The Victorian Government is supporting local jobs with a new train-building contract with Alstom to design and build 25 new X’Trapolis 2.0 trains in Ballarat.

The partnership with Alstom will support around 750 jobs in manufacturing and the supply chain – including a 60 per cent local content quota to support local skilled manufacturing jobs including trainee and apprenticeship positions.

After an extensive two-year interactive design process, detailed design work is now underway with manufacturing set to start late next year.

The new X’Trapolis trains will gradually replace Melbourne’s Comeng fleet and be more accessible, reliable and energy efficient.

The $986 million project, funded in the Victorian Budget 2021/2022, will also improve infrastructure including the Craigieburn Train Maintenance Facility to create more space for these modern trains and improve train maintenance to make the fleet more reliable and increase longevity.

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.

The Victorian Government has invested more than $7.5 billion in new and upgraded trains, trams and supporting infrastructure since 2015, improving passenger services and helping support up to 10,000 workers in the local rolling stock industry.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll

“We’re delivering more accessible and energy efficient trains for passengers and supporting hundreds of jobs in Ballarat and around the state in the supply chain.”

“These trains will modernise Melbourne’s train fleet and continue our proud record of delivering locally-built, world-class trains for Victorians.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“The Victorian Government is investing in our local manufacturing industry and this project cements Ballarat’s place as an important part of Victoria’s advanced rolling stock manufacturing sector.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“This investment is great for the regional economy and will create more than 150 new jobs at Alstom and 750 across the region. We know how important it is to keep manufacturing local and this project will see trains built in Victoria for Victorians.”