Boost For Jobs As Biggest Tram Project Gets Underway

Published:
Thursday 21 April 2022

The Andrews Labor Government is on track to deliver the largest investment in locally-made trams in Australia’s history – supporting thousands of jobs and improving access to Melbourne’s iconic tram network.

Bombardier Transportation Australia has been today awarded the contract to build 100 new and accessible trams as part of the Labor Government’s $1.85 billion Next Generation Trams Project.

The project supports up to 1,900 local jobs in manufacturing, the supply chain, and the construction of a new purpose-built depot and maintenance facility.

Following a competitive design and tender process, the proposed plans for the trams will be refined in consultation with key stakeholders including representatives from accessibility groups, passengers and tram drivers.

A local content quota of 65 per cent has been included as a requirement for the Next Generation Tram Project – the biggest for any train or tram project since rolling stock local content quotas were introduced.

The Next Generation Tram order will progressively replace some of Melbourne’s longest-serving high-floor trams to ensure the public transport network is accessible to all Victorians.

The Labor Government has invested more than $7.5 billion in new and upgraded rolling stock and supporting infrastructure since 2015 to get people where they need to go safer and sooner.

For more information on the Next Generation Tram Project go to: www.transport.vic.gov.au/next-gen-trams

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“We’re proud to build trams and trains in Victoria, by Victorians – supporting thousands of jobs and improving our public transport network.”

“Whether it’s delivering the road and rail upgrades that will slash travel times, or building new trams, trains and buses to get people where they need to go – we’re getting it done.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll

“We are delivering more comfortable, energy efficient and accessible transport services for Victorians to ensure they get to where they need to go safer and easier.”

“Victoria’s rolling stock industry is the envy of the nation and this project will support up to 1,900 local jobs throughout the supply chain and play a significant part in delivering more accessible services on our network.”

Quote attributable to Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams

“This historic investment in 100 locally-made trams will not only benefit passengers, but it is also creating thousands of jobs and providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.”

220421 - Boost For Jobs As Biggest Tram Project Gets Underway.pdf
PDF 163.5 KB
(opens in a new window)