The Andrews Labor Government will restore and reintroduce two additional W-Class trams onto Melbourne’s tram network.
Minister for Public Transport and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan made the announcement at Bendigo Tramways today as she farewelled the forth W-Class refurbished at the local depot and workshop.
The historic trams, which were first introduced to the network in the 1920s, will run on the City Circle route, bringing the history of Melbourne’s iconic trams to visitors and locals.
Each restoration is a significant undertaking, involving extensive stripping down and rebuilding of the vehicle to ensure it meets modern safety standards and provides a reliable and comfortable service.
Refurbishment of a W-Class tram can include:
- new impact resistant driver’s cabin
- new electronics and wiring to allow for GPS surveillance
- a complete rebuild of the body to improve safety
- painting and restoring the green and gold livery.
On top of refurbishing more W-Class trams, the Labor Government is delivering 70 new, modern low-floor E-class trams, to carry more passengers and make the network more accessible.
Quotes to be attributed to Minister for Public Transport and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“Two more W-Class trams will be refurbished at Bendigo Tramways, supporting this wonderful local workshop.”
“The refurbished trams will run on Melbourne’s city circle, bringing the history of Melbourne’s iconic tram network to a new generation of passengers.”
“The refurbished trams meet modern standards of comfort, safety and reliability, but remain true to the era in which they were built.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is celebrating the history of Melbourne’s tram network, and investing in its future – building 70 high-capacity, low floor trams to carry the thousands of extra passengers who will use the tram system in years to come.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020