X’Trapolis 2.0 trains move closer to Melbourne service

X’Trapolis 2.0 trains are entering the next phase of Melbourne train fleet renewal. The new fleet is due to begin running in 2026.

The trains are currently being tested on the network. They form part of a Victorian Government investment worth $986 million. That programme also includes upgrades to the Craigieburn Train Maintenance Facility. In addition, the project is having a broader positive effect on the Victorian economy.

As Alstom has reported, the company is building the 25 new XT2 trains in Ballarat. The fleet has at least 60 per cent local content. Also, the programme has created up to 750 local jobs across the supply chain. That includes up to 150 in Ballarat’s local supply chain.

To discuss the new fleet and the role of the Ballarat facility, Rail Express spoke with Nathan Hall, Production Supervisor at Alstom Ballarat.

Alstom Ballarat and local rail manufacturing

A long-standing regional site

The Ballarat site has served as a major regional manufacturing base for more than a century. “Ballarat is where Melbourne’s original fleet of X’Trapolis 100 trains were made, so there’s a strong connection between the local community and this new fleet of trains,” said Hall. “The long history of rail manufacturing here also means there is great local know-how, allowing us to produce an excellent product for Melbourne’s train network.”

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After the X’Trapolis 100 contract was completed, Alstom invested $20 million to upgrade the plant. The site now has custom manufacturing equipment. Hall said, “They completely gutted the facility and started again, upgrading the electronics and the amenities and purchasing new tracks and new cranes. There was a lot of money put into new custom-built platforms, as well as jigs and tooling. These investments make our work safer and more efficient and produce the highest-quality products.”

As a major regional centre, the Ballarat operation currently provides 75 production roles. It also supports white-collar and other support positions.

Skills and workforce growth

Projects such as XT2 require a wide range of skills. Roles are needed in supply chain and procurement, engineering, EH&S (environment, health and safety), quality, human resources, administration, production and trades. The trades include welders, coach builders, electricians, trade assistants, logistics operators and apprentices. Meanwhile, Hall added: “We recently put a recruitment call in local Ballarat channels and will be welcoming new local tradespeople to our site soon, which is something we are very proud of.”

Hall joined Alstom in 2023. He said the team is engaged and resilient. “I’m incredibly blessed to work with such a skilled and tight-knit team,” he said. “There is a strong community spirit and pride in Ballarat that translates into pride in our work. Today, for example, we knew we had to hit our milestones before the end of the month, and we really banded together to achieve everything we needed to achieve. When I see the team excited about what they’ve produced each day, it’s so rewarding.”

At the same time, he also pointed to the diversity of the workforce at the Ballarat site. “It’s probably one of the most multicultural places I’ve ever worked, and it’s fantastic because everyone brings a different background and life experience to the job. Our collaboration is what helps produce the best quality trains we possibly can.”

Still, some employees at the facility came in without previous rail experience. Also, Alstom brought in young apprentices and trainees, as well as people from other industries. “This project has been a great opportunity for locals to get a foot in the door in the rail and manufacturing industries,” he said. “We’ve hired many electricians, mechanical fitters and trades assistants that had never worked on rolling stock or trains before, and some of them are now among our best employees. It’s all about growing skills and building the local workforce for the future.”

X’Trapolis 2.0 trains and passenger features

The XT2 fleet will gradually replace Melbourne’s longest-serving Comeng trains. The change will affect the Craigieburn, Upfield and Frankston lines. Still, Hall said the new trains are more comfortable and more energy-efficient. He also said they will offer more reliable journeys and improved accessibility for passengers.

Train design and capacity

“The XT2 trains have been co-designed with everyday Victorians to ensure they meet their needs,” he said. “These trains are incredibly spacious, with room for about 1225 passengers, and advanced air suspension systems for a smoother ride. One of my favourite things is that they’ve also got wider, externally hung doors to make boarding and alighting easier, especially at peak hour.”

Accessibility and onboard features

In addition, other features include improved real-time passenger information. They also include designated ‘mixed-use’ onboard spaces for bicycle and pram storage. The trains have more wheelchair spaces as well. They also have semi-automated boarding ramps, hearing loops and a continuous walkway throughout the train.

Benefits beyond Ballarat

Supply chain and local delivery

Alstom works with more than 900 suppliers across Australia’s rail ecosystem. These suppliers are delivering important features of the new trains. For example, they are providing accessibility ramps, passenger windows, heating and ventilation systems, and couplers.

These partnerships strengthen national and state supply chains. They also help reduce exposure to international supply volatility. Separately, Hall said, “Manufacturing in Ballarat gives Alstom the proximity and partnership needed to solve problems quickly with our customers. Being embedded in regional Victoria means we understand local conditions, community expectations and government priorities, allowing us to deliver solutions tailored to the Victorian network. Regional manufacturing also streamlines logistics and reduces complexity, helping us turn around work faster and with greater reliability than would be possible from metropolitan or offshore facilities. The Alstom  Ballarat site provides certainty for investment in people, skills and capability long into the future.”

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