A DEAL has been struck between the Victorian Labor Government and Bombardier Transportation Australia to complete the design of the bogies for new standard gauge VLocity trains to run on the North-East railway line.
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Bombardier is carrying out the work in addition to building the existing orders for 87 VLocity carriages.
Bogies are the vital underneath component and due to VLocity trains not previously being fitted with standard gauge bogies, they will take the longest to design, construct and gain safety accreditation for the new North East trains.
Detailed design has commenced and will take up to 12 months until they reach the production, accreditation and track testing stage.
Full build of new, long-haul VLocity trains to run between Albury and Melbourne will take two years to complete.
Victorian public transport minister Jacinta Allan said starting the works now would ensure the new rolling stock was available when the $235 million upgrade of the North-East line was completed.
The upgrade will bring the track up to Victorian Class 2 standard which is necessary for long-haul VLocity trains to operate.
“It was a Labor Government that took the fight to Canberra to upgrade the track and it’s Labor who isn’t wasting a minute to ensure the trains are there, when the track’ is finished,” Ms Allan said.
“We’re getting on with delivering the re-designed VLocity trains to the North East line which will provide passengers with a reliable and comfortable journey.”
Northern Victoria MLC Jaclyn Symes said: “North-East Victorians are relieved there is a clear path to deliver the better services they deserve, with an upgraded track and new trains on their way.”
