Melbourne G Class Trams Begin Passenger Service on Route 59

AUSTRALIA: Melbourne G Class trams have begun carrying passengers on Route 59 after testing, opening the rollout of a 100-vehicle fleet funded through a $1.85 billion state program.

According to the Victorian Government’s launch announcement, the first vehicle entered revenue service on 30 July, departing Essendon Depot at 8:30 a.m. for Flinders Street Station. The trip introduced Melbourne’s first new tram design to passenger operation in more than a decade.

The Transport Victoria G Class project page says the fleet will progressively carry passengers on routes 59, 57, 82, 12, 48 and 58 as more vehicles are delivered and driver training is completed. The first phase focuses on routes 59, 57 and 82 in Melbourne’s west, with routes 12, 48 and 58 to follow over coming years.

Melbourne G Class trams increase capacity and access

Each G Class tram has space for up to 150 passengers. The state government says that is around twice the capacity of the Z and A Class trams the new vehicles are intended to replace.

The low-floor layout is designed to simplify boarding and includes dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and mobility aids. More doors allow passengers to move through the tram more easily, while upgraded onboard information displays provide clearer journey details. The specification also includes quieter, more energy-efficient motors.

As deliveries continue, the fleet will allow some of Melbourne’s longest-serving high-floor trams to be retired. That change is expected to make a larger share of the network accessible, although the rollout depends on vehicle deliveries and completion of driver training.

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Local production supports the 100-tram program

The $1.85 billion program will deliver 100 G Class trams and has a 65% local-content requirement, supporting up to 1,900 jobs. Alstom is building the vehicles at its Dandenong facility in Victoria.

Alstom’s 2022 contract announcement identifies the tram as a Flexity 2 adapted for Melbourne’s network. The agreement also includes 15 years of fleet maintenance, while the vehicles incorporate onboard energy storage and multipurpose areas for wheelchairs, strollers and bicycles.

The new Maidstone maintenance and stabling facility will support the fleet as passenger operations expand. Transport Victoria lists the overall project as underway and gives no fixed completion date for the six-route rollout, making the Route 59 launch the start of revenue service rather than the end of fleet delivery.