Alstom’s 50-Train X’Trapolis 2.0 Rollout Hits Melbourne Tracks

X’Trapolis 2.0 trains have entered passenger operation in Melbourne. This begins a rollout for a fleet planned to reach 50 trains. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The new train was built locally in Victoria by Alstom. Production took place at the company’s Dandenong and Ballarat manufacturing sites. Also, Alstom is described as a global pure rail leader. The company is described as the only end-to-end manufacturer of trains and trams in Australia.

The X’Trapolis 2.0 programme was developed in partnership with the Victorian Government. Its design was shaped through extensive consultation with accessibility groups, passengers and drivers. In addition, the project is supporting 750 jobs in Victoria.

Melbourne passenger service begins for the new fleet

The locally built fleet is planned to enter service progressively over the coming years. The trains are intended to replace the longest-serving trains operating on Melbourne’s rail network. They are also expected to improve reliability and accessibility, as outlined by the Victorian Government.

Alstom said the first train is part of an initial €300M order. The Victorian Government placed that order for 25 trains. Also, the state government has announced a budget allocation for another 25 units. This brings the total fleet to 50 trains.

The six-car electric train is tailored from Alstom’s proven Adessia™ commuter rail platform. It is described as energy-efficient. The train can carry up to 1,225 passengers. Also, it has a continuous walkthrough layout. Wider doors are included to support faster boarding. The train also has significant accessibility improvements.

Accessibility and local manufacturing in Victoria

For example, accessibility features include 20 dedicated wheelchair spaces. They also include semi-automated ramps, tactile signage and assistive hearing technologies. In addition, the train has areas for prams, bicycles and mixed use. It also has an improved passenger-driver interface.

During the initial design stage, 58 refinements were made. The changes responded to input from stakeholders, passengers and drivers. The aim was to optimise the train for Melbourne.

Meanwhile, the project also includes a minimum 60% local content requirement. According to Alstom, this has significantly contributed to the broader Victorian rail supply chain’s sustainability. Also, the requirement is securing hundreds of skilled manufacturing roles. Those roles span metropolitan and regional Victoria. The project supports up to 750 jobs in the local rail supply chain.

Alstom Australia continues the fleet rollout

The X’Trapolis 2.0 adds to several rolling stock fleets Alstom has delivered in Victoria over recent decades. They include 141 Flexity and Citadis trams. In addition, they include 106 X’Trapolis suburban trains and more than 140 VLocity regional trains.

Separately, Alstom is building 100 next-generation G Class trams for Melbourne at its Dandenong site. They are based on a customised version of the Flexity 2 platform. Those trams are due to enter passenger service later in 2026.

Guillaume Tritter commented on the first train’s entry into service. He is Managing Director for Alstom Australia and New Zealand. He said: “The entry of the first X’Trapolis 2.0 train into passenger service is a proud moment for all involved. I would like to sincerely thank the Alstom team, together with our partners at the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning and Metro Trains Melbourne, for the outstanding collaboration that made this achievement possible. The strength of these relationships has delivered something truly significant – a train built in Victoria, for the people of Melbourne.”

Further X’Trapolis 2.0 trains will enter passenger service progressively as the fleet rollout continues.

ALSTOM™, Adessia™, Citadis™, Flexity™ and X’trapolis™ are trademarks of Alstom.

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