The Andrews Labor Government will deliver a new fleet of more accessible, reliable and energy efficient trains built locally to create a better public transport network and support jobs in Victoria’s world-class manufacturing sector.

The Victorian Budget 2021/2022 will invest $986 million to build 25 brand-new X’Trapolis 2.0 trains and the infrastructure they need to modernise the state’s train fleet – making journeys more reliable, directly supporting around 750 jobs across manufacturing and supply chains.

Designed and manufactured predominantly in Victoria, the new trains will provide a vital boost to the state’s advanced rolling stock manufacturing industry – particularly in regional Victoria, with at least 150 of the new jobs to be based at Alstom’s Ballarat facility.

This vital investment in new trains will also support the gradual retirement of the Comeng fleet – the longest-running trains on the metropolitan network – with the new trains set to run through some of Melbourne’s fastest-growing suburbs along the Craigieburn, Upfield and Frankston lines.

Part of the investment will also upgrade the Craigieburn Train Maintenance Facility, creating space for these modern trains and improving train maintenance to make the fleet more reliable and improve their longevity.

Detailed design work is already underway, with manufacturing of the X’Trapolis 2.0 trains to begin late next year.

This significant investment builds on the $1.48 billion investment in last year’s Budgetto design, build and maintain 100 brand-new Next Generation trams in Victoria, improving the state’s transport network for all Victorians and supporting more than 1800 jobs at the peak of production.

The Labor Government has invested more than $7.5 billion in Victoria’s rolling stock since 2015, building new trains, trams and buses to deliver better journeys for passengers and attracting – and retaining – the best and brightest manufacturing talent to Victoria.