Premier

Another Historic W-Class Tram Expertly Restored In Bendigo

26 April 2017

Another historic W-Class tram is on its way back to Melbourne after being restored to its former glory by a dedicated team of Bendigo Tramways staff and volunteers.

Minister for Public Transport and local Member Jacinta Allan visited the Bendigo Tramways Depot and Workshop today to see the recently restored tram 981 before it departs for Melbourne.

The 50 year old tram has been fully rebuilt to improve safety, comfort and reliability.

The restoration included a new impact resistant driver’s cabin, new electronics and wiring to improve reliability and performance, and a complete rebuild of the body of the tram to make it safer.

The exterior of the tram has also been painstakingly restored and repainted in its original green and gold livery.

The tram will run on Melbourne’s popular City Circle route, which carries more than three million people around the world’s most liveable city every year.

As well as restoring historic W-Class trams, the Andrews Labor Government is ordering brand new, high-capacity, low floor E-Class trams to run more services and carry more people on the world’s biggest tram network.

The Labor Government has already ordered 70 E-Class trams, and set out a 10 year plan to order many more in its rolling stock strategy: Trains, Trams, Jobs.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan

“W-Class trams have a special place in the hearts of all Victorians and it’s great to see another tram restored to its former glory.”

“I thank the hard working staff and volunteers for their expert restoration of this beautiful old tram, which will be used by millions to see the sights of Melbourne.”

“We’re preserving the rich history of Melbourne’s trams right here in Bendigo, while we continue our investment in trams of the future.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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