G-class Melbourne tram
| Industry | Tram manufacturing and maintenance |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Dandenong , Australia |
| Products | G-class trams (Melbourne) |
Number of employees | 1900 (local employment opportunities related to G-class tram project) |
The G-class Melbourne tram represents a three-section articulated tram model planned to commence operations on the Melbourne tram network by 2025. These trams, featuring low-floor accessibility, are intended to gradually replace segments of the existing high-floor Z and A class fleets. Their design is derived from the Flexity 2 platform, incorporating pivoting outer bogies for improved maneuverability.
Production and upkeep are managed by Alstom at its manufacturing site in Dandenong. Manufacturing efforts started in late 2023. The initiative also includes constructing a new maintenance and storage depot located in Maidstone, which will serve as the home base for these trams once completed.
The initial procurement contract consists of 100 vehicles, constituting the largest tram order produced domestically in Australia. Alstom has been engaged to provide maintenance services for a duration of 15 years. Each tram is designed to hold approximately 150 passengers and stretches about in length.
Deployment will begin on routes 57, 59, and 82, operating near the Maidstone depot. As of 2023, these particular routes are run from the Essendon depot.
History
In 2015, the Andrews Government released a Rolling Stock Strategy outlining plans that included acquiring new E class trams, refurbishing B class units, and preparing for a "next generation of trams." The strategy highlighted a requirement for 240 new trams throughout the 2020s aimed at replacing older Z and A class models, which lack full accessibility compared to all low-floor trams ordered since 2000.
Bidding process
In 2019, the Andrews Government declared that 100 Next Generation trams would be manufactured within Victoria. Several manufacturers were invited to submit proposals and collaborate on the design process.
The Victorian Budget for 2020–2021 allocated $1.48 billion toward this project, which included financing a new maintenance and storage facility in Maidstone near Highpoint Shopping Centre. This investment was projected to generate approximately 280 jobs related to construction and ongoing maintenance. Alstom and a joint venture between UGL Rail and CAF were shortlisted to undertake design and construction responsibilities.
Contract award
In April 2022, the government awarded Alstom the contract for producing the Next Generation trams, designated as G-Class under Melbourne’s tram classification system. Construction was scheduled to start in late 2023, with delivery of the first unit expected by 2025. This initiative is anticipated to create around 1,900 local employment opportunities across both tram manufacturing and operations at the new Maidstone facility.
Design
The G-class tram draws on Alstom's globally utilized Flexity 2 model, including its application on Queensland’s Gold Coast G:Link. Adapted specifically for Melbourne’s network requirements, it will incorporate approximately 65% locally sourced components. The design aims to reduce electricity consumption by 30-40% compared to E-Class trams through onboard battery storage that recharges via regenerative braking, thereby minimizing peak power demand without necessitating upgrades to existing infrastructure.
Alstom has pledged compliance with federal disability-access regulations; this low-floor model features additional entry points to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The government plans to consult with accessibility advocacy groups during final stages of design development.
Each tram measures , with capacity for up to 150 passengers and seating for 48—smaller than the E-class (which holds up to 210 passengers) but offering greater capacity than Z-, A-, or B-class trams.
Classification
Originally labeled as "F-class," these trams are set to be renamed "G-class" to comply with Melbourne's tram classification system. This change signifies their position as the seventh generation in the series, with "G" representing the seventh letter in the alphabet.
Maidstone tram facility
A tram depot is proposed for Maidstone in Western Melbourne, located on land formerly occupied by Victoria University. This new facility will accommodate maintenance and storage for the G-class trams and will be accessible through an extension of route 82, thereby improving operational support for the growing tram network.