Victoria’s Department of Transport (DoT) and Alstom signed a EUR 300 million contract for the supply of 25 six-car X’trapolis trains for Melbourne’s suburban rail network.

An interior mock-up for stakeholder consultation is planned for next year, with manufacturing due to commence by the end of 2022.

The train order follows the budget support announced in May 2021 when the Victorian Government committed AUD 986 million (USD 713.96 million) funding to acquire the new train fleet.

The contract follows an extensive two-year interactive design process with the DoT to design and engineer a rolling stock solution specifically compatible with Melbourne’s unique existing rail infrastructure.

This new generation X’trapolis trains will deliver a much-needed network capacity increase without the need for major, costly infrastructure and power supply upgrades. The new trains will be more accessible, reliable and energy efficient.

The trains will be designed and built in Victoria, and under the contract, the project includes at least 60% local content that will boost the state’s advanced rolling stock manufacturing industry, securing the future of Alstom’s Ballarat manufacturing facility, and pave the way for new, long-term employment opportunities in the rail industry, including multiple trainee and apprenticeship positions.

The trains capitalises on key elements of the existing X’trapolis trains, which enabled it to become the most reliable fleet on the Melbourne network. The proposed new design enhances the existing elements with the latest service-proven technologies. The new train’s capacity will exceed 1,240 passengers and will be built to the latest International and Australian standards, with an increased focus on accessibility and efficiency.

The delivery of the new trains will support the gradual retirement of the Comeng fleet, the longest-running trains on the network, with the new trains set to run through some of Melbourne’s fastest-growing suburbs along the Craigieburn, Upfield and Frankston lines.

The trains will join the existing Alstom’s 106 X’trapolis suburban tain fleet and 88 Vlocity regional trains.

Sursa: Railway PRO

Alstom has delivered the 100th, and final Flexity light rail vehicle to the Department of Transport in Victoria which will enter operation on Melbourne tram network. The E-class tram was rolled out from Yarra’s Southbank depot on 1st October.

The trams were locally manufactured at Alstom’s Dandenong rolling stock facility including more than 50% local content, supporting around 75 employees and a thriving ecosystem of local suppliers in Victoria.

Alstom designed the vehicles to meet the specific characteristics of the Melbourne tram network, including increased accessibility.

In 2010 Department of Transport in Victoria awarded Bombardier Transportation, now part of Alstom Group, a contract worth AUD 303 million (USD 218.75 million, in 2021 prices) for the supply of 50 Flexity Swift low floor trams including the delivery of maintenance equipment and maintenance of the trams until 2017. The contract includes an option for 100 additional trams.

Between 2015 and 2019, the department ordered additional 20, 10, 10 and 10 vehicles proving the performance, quality and accessibility credentials of the platform.

Alstom’s LRV fleet in Victoria also includes 41 Citadis X02 LRVs, taking the total number of vehicles operating on the network to 141.

“This is a significant milestone for our operations in Victoria and I would like to thank and congratulate our team and all the local suppliers who have worked tirelessly to make this happen,” Alstom’s Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, Mark Coxon said.

The tram is based on the low-floor Flexity light rail vehicle platform, which is the largest fleet of modern low-floor trams operating on the Melbourne tram network. The fleet is approximately one fifth of the network’s overall fleet.

Melbourne has the world’s largest operational tram network, spanning over 250 km of double track served by 1,700 tram stops, including 420+ that are accessible and 9 depots across Melbourne. Yarra Trams is currently constructing a new maintenance facility designed for this new tram fleet. The network is operated by a total tram fleet of more than 475 vehicles which ensure over 200 million trips annually.

Sursa: Railway PRO

Victoria’s Government has announced a AUD 9.3 billion (USD 6.58 billion) new funding to support major construction works for the Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East which are scheduled to start next year.

“The Suburban Rail Loop is not just a rail line – it delivers opportunities for Victorians to live close to work, more access to education and services and supports thousands of new jobs at a time our state needs them most,” Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews said.

The project covers the construction of a 26 km long twin tunnel and six underground stations between Cheltenham and Box Hill. The section will provide transport connection on the Gippsland corridor offering increased access to health, education and retail destinations in Melbourne’s east and south east region.

The announcement provides certainty for project delivery and communities in the region, paving the way for procurement of main works packages to start next year.

In November 2020, the government provided AUD 2.5 billion for planning and development of the Suburban Rail Loop and for initial and early works on SRL East.

The contract for this first phase of works which will create up to 800 early direct jobs, has been awarded to Laing O’Rourke, which has agreed to exceed workforce and local content targets. The works include preparing sites for the launch of tunnel boring machines, moving and protecting underground services, ground improvement, geotechnical investigations and roads modifications.

The commuters in the south east region of Melbourne will experience much faster journeys on the underground line, saving up to an hour on a one-way trip. Trains will take 3-4 minutes between stations, and a journey from Cheltenham to Box Hill will be just 22 minutes.

The Eastern section of the Suburban Rail Loop is expected to enter operation in 2035 transforming Melbourne’s public transport network and better connecting people to jobs, health, education, retail opportunities and each other.

Fast, efficient, high-tech trains powered by renewables will provide a turn up and go service carrying around 70,000 passengers a day.

The business investment case of the SRL East and SRL North shows that these two projects will deliver AUD 58.7 billion (USD 41.5 billion) in economic, social and environmental benefits, and will support up to 24,000 local jobs.

Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop involves the construction of a 90 km long railway line comprising three sections: SRL East, SRL North and SRL West. It will link all the regional and suburban railway lines.

Sursa: Railway PRO

Cum de si-a pastrat Melbourne sistemul de tramvai?

Trenurile metropolitane de pe Pakenham Line vor circula complet separate de traficul auto, de anul acesta. S-a dat în folosință încă un pasaj rutier ce a eliminat o trecere la nivel și au mai rămas doar 2 treceri la nivel de rezolvat.

Metro Trains Melbourne wrote:
🚆🎉 The first level crossing removal of the year is now complete, marking a huge milestone in our journey to a safer, smoother travel experience. 🚧

With the removal of the level crossing at Station Street, Beaconsfield, we're not only boosting safety for everyone but also easing congestion in the area, making commute times faster and more reliable.

This is a key step toward making the Pakenham Line level crossing-free later this year! 🙌 With just two sets of boom gates left, Melbourne's busiest rail line is closer than ever to being completely free of level crossings.

Sursa / credit foto: Facebook / Metro Trains Melbourne