The Victorian Government has kick-started production of Victoria’s new X’Trapolis 2.0 in Ballarat, supporting up to 150 direct jobs, and up to 750 local jobs across the supply chain.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams announced that the regional workforce are now assembling and fitting out 25 new X’Trapolis 2.0 trains, as part of a $986 million investment.
“Through our investments in next-generation trains we’re delivering better journeys for passengers – as well as supporting hundreds of local jobs in Ballarat,” she said,
Work on the X’Trapolis 2.0 trains will continue to ramp up in coming months, as more trains move through the upgraded facility in Ballarat.
This project includes a 60 per cent local content quota, providing widespread economic benefits to the Ballarat region.
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison explained the importance of this manufacturing in the region.
“Ballarat has a strong history of building trains and we are continuing on this proud tradition by investing in the world-class X’Trapolis 2.0 to be built by highly skilled Ballarat workers,” she said.
The new trains will gradually replace Melbourne’s longest-serving Comeng trains on the Craigieburn, Upfield, and Frankston lines – providing passengers with a more accessible, reliable and energy efficient journey.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett celebrated the region which is supporting the rest of the state.
“It’s fantastic to see our region leading the way when it comes to building transport infrastructure that will deliver more accessible and reliable journeys for Victorians,” she said.
Since 2015, the Victorian Government has invested more than $9 billion in locally-built trains, trams, buses and – supporting 10,000 Victorian jobs across the industry and supply chain.
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