The Andrews Labor Government has reached an agreement with Bombardier Transportation Australia to complete the design of the bogies for the new standard gauge VLocity trains for the North East Line.
Bombardier is doing this job in addition to building the existing orders for 87 VLocity carriages as part of the Government’s $848.5 million investment in regional rolling stock.
Bogies are the essential component under the train that bear the load and contain the axles, suspension and brakes. As VLocity trains have not previously been fitted with standard gauge bogies, this component will take the longest to design, construct and gain safety accreditation for the new North East trains.
Detailed design of the new standard gauge bogie has recently commenced and will take up to 12 months until they reach the production, accreditation and track testing stage.
The full build of the new long-haul VLocity trains that will run between Albury-Wodonga and Melbourne will take two years to complete.
Starting this work now will ensure the new rolling stock is available when the $235 million upgrade of the North East line is completed, as part of the $1.7 billion Regional Rail Revival, a joint initiative of the Australian and Victorian Governments.
The upgrade will bring the track up to Victorian Class 2 standard – the necessary standard before the modern, long-haul VLocity trains can operate between Melbourne and Albury/Wodonga.
The Labor Government’s investment in regional trains has provided a 40 per cent increase in regional rail services, with V/Line now running more than 2,000 services every week.
The Government has also invested $15 million to improve comfort and reliability on the existing standard gauge Classic Fleet trains, including facilitating an extra, fourth train to operate along the North East line, to reduce train cancellations as a result of a train fault.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“It was a Labor Government that took the fight to Canberra to upgrade the track and it’s Labor who isn’t wasting a minute to ensure the trains are there, when the track’s finished.”
“We’re getting on with delivering the redesigned VLocity trains North East line which will provide passengers with a reliable and comfortable journey.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“North-East Victorians are relieved there is a clear path to deliver the better services they deserve, with an upgraded track and new trains on their way.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020