The Department of Transport Victoria, Australia, awarded Alstom a EUR 700 million contract for the supply of 100 Flexity 2 Next Generation Trams (NGTs) for Melbourne. The contract also includes the provision of 15-year maintenance. This agreement is Alstom’s biggest tram contract in Australia and in the Southern hemisphere.
The Flexity light rail vehicles are adapted to meet the Melbourne tram network’s specifications allowing for seamless integration into the vast network without the need for expensive infrastructure, traction power upgrades or new signalling. The trams will also integrate an onboard energy storage system (OESS) and combine a unique identity well suited to the operability needs and user experience.
Designed with passenger safety and comfort in mind, each of the new trams has multi-purpose areas that offer ample space for strollers, bicycles, and wheelchairs. The fully air-conditioned vehicles with high energy efficiency and noise-optimised design keeps the interior quiet while in operation.
The contract includes 65% local content with the NGTs being manufactured at Alstom’s Dandenong facility in Victoria. Additionally the maintenance contract includes 85% local content. The contract will provide long-term stability to the local railway industry and supply chains in Victoria.
The low-floor light rail vehicles are matched by innovative technology and environmental excellence. Flexity trams were the first in the industry to combine 100 per cent low-floor technology with conventional bogies. The modular concept paired with proven subsystems make Flexity trams a perfect fit for various customer needs, from tropical to winter climates as well as for smaller to higher capacities.
The Flexity 2 Next Generation Trams will enable gradual retirement of further high-floor trams from the Melbourne network, ensuring compliance with disability standards for accessible transport (DSAPT) requirements and provide a modern, inclusive, safe and reliable transport network for all passengers. The new fleet will further support the increase in network capacity requirements to meet the projected population growth.
The contract is part of the AUD 1.85 billion (USD 1.35 billion) NGT project which also includes a proposed new tram maintenance and stabling facility at Maidstone, in Melbourne’s west.
This order adds to Alstom’s already significant rolling stock fleet in Victoria which includes 141 Flexity and Citadis trams, 106 X’trapolis suburban trains and 95 Vlocity regional trains with more to be delivered.
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