local team, these trams combine Alstom’s global technology with Victorian know‑how to deliver accessible, energy‑efficient journeys for passengers.”
