The Victorian budget 2021/22 will include a $1.5 billion investment for rail public transport and to create jobs for local workers.
A $986 million investment will be allocated to support the design, construction and maintenance of 25 brand new X’Trapolis 2.0 trains.
The investment will also assist in the upgrade of the Craigieburn Train Maintenance Facility.
The Victorian Budget 2021/22 will further support investments throughout the state, with $595.7 million in critical road and rail projects being assigned.
The Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021 – 2030 will receive an investment of $358.8 million to implement strategies outlined under the plan.
A further $367.5 million will be allocated for infrastructure to support the Next generation of trams, including dedicated maintenance, which will be rolled out across the network in 2025.
Victorian Minister for Public Transport, Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said the investment will help to further improve Victoria’s rail and transport infrastructure.
“We’re not just upgrading road and rail – these investments deliver a ‘double benefit’ – creating thousands of jobs and supporting local businesses to boost our state’s economy when it needs it most,” Carroll said.
A maintenance investment of $158.6 million will form part of the investment, with a focus on maintaining Victoria’s older infrastructure, as well as creating over 100 jobs.
Victoria’s bus network will also receive infrastructural support, with $74.3 million being allocated to support the existing state bus network, including improving services in growing areas such as Clyde and Tarniet.
Victorian intersections will be made safer, with a promised investment of $62 million to deliver road upgrades. Select road and rail bridges will be upgraded as well, under a $32.4 million package.
Accessibility to public transport will also be a focus of the funding, with $7.6 million to be invested in improving lighting, weather protection and road markings at 40 priority stops.
Construction of public transport projects are set to create over 1,900 manufacturing and supply chain jobs at the peak of production.
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