Alstom to deliver 7 new X’Trapolis trains for Victoria’s rail network

Alstom today announced that it will manufacture 7 more X’Trapolis trains to Victoria’s rail network at the Regional Manufacturing Centre for Rolling Stock in Ballarat, Vic.

The 7 trains, which comprise of 6 cars each, will be delivered to Metro for use on the Victorian rail network by 2014.

“Deliveries of Alstom’s X’Trapolis trains continue to be ahead of schedule, helping to improve comfort and performance of Victoria’s network for commuters,” said Chris Raine, Alstom Australia CEO.

The contract will lead to the extension of over 100 direct full time jobs in Victoria. Construction of Alstom’s X’Trapolis trains to date has created 65 direct full time jobs in Ballarat and a further 70 jobs have been created along the local supply chain.

Alstom encourages strong partnerships with local suppliers and since 2001 has placed over $140 million in orders for X’Trapolis supply contracts in Australia. Further investments are planned as part of the delivery of this contract.

Alstom’s first X’Trapolis train was delivered to the Victorian network in 2002. To date, 51 trains have successfully entered service, with 16 more to be delivered during 2011 / 2012.

The new contract for 7 more X’Trapolis trains will bring the total number of Alstom’s X’Trapolis trains in Victoria up to 74, with the capacity to carry more than 100,000 commuters.

The agreement for 7 new X’Trapolis trains builds on the recent Regional Rail Package A interlock signalling contract signed this earlier month.