New Flexity Trams For Melbourne

On 21 April 2022, Alstom has signed a framework contract with Department of Transport Victoria, Australia, for the provision of 100 Flexity low-floor Next Generation Trams (NGTs) for the largest urban tram network in the world. Valued at approximately 700 million EUR, the contract includes supply of rolling stock and 15-year maintenance making this the biggest tram contract in Australia and in the Southern hemisphere.

Delivery of the Flexity trams is scheduled to begin in 2025. Introduction of the NGT fleet will enable retirement of all existing high-floor trams from the Melbourne network by 2032, ensuring compliance with disability standards for accessible transport (DSAPT) requirements and provide a modern, inclusive, safe and reliable transport network for all passengers. The new fleet will further support the increase in network capacity requirements to meet the projected population growth.

Demonstrating its strong commitment to localisation, the contract includes 65 % local content with the NGTs being manufactured at Alstom’s Dandenong facility in Victoria. Additionally the maintenance contract includes 85 % local content. The contract will, provide long-term stability to the local railway industry and supply chains in Victoria.

The Flexity (initially forming part of Bombardier Transportation portfolio) has been adapted to meet the Melbourne Tram Network’s specifications allowing for seamless integration into the vast network without the need for expensive infrastructure, traction power upgrades, new signalling or platform modifications. The trams will also integrate an onboard energy storage system (OESS) and the first ever street-boarding wheelchair lift.

The design is expandable from a short 25 m vehicle, which is a three-bogie variant, to a long 35 m option which has a four-bogie configuration. This design provides the flexibility to meet changes in capacity requirements. 

The vehicles will also be equipped with the state-of-the-art driver obstacle detection assistance system ODAS which assists the driver in detecting obstacles during operation. In addition, the newly designed and ergonomically optimised driver's stand and the driver's large field of vision contribute to increased safety. 

This order adds to Alstom’s already significant rolling stock fleet in Victoria which includes 141 Flexity and Citadis trams, 131 X’trapolis suburban trains and 106 Vlocity regional trains.