G-class Melbourne tram
Planned articulated tram for Melbourne
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The G-class Melbourne tram is a three-section articulated tram, to be introduced onto the Melbourne tram network in early to mid 2026. The trams are low-floor, replacing part of the current fleet of high-floor Z and A class trams. The design is based on the Flexity 2 but with pivoting outer bogies.
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| G-class | |
|---|---|
Mockup of a G class tram in Tullamarine | |
.jpg) Interior seats in a G class tram mockup | |
| Manufacturer | Alstom |
| Built at | Dandenong |
| Family name | Flexity 2 |
| Constructed | 2024 |
| Number under construction | 98 |
| Number built | 2 |
| Fleet numbers | 7001–7100 |
| Capacity | 150 |
| Operator | Yarra Trams |
| Depot | Maidstone |
| Specifications | |
| Train length | ~25 m (82 ft 0 in) |
| Low-floor | 100% |
| Doors | 4 |
| Articulated sections | 3 (2 articulations) |
| Maximum speed | 80km/h |
| Traction motors | 4 × Škoda FCX 105 kW (141 hp)[1] |
| Power output | 420 kW (560 hp) |
| Electric systems | 600 V DC (nominal) from overhead catenary |
| Current collection | Pantograph |
| UIC classification | Bo′+2′+Bo′ |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The trams were designed, built and maintained by Alstom at its Dandenong factory. Manufacturing of the fleet began in late 2023.[2] The project also included a new maintenance and stabling facility in Maidstone, where the trams would be stored following construction.
The initial contract was for 100 new trams, which is the largest domestic order in Australian history,[3] and included the requirement for Alstom to maintain the vehicles for 15 years.[citation needed] The trams are designed to carry 150 passengers and will be 25 metres (82 ft 0 in) long.
The first of the 50 trams of this fleet will first roll out in the proximity of the Maidstone facility on routes 57, 59 and 82.[4] As of 2023[update], these routes are operated out of Essendon depot. The other half of the 50 trams of this fleet will also expand to routes 12, 48 and 58.[5]
History
In 2015, the Andrews Government published a Rolling Stock Strategy. That included ordering new E class trams, the refurbishment of B class trams, and commencing the planning of the "next generation of trams".[6][7] The strategy noted that 240 new trams would be needed during the 2020s, to replace Z and A class trams.[6] Those older trams have restricted accessibility, whereas all new trams ordered since 2000 have been low-floor models.
Bidding process
In 2019, the Andrews Government announced that 100 Next Generation trams would be produced in Victoria. The government invited a number of manufacturers to create and submit proposals, before inviting them to a collaborative design process.[8]
In the 2020–2021 Victorian Budget, the Andrews Government committed $1.48 billion to the project, including a new maintenance and stabling facility, later announced to be built in Maidstone, near Highpoint Shopping Centre. The budget also foreshadowed the creation of approximately 280 jobs in construction and at the maintenance facility.[9] Alstom and a joint venture comprising UGL Rail and CAF were shortlisted to design and build the new trams.[10]
Contract award
In April 2022, the government awarded the contract to Alstom, and announced further details about the Next Generation trams. It was named the G-Class, in keeping with the Melbourne tram classification system.[11] Construction was scheduled to commence in late 2023 with the first tram to be delivered in 2025.[12][13] The construction process will create 1,900 local jobs, both in the construction of the trams and at the new Maidstone facility.[14]
Delivery
The first of 100 G-Class trams, number 7002 was delivered to the Maidstone Tram Depot on 12 September 2025.[citation needed]
Operations on Routes
The first of the 50 G-Class trams were initially announced in 2023 to run on routes 57, 59 and 82 out of Maidstone tram depot facility.[15] On 10 May 2026, the Victorian Government announced that the other half of the 50 G-Class will roll out on routes 12, 48 and 58 as part of the $76 million 2026/27 State Budget.[16]
Design
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The G-class tram will be based on the Alstom Flexity 2, which is used on several tram networks around the world, including the Gold Coast G:Link in Queensland. The tram will be customised to Melbourne's network and will include 65% locally made content.[11][17] The fleet is designed to use less electric power than the E-Class so as not to require new power or traction infrastructure, and will utilise onboard battery power storage which will be recharged by regenerative braking, thereby limiting current draw at peak times and reducing overall power use by 30-40%.[18][19][20]
Alstom has committed that the new trams will conform with federal disability-access regulations.[21] The G-Class will be low-floor and will include additional doors for users of wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The Government will consult with accessibility groups during the final design process to refine the accessibility features.[11]
The tram will be 25 metres (82 ft 0 in) long, designed to hold up to 150 passengers with seating for 48.[11] That makes them smaller than the E-class tram, which can hold 210 passengers and is 33.45 metres (109 ft 9 in) long,[22][20] but they will be able to carry more passengers than the Z or A-Class trams.[11]
Classification
Initially classified "F-class",[7] the trams will be classified "G-class", in keeping with Melbourne tramway practice, because they are the seventh generation of trams, and the letter G is the seventh letter of the alphabet.[19]
Maidstone tram facility
Maidstone tram depot is a new tram depot built in the suburb of Maidstone in suburban Melbourne, Victoria. It started construction in 2023 and is set to open in 2026. All new G-Class Trams will be maintained at Maidstone depot. The depot is off Route 82 which currently runs from Moonee Ponds to Footscray. This depot will serve Routes 57, 59 and 82, which currently only runs B and Z class high floor trams from Essendon depot.