First train rolls off production line

THE first of twenty-five X-Trapolis 2.0 trains has been built at Alstom Ballarat with the vehicle now to undergo testing before it is used on the Metro network’s Craigieburn Upfield and Frankston lines.

Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams visited the site on Tuesday to celebrate the achievement along with Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison.

The new trains are being funded with $986 million from the State Government and they will replace the Comeng fleet providing nearly 10 per cent more capacity.

X-Trapolis 2.0 trains will also have dynamic route maps, and all six carriages will be fully accessible.

“[The trains] will be more reliable, they will be more accessible and more energy efficient,” said Ms Williams.

“I think that’s also key to us, making sure that we have rolling stock that is fit for purpose in a public transport network that is very unique.”

Production has created 750 jobs across the supply chain and 150 of those are in Ballarat.

“We’ve been building trains in Ballarat for over a century… 20 years ago the first X-Trapolis was rolled out of here and now we’ve got the X-Trapolis 2.0,” said Ms Addison.

“I couldn’t be happier that we’re creating local jobs, we’re supporting the local economy, local suppliers.”