Manufacturing has started on Victoria’s largest train project at Newport manufacturing facility in Melbourne’s west, paving the way for more trains, more often and creating hundreds of local jobs.

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan today marked the start of manufacturing of the High Capacity Metro Train fleet – the first new train design in more than 10 years for Victoria.  The 65 new trains built in Victoria, for Victoria, will deliver more trains, more often on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines and a ‘turn up and go’ service when the Metro Tunnel opens.

The bigger trains are being manufactured and assembled by 175 local workers in Newport, with the project creating hundreds of additional local jobs, with dozens of local businesses supplying components for the 65 new trains.

Built with 60 per cent local content, the trains are made with more local content than any other project of this kind in Australia – with bogie frames being built in Bendigo, traction and electrical systems made in Morwell and key electrical components and pantographs from Hallam.

The project will create opportunities for a range of Victorians with at least 15 per cent of hours to be worked by apprentices, trainees or cadets and other opportunities for Victorians who face barriers to employment and transitioning auto workers.

The new next-generation trains are a result of a year-long train design engagement process, where hundreds of Victorians had their say to make the trains more accessible and comfortable than ever before.  Victorians from all walks of life were engaged using a life-size train model, concluding earlier this year where over 75,000 Victorians were able to experience the final 40-metre model train.

The Andrews Labor Government is also getting on with the job of removing level crossings and upgrading signalling on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines, to prepare for the new trains which will be in service from mid-2019, and eventually run through the new Metro Tunnel to Sunbury.

The first High Capacity Metro Train will be ready for testing by the end of the year.

For more information on the High Capacity Metro Trains Project visit: transport.vic.gov.au/biggertrains

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

“By the middle of next year we will see bigger and better trains on our busiest lines, carrying more passengers and delivering a more comfortable ride.”

“This project helps set up Victoria for a long-term future in the rolling stock industry, creating more jobs and opportunities for local businesses.”

Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Wade Noonan

“The delivery of the HCMT contract continues Newport’s proud train building history, creating hundred of jobs and opportunities in our local community.