The Andrews Labor Government will deliver a new fleet of more accessible, reliable and energy efficient trains built locally to create a better public transport network and support jobs in Victoria’s world-class manufacturing sector.

The Victorian Budget 2021/2022 will invest $986 million to build 25 brand-new X’Trapolis 2.0 trains and the infrastructure they need to modernise the state’s train fleet – making journeys more reliable, directly supporting around 750 jobs across manufacturing and supply chains.

Designed and manufactured predominantly in Victoria, the new trains will provide a vital boost to the state’s advanced rolling stock manufacturing industry – particularly in regional Victoria, with at least 150 of the new jobs to be based at Alstom’s Ballarat facility.

This vital investment in new trains will also support the gradual retirement of the Comeng fleet – the longest-running trains on the metropolitan network – with the new trains set to run through some of Melbourne’s fastest-growing suburbs along the Craigieburn, Upfield and Frankston lines.

Part of the investment will also upgrade the Craigieburn Train Maintenance Facility, creating space for these modern trains and improving train maintenance to make the fleet more reliable and improve their longevity.

Detailed design work is already underway, with manufacturing of the X’Trapolis 2.0 trains to begin late next year.

This significant investment builds on the $1.48 billion investment in last year’s Budget to design, build and maintain 100 brand-new Next Generation trams in Victoria, improving the state’s transport network for all Victorians and supporting more than 1800 jobs at the peak of production.

The Labor Government has invested more than $7.5 billion in Victoria’s rolling stock since 2015, building new trains, trams and buses to deliver better journeys for passengers and attracting – and retaining – the best and brightest manufacturing talent to Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Acting Premier James Merlino

“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.”

“These are trains made in Victoria, for Victorians, by Victorians – supporting local jobs at a time we need them most.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll

“We’ve added hundreds of new services to our timetable – and we’re delivering a big pipeline of new trains and trams to support our Big Build projects and support thousands of jobs.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“Ballarat has a proud history of making trains and this is great news – keeping high skilled jobs in our local community, backing our local economy.”

Quote attributable for Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“We said we’d work with Alstom to protect local jobs, and that’s exactly what this announcement does by delivering yet another huge pipeline of work.”