The Victorian Government has a pipeline of work upgrading Melbourne’s iconic tram fleet, breathing new life into older tram models and preparing to deliver the state’s newest Next Generation Trams.
Invitations were extended to SEMMA members by the Department of Transport to attend the recent Industry Engagement on-line event, “Rolling Stock Industry – Introducing the Next Generation Trams Project” Webinar, opened by the Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll.
100 Next Generation Trams will make up the biggest single investment in trams in the state’s history – with $1.48 billion in the Victorian Budget 2020-21 to design and manufacture Victoria’s most modern, accessible and energy-efficient trams and purchase land for a new dedicated tram maintenance facility.
The Next Generation Tram fleet will be made in Victoria, with a local content requirement of 65% for the project.
Minister Carroll was introduced by the Victorian Rail Advocate, Jill Walsh, a long time supporter of SEMMA and its members, and featured a number of presentations from departmental representatives and an expert panel responding to questions around the Next Gen Trams.
The Next Generation Trams will enable the retirement of older high-floor trams, making our public transport network more accessible for all Victorians. The Next Generation Trams will also be more energy-efficient, with on-board energy storage to reduce power use. The Next Generation Trams are due to start rolling out across Melbourne from 2025.
The Victorian Government has invited a select group of shortlisted manufacturers to bid to design, build and maintain the Next Generation Trams. The successful manufacturer will be chosen in 2021.
