The first of 25 new trains built in Ballarat has rolled off the production line, set to replace some of Melbourne’s longest-serving Comeng trains.
The X’Trapolis 2.0 trains are part of a $986 million investment from the Victorian Government and will provide more reliable and accessible journeys for passengers on some of Melbourne’s busiest rail corridors.
The new trains have nearly ten per cent more capacity than the Comeng fleet, accommodating around 1,225 people, and also have dedicated wheelchair spaces and mixed-use spaces for prams and bicycles.
Production of the X’Trapolis 2.0 has provided a huge boost to Victoria’s manufacturing industry thanks to a 60 per cent local content quota supporting up to 750 local jobs across the supply chain – including up to 150 in Ballarat.
The first X’Trapolis 2.0 train will soon begin a rigorous testing program on the network before it takes its first passengers.
The Victorian Government has invested more than $9 billion in locally-built metropolitan and regional trains, trams, buses and enabling infrastructure – supporting up to 10,000 Victorian jobs across the industry and supply chain.
Victorian Minister for Public and Active Transport, Gabrielle Williams, said, “Our investment in these next generation trains will deliver more reliable and smoother journeys for passengers.”
Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, said, “Our investment in next generation Ballarat built X’Trapolis 2.0 trains are supporting local manufacturing jobs and delivering a world-class travel experience for passengers.”
Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle, said, “It’s exciting to see the first new X’Trapolis 2.0 train take shape, proudly built right here in Ballarat by local manufacturing workers.”
Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett, said, “By building these state-of-the-art trains locally, we’re keeping manufacturing jobs in our region, and supporting suppliers from across our state.”
