Major works have begun on the Next Generation Trams Project, with manufacturing of Melbourne’s first G Class Trams underway in Victoria.
Backed by a $1.85 billion investment by the Victorian Government, the project is delivering 100 low floor trams, along with a new tram maintenance and stabling facility in Maidstone.
The G Class trams will be more accessible and have more space, accommodating 150 passengers – which is about double the capacity of current high floor trams on the network.
The new tram has been developed and refined following extensive consultation with representatives from accessibility and technical groups, passengers and tram drivers, with this engagement including tours of a life-sized model of the tram.
The three section, 25m long G class trams will feature more doors, handrails and improvements to displays and passenger information – making it easier and more accessible for people to use public transport.
The new trams are being built with at least 65 per cent local content and will support up to 1,900 local jobs across manufacturing, construction and the supply chain.
G Class trams are also being built to be more sustainable – featuring on-board energy storage to capture energy from braking and limit electricity usage at peak times, helping reduce power use and network costs.
The first G Class trams are expected to begin testing on the network in 2025, before taking passengers on Routes 57, 59 and 82 in Melbourne’s west.
Since 2015, the State Government has invested more than $9 billion in new and upgraded rolling stock and supporting infrastructure, backing more than 10,000 jobs across the industry.
Significant accessibility improvements across Victoria’s public transport network have also been delivered, including 98 accessible tram stops and more than 80 new or upgraded train stations – making our network more modern and inclusive.
Victorian Minister for Public and Active Transport, Gabrielle Williams, said, “Our next-generation G Class trams will deliver more comfortable, accessible and energy-efficient journeys – developed with, built by, and made for Victorians.
“This exciting project will make Melbourne’s iconic tram network even better, while supporting hundreds of skilled jobs and keeping critical manufacturing skills and capability in Victoria.”
