The Victorian Government has awarded a contract to build 100 new and accessible trams as part of the $1.85 billion Next Generation Trams Project – the largest investment in locally-made trams in Australia’s history.
Bombardier Transportation Australia has been awarded the contract which will support thousands of jobs and improve access to Melbourne’s iconic tram network.
The project supports up to 1,900 local jobs in manufacturing, the supply chain, and the construction of a new purpose-built depot and maintenance facility.
Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, said, “We’re proud to build trams and trains in Victoria, by Victorians – supporting thousands of jobs and improving our public transport network.
“Whether it’s delivering the road and rail upgrades that will slash travel times, or building new trams, trains and buses to get people where they need to go – we’re getting it done.”
Following a competitive design and tender process, the proposed plans for the trams will be refined in consultation with key stakeholders including representatives from accessibility groups, passengers and tram drivers.
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.
Victorian Minister for Public Transport, Ben Carroll, said the State Government is delivering more comfortable, energy efficient and accessible transport services for Victorians to ensure they get to where they need to go safer and easier.
“Victoria’s rolling stock industry is the envy of the nation and this project will support up to 1,900 local jobs throughout the supply chain and play a significant part in delivering more accessible services on our network,” Mr Carroll said.
The Next Generation Tram order will progressively replace some of Melbourne’s longest-serving high-floor trams to ensure the public transport network is accessible to all Victorians.
Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, said, “This historic investment in 100 locally-made trams will not only benefit passengers, but it is also creating thousands of jobs and providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.”
The Victorian Government has invested more than $7.5 billion in new and upgraded rolling stock and supporting infrastructure since 2015 to get people where they need to go safer and sooner.
