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Interview on Melbourne's X'Trapolis
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The first of 36 Alstom Citadis trams appeared on Melbourne streets in 2000 while first of our X’Trapolis suburban trains entered service two years later. A further five trams entered service in 2008 and the first of the second order for 38 X'trapolis trains entered service in early 2010.
Discussing the benefits of Alstom’s contribution to Melbourne’s rolling stock fleets, X’Trapolis Project Manager, Dominic Clark says, “The X’Trapolis was designed and developed in close collaboration with the local rail operator at the time which gave them the opportunity to provide valuable input into creating the train’s design.
“This gave customers familiarity with the X’Trapolis from an internal layout point of view right from the get-go. The X’Trapolis was introduced with a new integrated passenger digital system, which is very stable and more reliable than older technology.
“The feedback we have received from X’Trapolis maintenance crews indicates that they are very pleased with the very low repair costs and downtime associated with these trains, which has exceeded expectations. The X’trapolis has delivered a high level of reliability even when pitted against the extremes of Melbourne’s variable climate.
“Our Citadis trams were also purpose designed for the Melbourne environment. We worked with local suppliers to develop a specific air conditioning system to suit the local conditions and this has worked extremely well.
“In my opinion, the Citadis’ best feature is its low floor which is makes it extremely easy for customers to walk in and out of the tram. The tram’s unique design and suspension also allows for a very smooth ride regardless of track condition - with limited vibration and noise.
“In regard to passenger comfort and safety it is important when we design and build products that we think about what the end customer wants to have. The environment inside the trains and trams, and especially the comfort and travel experience, are very important to Alstom. Most of all, we believe in the reliability of our technology, which is what the customers want the most.
“With an eye on the future and because Melbourne’s patronage is continuing to grow, the key is to offer additional services or to be able to move more passengers more quickly. Customers will look for higher capacity trains and trams. Because both the X’Trapolis and Citadis are modular builds we can easily increase capacity by adding intermediate carriages and modules for both vehicles.”