The immediate future of Altom’s Ballarat workshop looks all but secured after Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan announced an order of nine new X’Trapolis trains to be manufactured at the plant.
The new 54 carriage order is part of the Government’s Trains, Trams, Jobs: Rolling Stock Strategy, which was devised to put an end to the ad-hoc procurement of trains and trams, giving certainty to companies and workers in the engineering and manufacturing industries.
According to the Minister, the first train is expected to enter service in mid-2018, following the delivery of existing orders underway, with delivery of the ninth train expected in early 2019.
“We’re getting on with improving public transport, building the infrastructure we need like the Metro Tunnel and new trains, to keep Victoria moving,” Ms Allan said.
“We’re guaranteeing local jobs at Alstom in Ballarat and the broader supply chain in Victoria.”
Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight said there will be a fleet of 101 X’Trapolis trains on Melbourne’s network once this work is completed.
“I’m really proud of the quality of work the employees at Alstom’s Ballarat workshops turn out and of the contribution Alstom makes to our local community,” she added.
“These nine new trains, built in Ballarat for Melbourne, secures local jobs for years to come.”
Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard said the new trains will boost reliability and improve the carriages to make them more comfortable for passengers.
“Our pipeline of investment in trains and trams gives local workers certainty, boosts Ballarat’s economy and the capacity of Melbourne’s rail network,” Mr Howard said.
