Alstom has delivered the latest batch of eight X’Trapolis (ordered by the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) in June 2013) for Melbourne’s suburban network to PTV ahead of schedule. The trains, which have been tested at Alstom’s regional manufacturing centre in Ballarat, will provide a boost to the busy and growing suburban rail networks.
The new trains will expand the operating fleet of X’Trapolis trains to 82 trains, all of which have been delivered on time and on budget. The fleet has proven to be the most reliable and best performing trains on the Melbourne network. This delivery milestone follows an additional order for a further five X’Trapolis trains announced by the Victorian state government in March 2015, expected to start operating on the network by late 2016.
“Delivery of these latest trains highlights Alstom’s trusted local capabilities and excellence in project execution and delivery”, said Mark Coxon, managing director of Alstom Australia and New Zealand. He added: “The quality and reliability of these trains is testament to the dedication and skills of our team in Ballarat and those of our local suppliers.”
To be closer to its Australian customer and reinforce its local production, Alstom has increased the level of local content through the replacement of imported components with locally produced material. Application of advanced global technology, combined with local innovation, has ensured a more productive regional manufacturing centre and benchmarked the skills of the local workforce to international best practices.
