New tram facility in Melbourne's west will keep Next Gen trams on track

Vic Department of Transport

Construction of a tram maintenance and stabling facility in Maidstone to house the Next Generation Tram fleet is on track to start in 2023, with the planning approval process underway.

The Victorian Government is investing $1.85 billion in 100 Next Generation Trams, alongside the maintenance and stabling facility, setting the standard for modern public transport and delivering a more comfortable, accessible, and energy-efficient journey for passengers.

With a low-floor design and space for up to 150 passengers, the new trams can use around 30-40 per cent less energy per passenger, compared to an E Class tram.

To support the smooth operation of the fleet, a new tram maintenance and stabling facility will be built on part of the old Victoria University site at the corner of Williamson and Hampstead roads in Maidstone.

The new facility will be used to clean, maintain and stable the trams and will also house tram operations and administration staff.

In a win for Melbourne's booming west, the project will create 280 jobs during construction, and for ongoing maintenance and the supply chain, with local suppliers providing materials and services. The local community will also benefit from a more reliable and modern tram fleet.

The community now has an opportunity to make a submission and provide feedback. Submissions and feedback can relate to the use of the site or other aspects of the project, such as construction impacts.

To submit feedback, visit engage.vic.gov.au/maidstone by 11:59pm, Friday 30 September.

The project is part of Victoria's unprecedented $90 billion investment in transport infrastructure projects, which will provide better, more connected and more accessible services for Victorians.

Early works on the tram maintenance and stabling facility are expected to start in early 2023. Melbourne's Next Generation Trams will start rolling out from the Maidstone facility from 2026.

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