Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams MP welcomes the Andrews Labor Government’s announcement of the release of expressions of interest for the design, construction and maintenance of a next generation, high-capacity train for Melbourne, which will be built in Victoria and said that the release of the Expression of Interest (EOI) invitation was a significant milestone in the future of public transport in Victoria.

The Labor Government’s $1.3 billion investment in 37 high-capacity trains is the largest investment in new rolling stock in Victorian history. The new trains will be longer than existing trains – able to carry more people with every journey – and will use the latest technology, making them safer, more reliable and more comfortable for passengers.

The high-capacity trains will run on the Cranbourne-Pakenham line, Melbourne’s busiest. Together with signalling upgrades and the removal of every level crossing between Dandenong and the city, the new trains will boost capacity on the Dandenong corridor by 42 per cent, to carry 11,000 extra passengers every morning peak.

On top of this boost to train services, the EOI for a High Capacity Metro Train (HCMT) represents a new way of procuring major transport infrastructure for Victoria, one that grows local investment and creates local jobs. The Labor Government has mandated that at least 50 per cent of the construction must take place locally and companies will be required to demonstrate how they will boost local employment, training and investment through the delivery of new trains for Melbourne.

Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams said the unprecedented focus on local content would drive growth in the local supply chain, and support high-skill, high-value manufacturing in Victoria. The 37 new trains are part of the Labor Government’s rolling stock strategy, Trains, Trams, Jobs 2015-2025, which outlines a ten year plan for 100 new trains, 100 new trams and a massive boost to the regional train fleet. The plan supports thousands of jobs in Victoria’s train and tram building industry, which employs 10,000 people.

More information is available on Public Transport Victoria’s tender website www.tenderlink.com/ptv and an industry briefing will be held on 6 July 2015. The EOI will close in August 2015.