Melbourne's west is set for more accessible and comfortable journeys from next year - with the first new G Class tram arriving at the new Maidstone Tram Depot to begin testing.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams today opened the new tram depot, where the first of 100 new low-floor next generation G Class trams will undergo testing.
Backed by a $1.85 billion investment by the Allan Labor Government - the new tram will undergo a series of rigorous tests at the purpose-built facility to assess the braking systems, accessibility features and overall reliability, before it begins planned testing on the network later this year.
The G Class trams will be rolled out on Routes 57, 59 and 82 and will gradually phase out the older high-floor trams, with the new trams offering more space and better accessibility for up to 150 passengers - almost double the size currently operating in Melbourne's west.
The trams feature a low floor design, with more doors and handrails, while also offering modern heating and cooling systems, and improved passenger information - with the new design developed in consultation with accessibility groups, passengers and tram drivers.
The new Maidstone Tram Depot will help maintain, clean and house the new G Class fleet. It features rainwater collection and reuse, solar panels and recycled materials - supporting 280 local jobs during construction and ongoing maintenance to keep the trams moving.
With a 65 per cent local content requirement, the G Class trams are being built in Dandenong and will support almost two thousand local Victorian jobs throughout their construction.
The Labor Government has invested more than $9 billion in new and upgraded rollingstock and associated infrastructure, backing over 10,000 local jobs across the transport industry.
For more information on our new G Class trams visit vic.gov.au/next-generation-trams.
As stated by Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams
"We're delivering 100 new and accessible G Class trams - built by and made for Victorians - improving the way people move across Melbourne's west."
As stated by Member for Footscray Katie Hall
"This is an exciting milestone for Melbourne's west - with local workers, local design and local innovation driving the future of our city's iconic tram network."
As stated by Member for Essendon Danny Pearson
"We are getting on delivering new G Class trams. This is the single biggest investment in tram rolling stock and infrastructure in Melbourne's north-west in 50 years."
As stated by Member for Niddrie Ben Carroll
"Our next-generation G Class trams will deliver more comfortable, accessible and energy-efficient journeys. They've been developed with, built by, and made for Victorians."