$2billion for Trains, Trams and jobs in Victoria
The Andrews Labor Government will invest $2 billion to kick start a long-term plan for train and tram manufacturing in Victoria, securing existing jobs in the industry and creating new jobs .
Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, today to launch Trains, Trams, Jobs 2015-2025 – Victorian Rolling Stock Strategy. The Strategy sets out our ten-year plan for 100 new metropolitan trains, 100 new trams, and a massive expansion of our regional train fleet.
Tomorrow’s 2015-16 Victorian Budget will provide $2 billion for hundreds of train and tram carriages, including:
- $1.3 billion for 37 new High Capacity Metro Trains
- $274 million for 20 E-Class Trams
- $257 million for 21 VLocity Carriages
- $90 million for five New X’Trapolis Trains
- $75 million for maintenance and refurbishment to extend the life of the current Comeng train fleet
- $21 million to extend the life of the B-Class Tram fleet
The multi-billion investment will provide greater certainty to rolling stock manufacturers and suppliers, which employ up to 10,000 people in Victoria.
Beyond this initial investment, Trains, Trams, Jobs 2015-2025 identifies a pipeline of train and tram delivery to meet the needs of the public transport network for decades to come. This will enable companies to invest in facilities, in new technology and in workers, sustaining high-skill manufacturing in Victoria.
Investing in trains and trams will also provide education and training opportunities.
The Labor Government will work with the TAFE sector to develop programs for apprentices in the rolling stock industry, training the next generation of engineers.
Quotes attributable to Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews
“This $2 billion investment in new trams, trains and jobs is part of our plan to transform Victoria’s public transport system and create local jobs – and we’re getting on with it.”
“Victoria is the only state that makes trams and trains. We want to see these industries grow and employ more people, which is why we’re investing strongly.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan
“The number of people using our public transport system is growing twice as fast as our population. Without this critical investment and a long-term plan for rolling stock, our network would grind to a halt.”
“Our investment today is a key part of the Andrews Labor Government’s plan for high-frequency public transport and high-skilled manufacturing in Victoria.”
Source: News Release, Premier of Victoria, 04 May 2015
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/2-billion-for-trains-trams-and-jobs-in-victoria