The Andrews Labor Government is building a safer, more reliable and better‑connected transport system and supporting thousands of Victorian jobs when they’re needed most.
The Victorian Budget 2021/22 will deliver a massive $1.5 billion investment in rolling stock to make public transport journeys more comfortable and reliable – and create new jobs for local workers.
Of this investment, $986 million will support the design, construction and maintenance of 25 brand new X’Trapolis 2.0 trains and upgrade the Craigieburn Train Maintenance Facility.
Last year’s Budget was the largest tram order in Victoria in decades, with $1.4 billion to build 100 new modern, accessible trams that will progressively replace Victoria’s ageing A and Z class trams, and develop a new maintenance facility to keep our rolling stock on‑track and up‑to‑scratch.
This investment supports 1,900 local manufacturing and supply chain jobs at the peak of production.
A further $367.5 million investment will deliver enabling infrastructure for the Next Generation Trams, including a dedicated tram maintenance facility, which will start rolling out on the network in 2025.
The X’Trapolis 2.0 trains will be designed and manufactured predominantly in Victoria, with major work being completed in Ballarat. This investment will also support local supply chains, including 750 new local jobs and solidifying Victoria’s position as the national leader in rolling stock manufacturing and expertise.
While new trains and trams are being designed and built to modernise our public transport fleet, $158.6 million will deliver maintenance work to extend the life of Victoria’s older rolling stock, keeping them servicing our busiest routes reliably and supporting 100 jobs.
The Labor Government is also providing better transport connections for Victorians, no matter where they live – with the state’s regional train network benefitting from $613.1 million of support.
This critical investment will see significant maintenance works and upgrades to communication systems increase reliability, ensuring a world‑class rail system for regional communities and more efficient movement of freight.
Living with a disability shouldn’t be a barrier to using public transport. A $25.4 million investment will boost accessibility across the network, with $7.6 million to upgrade up to 1,200 Melbourne tram stops with braille plates and tactile ground markings, as well as improved lighting, weather protection and road markings at 40 priority stops.
Many Victorian communities rely on strong local bus connections – and the Budget will invest $74.3 million to reform the state’s bus network, continue vital passenger and school bus services and deliver new services in growing areas where they are most needed, including Clyde and Tarneit.
The vast majority of deaths on Victorian roads are preventable, and the Labor Government is taking action to end the heartbreak too many families experience. That includes investing $385.8 million to implement initial actions under the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021 – 2030 and drive down road trauma.
This includes research and development of new technologies, additional cameras and the continued roll-out of life saving infrastructure like road safety barriers and signage.
The vital School Crossing Supervisor Program will continue, with $41.1 million to keep Victorian kids – some of our most vulnerable road users – safe around their schools.
The intersections Victorian motorists use each day will be made safer, with a $62 million funding package to deliver localised road upgrades across Victoria. A number of road and rail bridges will also be upgraded under a $32.4 million package to keep our roads running smoothly and safely for freight.
Key transport projects across regional Victoria will be delivered to improve the state’s transport network and kick‑start work on vital projects for regional communities, primary producer supply chains and the tourism sector, including the Surf Coast Highway corridor in the state’s south west.
The Budget will invest $10.5 million into the Ballarat Station Precinct, which will safely reopen the Lydiard Street level crossing with a modern crossing that remains respectful of the precinct’s significant heritage.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport, Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll
“No matter where you live or why you travel, we’re building a transport system that works for all Victorians – and gets more Victorians back into work.”
“We’re not just upgrading road and rail – these investments deliver a ‘double benefit’ – creating thousands of jobs and supporting local businesses to boost our state’s economy when it needs it most.”
“Our investments in a better transport network are delivering on the benefits of our massive Big Build – with the infrastructure in place, we can deliver more services, more often, to more Victorians.”
Reviewed 20 May 2021