- Minister for Public Transport
The Andrews Labor Government has started the process of finding new homes for the more than 800 train carriages, locomotives and trams that have been retired, or will be retired in coming years.
The start of the Expression of Interest process is the first step in helping the Labor Government repurpose the retired trains and trams once they are no longer needed by transport operators.
Retired rolling stock is currently housed at the Newport rail yards, taking up valuable space that could be put to better use.
Newport is an important strategic part of the rail network, so the rolling stock needs to be relocated so space can be put to better use because of the Government's growing investment in public transport infrastructure.
As part of the expression of interest process, VicTrack is looking for an innovative and experienced commercial provider to develop a business model to deal with the rolling stock that has been retired.
This will include managing the ongoing pipeline of older rolling stock coming off the network in the future as the Government rolls out bigger and better trains and new trams.
The provider could partner with the Government, or operate as a standalone commercial venture, and may have the opportunity to use part of Newport for its operations.
A successful and profitable operation could provide jobs and opportunities within the Newport Workshops, and for the broader community.
The expression of interest is being run by VicTrack and the Department of Transport. For more information, visit tenders.vic.gov.au
As noted by Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne
"We're building new trains and trams to get people where they need to go. As we retire our older trains and trams, we need to make sure we have a plan to ensure they are put to the best possible use."
"We're open to all ideas about how these carriages, locomotives and trams can be repurposed and I'm looking forward to seeing the results of the EOI process."
