Life-sized models have been unveiled of Melbourne’ next generation trams, which will be evaluated and tested before production ramps up.
The Victorian Government has invested $1.85 billion on 100 new G-class trams, as well as a new tram maintenance and stabling facility in Melbourne’s west.
With greater capacity than the high floor trams, they will have space for up to 150 passengers and feature a low floor design to improve accessibility. The trams also feature on-board energy storage to reduce power use and network costs.
The life-sized model allows passengers, tram drivers, technical and accessibility groups to walk through the interior layout including the drivers cab to provide feedback on the design.
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The first G Class trams are scheduled to begin testing on the network from 2025, before taking passengers on Routes 57, 59 and 82 in Melbourne’s west.
The next generation trams will replace some of Melbourne’ coldest serving A and Z class high-floor trams.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said the project is providing hundreds of jobs in the local community, as well as more accessible options for public transport.
“This is the biggest investment in locally made trams in Australia’s history and today is an important step towards finalising the design before production gets underway in Dandenong,” Williams said.