In the 2021-22 state budget, the Victorian Government announced $986 million in funding for an initial order of 25 new X'Trapolis 2.0 trains to be built by rolling stock manufacturer Alstom, which built the original X'Trapolis 100 trains used on much of the Melbourne rail network.[9]
The X'Trapolis 2.0 trains are to replace the ageing Comeng fleet, with the new trains being described as "more accessible, reliable and energy efficient".[10] The $986 million funding also included an upgrade to the Craigieburn train maintenance facility, to support maintaining and storing the new fleet.[10]
The X'Trapolis 2.0 trains are being built at Alstom's Ballarat North Workshops with a 60% local content quota to support local manufacturing jobs.[8] The government claims the project will support 750 jobs and ensure continued operation of the Ballarat North Workshops,[11] following concern by Alstom and trade unions about the facility's future.[12]
On 19 November 2024, the first X'Trapolis 2.0 train manufacturing was completed at Alstom Ballarat Workshops,[13][14] with testing on the Melbourne railway lines scheduled to commence in early 2025.[15]
Design
The X'Trapolis 2.0 trains consist of a permanent configuration in six-car sets unlike the three-car sets of the Comeng, X'Trapolis 100 and Siemens Nexas trains.[16] Like the High Capacity Metro Train, the trains have a walk-through design.[16] The trains' maximum capacity is 1241 people, compared to the 1127-person capacity of a six-car Comeng train.[11]
Features of the X'Trapolis 2.0 also include:
Modernised doors to reduce the boarding times at stations to under 40 seconds
Passenger information systems that would display that train's journey in real time
Higher energy efficiency to work with a lower network voltage, to fit in line with modern rail systems overseas
New interior designs including tip-up seating to allow space for wheelchair spaces
Designated bicycle storage areas
Semi-automatic wheelchair ramps located behind driver cabs[12]
In the first half of 2023, a life-size mock-up of the train was displayed to receive feedback on its design and accessibility features.[16][17] The train is planned to feature 20 dedicated accessibility spaces and the ability to count passengers.[17]
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