The Victorian Government has announced a fleet of more accessible and energy efficient trains to support Victoria’s rail infrastructure.
The 25 new X’Trapolis 2.0 metro trains will be funded through $986 million investment as part of the Victorian Budget 2021/22.
The project will support 750 jobs, with opportunities for manufacturing and supply chains major benefits from the construction.
The trains will be built locally, with at least 150 of the new jobs to be based in Alstom’s Ballarat facility.
The new trains will run in some of Melbourne’s fastest growing suburbs, including the Craigieburn, Upfield and Frankston lines.
Acting Premier James Merlino said the project will not only support the state’s rail but will also assist in the economy’s recovery.
“We’re designing and building Melbourne’s new train fleet right here in Victoria, delivering better journeys for Victorians in some of our fastest-growing suburbs,” Merlino said.
“These are trains made in Victoria, for Victorians, by Victorians – supporting local jobs at a time we need them most.”
Design work on the trains is already underway, with manufacturing on the trains set to begin late next year.
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