Melbourne’s Next Generation G Class trams have entered another testing phase. The vehicles are now running in traffic conditions. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Melbourne G Class trams tested in traffic
Photo: Yarra Trams. Melbourne G Class trams tested in traffic

Next Generation G Class trams on Melbourne routes

As Rail Express reported, the fleet will operate on routes 57, 59 and 82. The current testing is assessing how the trams will perform. They are due to begin carrying passengers later this year.

The G Class vehicles are set to replace some of Yarra Trams’ older high-floor rolling stock. These include trams from the Z and A classes.

Each new tram is 25 metres long. It can accommodate up to 150 passengers. That is close to double the capacity of the oldest trams still operating in Melbourne’s west.

Low-floor design and local production

The design consists of three modules. These include two end sections for the driver and passengers, a middle section and three bogies.

In addition, the new fleet has a more accessible low-floor layout. It also has additional doors, more handrails and improved passenger information.

Alstom is producing 100 G Class trams at its Dandenong site in Victoria. The programme is backed by a $1.85 billion investment from the State Government.

The contract includes a 65 per cent local content requirement. It is supporting up to 1900 jobs.

The order is the largest for locally manufactured trams in Australia’s history.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…Southeast Mexico Express cuts freight transit times