The first of 20 new trams ordered by the Victorian Government for Melbourne’s tram network has rolled off the production line.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Industry and Employment, Wade Noonan, at Bombardier’s Dandenong factory to get a look at the new E-Class tram, which will soon enter service on the world’s biggest tram network.
E-Class trams are the biggest and most accessible in Melbourne – featuring low floors, more myki readers, better information and space for more than 200 passengers.
The new E-Class models are being built right now and will be even safer and more comfortable than the current model, with more rails and handles for passengers to hold.
These trams are being built in Victoria – supporting 500 local jobs at Bombardier and local suppliers.
The project is also supporting the transition of ex-automotive workers, with Bombardier identifying a number of opportunities for reskilling.
The new trams are part of the Government’s rolling stock strategy – Trains, Trams, Jobs – which sets out a ten-year order book for hundreds of new trains and trams for Victoria.
The strategy will ensure the supply of new trains and trams keeps pace with patronage growth, and provides certainty to manufacturers and workers in the local rolling stock industry, which employs up to 10,000 Victorians.
The 51st E-Class built in Dandenong will now undergo testing and commissioning at Yarra Trams’ Preston workshop before joining the current E-Class fleet, which operates on routes 96, 86 and 11.
All 70 new E-Class trams ordered by successive Labor Governments will be in service by the end of 2018.
Mr Noonan said, “These new trams are part of our record investment in public transport – to create jobs, support our manufacturers and get people home safer and sooner, every day.”
