The new X’Trapolis 2.0 trains provide more reliable journeys, better passenger information, and improved accessibility, energy efficiency and comfort.
The new trains have started taking passengers, with the Upfield, Craigieburn and Frankston lines first to benefit from these state-of-the-art trains. They will enable the gradual retirement of our entire long-serving Comeng trains.
The new trains are being built right here in regional Victoria, and will include at least 60 per cent local content. This will support up to 750 local jobs across the supply chain and up to 150 in the local Ballarat area.
These new trains are being built by the local arm of international train and tram manufacturer Alstom, and are the next phase of renewal for Melbourne’s train fleet, following the rollout of our new High Capacity Metro Trains, which are now operating on the Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Sunbury Line serving the Metro Tunnel.
Passenger benefits
The trains make travelling more comfortable and improve accessibility for passengers with:
- space for about 1225 passengers
- wider doors to make boarding and alighting easier, helping maintain on-time running
- advanced air suspension systems enabling a smoother ride
- improved passenger information showing the journey in real-time
- a more energy-efficient design configured for Melbourne’s rail network
- new interior designs to improve accessibility for hearing-, vision- and mobility-impaired passengers, including 20 wheelchair spaces
- enhanced accessibility features:
- more mobility spaces
- semi-automated boarding ramps
- hearing loops
- continuous walkway throughout the train
- clearer, more informative passenger displays
- designated ‘mixed-use’ onboard spaces for bicycle and pram storage and dedicated wheelchair spaces.
Refining the design
The Victorian Government and train manufacturer Alstom collaborated with accessibility, passenger, and technical stakeholders to refine the design of the new trains and ensure they meet today’s needs.
A range of Victorians got the chance to influence the look and feel of the new Victorian-made X’Trapolis 2.0 trains from May to July 2023, using a life-sized physical mock-up of the train in an award-winning engagement process.
This included in-depth sessions with technical, passenger and accessibility stakeholders, supported by subject matter experts from the Department of Transport and Planning, Alstom and Metro Trains Melbourne.
Hundreds of individual pieces of feedback were used to inform the train’s final design, with the results reported in a [conversation summary]
Stakeholder feedback resulted in 58 design changes based on 641 individual pieces of recorded feedback from the 1632 visitors that came through the mock-up.
Further design refinements were also made throughout the manufacturing and testing phases of the project.
These changes have improved passenger and driver experience on the train, making journeys more accessible and more comfortable.
Supporting local jobs
X’Trapolis 2.0 trains have been designed and manufactured in Victoria at Alstom’s Ballarat facility, with at least 60 per cent local content.
This project has provided a significant boost to Victoria’s local rolling stock manufacturing industry, supporting around 750 manufacturing and supply chain jobs as well as trainee and apprenticeship positions – with a significant number of these based in the Ballarat area.
Building on our experience in other recent Victorian train projects, we’ve ensured our new trains are also easier for the skilled driving and maintenance staff to operate and maintain every day.
For more details on job opportunities in construction, maintenance, and operations, visit the Alstom website or the Metro Trains website.
Manufacturing and testing
The X’Trapolis 2.0 trains are being made in Victoria at Ballarat, with at least 60 per cent local content, exceeding the Government’s minimum 50 per cent local content requirement.
As part of the project, Alstom’s Ballarat manufacturing site was upgraded to bring it up to modern standards, supported by the Victorian Government's investment in the X'Trapolis 2.0 project.
The Ballarat facility is over 100 years old and has a proud history as a key pillar of the state's rolling stock industry.
Local suppliers are delivering key elements of the new trains such as accessibility ramps, passenger windows, heating and ventilation systems, and couplers that connect the train carriages together.
The new trains have started taking passengers after undergoing a rigorous testing program across our network, demonstrating their safety and reliability.
Craigieburn Train Maintenance Facility
Metro Trains operates the X’Trapolis 2.0 train fleet and maintains them at the Craigieburn Train Maintenance Facility.
Craigieburn has been upgraded to house the new six-car trains. New roof platforms and extended maintenance pits will help workers safely maintain all parts of the trains.
The upgrades have also created more space for the new trains and improved train maintenance activities, ensuring the fleet remains reliable and keeping more trains on the tracks.
Virtual tour of the train
More information
For more information on the X’Trapolis 2.0 train project, email: xt2trains@transport.vic.gov.au
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