Tram passengers in Melbourne's west will be the first to benefit from new, more accessible trams with the introduction of Next Generation Trams (NGTs).
The new low-floor trams will be rolled-out in the west first from 2025 on routes 57, 59 and 82 servicing suburbs such as Footscray, Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Ascot Vale, Maribyrnong, North Melbourne and Niddrie.
The NGTs will progressively replace some of Melbourne's longest-serving high-floor trams, providing better access for people with mobility needs and those travelling with prams, as well as offering improved capacity, with space for up to 150 passengers.
The new trams are part of a $1.85 billion investment from the Andrews Labor Government to build 100 new trams and a new tram maintenance and stabling facility in Melbourne's West, improving capacity, accessibility and reliability across the network.
Construction of a tram maintenance and stabling facility in Maidstone to house the NGTs is on track to start in 2023. 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 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.
The NGTs are a key to delivering a tram network that puts passengers first, connects people to the places they want to go and is accessible to more people.
Delivering NGTs complements the development of the Accessible Public Transport in Victoria Action Plan 2020-2024, which outlines the steps the government is taking to create a more inclusive network and reduce barriers on public transport journeys.
As stated by Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll
"The introduction of Next Generation Trams to Melbourne's west will see a significant improvement to services in the area, delivering the more modern, accessible, and reliable services that passengers deserve.
"These new trams feature the latest accessibility technology, coupled with a low-floor design and additional doors, greatly improving accessibility on the network.
As stated by Member for Footscray Katie Hall
"We're delivering more trams to the west adding to our iconic tram network while paving the way to a future for a more modern, accessible and reliable tram network."
