Bombardier Transportation Australia has been awarded a framework contract to design, build, and maintain 100 new and accessible trams as part of the Victorian Government’s $1.85 billion Next Generation Trams Project.
The Next Generation Trams will be the largest investment in locally made trams in Australia’s history, supporting 1900 jobs and improving access to Melbourne’s tram network.
The project will support local jobs in manufacturing, the supply chain, and the construction of a new purpose-built depot and maintenance facility.
Bombardier Transportation Australia (recently acquired by Alstom) will undertake 15 years of maintenance as part of the approximately $1.2 billion contract.
A local content quota of 65 per cent has been included as a requirement for the Next Generation Tram Project – the biggest for any train or tram project since rolling stock local content quotas were introduced.
The Next Generation Tram order will progressively replace some of Melbourne’s longest-serving high-floor trams to improve the accessibility of the the public transport network.
Ling Fang, President of Asia-Pacific Region, Alstom said the contact was recognition of the company’s track record of delivering innovative solutions.
“The project will provide a solution to address the balance in passenger demand growth and the need for sustainable mobility outcomes,” Fang said.
As a part of the Next Generation Trams Project, a new tram maintenance and stabling facility is being developed in Melbourne’s west. This is planned for part of the vacant former student accommodation site in Maidstone.
The Department of Transport has purchased a vacant site in Maidstone at the corner of Hampstead and Williamson Roads and will lead its development on behalf of the Victorian Government. Early works on the tram maintenance facility are expected to start in 2023, subject to planning and heritage approvals.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the project would provide boost for local employment, as well as the economy.
“We’re proud to build trams and trains in Victoria, by Victorians – supporting thousands of jobs and improving our public transport network,” he said.
Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said the Next Generation Trams Project would increase the efficiency of the public transport network.
“We are delivering more comfortable, energy efficient and accessible transport services for Victorians to ensure they get to where they need to go safer and easier,” Carroll said.
The tram design is expected to be finalised in 2023, following engagement with technical, accessibility, passenger, and driver representatives to refine the proposed design.
The first vehicles are anticipated to be in service from 2025.
For more information on the project, click here.
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