Premier

Tram Refurbishment Improves Reliability And Creates Jobs

11 July 2018

The Andrews Labor Government is refurbishing Melbourne’s fleet of iconic trams to improve reliability and the passenger experience with the first completed tram rolling out of the new East Preston Depot this week.

Acting Premier James Merlino said the improvements to around 450 trams will increase reliability and create jobs, including for former automotive industry workers.

More than 100 jobs will be created to help deliver the five-year refurbishment program, which includes an overhaul of mechanical components to ensure reliability and structural repairs to remove and protect against corrosion.

Up to 14 trams at a time will undergo refurbishment, and trams will also receive a deep clean of the interior and other upgrades including repainting and in some model’s glass or window film replacement.

The refurbishments are being undertaken at the East Preston Depot, which was recently upgraded following Labor Government investment.

The tram upgrades will be spread over the next five years to minimise disruptions to timetabled services, with up to 14 trams at a time undergoing refurbishment.

The $230 million Tram Refurbishment Project is part of the new franchise agreement between the Government and Keolis Downer aimed at giving passengers better value for money, more services, and greater reliability.

The new tram contract sees a $30 million increase in annual spending on track and infrastructure maintenance to improve reliability, and tougher penalties for the operator not meeting targets.

The project has 65 per cent local content for materials and services, as part of the Victorian Industry Participation Policy.

Melbourne has the world’s largest tram network, running more than 5,000 services a day and transporting more than 200 million passengers annually.

Quotes attributable to Acting Premier James Merlino

“We’re supporting local jobs by improving Melbourne’s trams to give passengers a more comfortable and reliable service.”

“These refurbished trams are part of our record investment in Victoria’s transport system to get people where they need to go, sooner.”

“Our tougher new contracts are aimed at giving passengers better value for money, better services, bigger penalties and more investment in maintenance.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

Was this page helpful?