New trams to hit the tracks by 2025

Melbourne’s next generation trams (NGTs) are coming to Melbourne’s west, the state government has announced.

The modern, more reliable fleet will be rolled out from 2025 for routes 57, 59 and 82, replacing the long-serving high-floor trams.

Commuters in Melbourne’s west will be the first to benefit from the new trams which will service suburbs such as North Melbourne and Kensington.

They will also provide better access for people with mobility needs and those travelling with prams, as well as improved capacity with space for up to 150 passengers.  

Chair of the North and West Melbourne Association Kevin Chamberlin said the upgrade of the 57 tram route was “long overdue and welcomed” and the “upgraded rolling stock will clearly attract more patronage and be more accessible to the wider community”.

The new fleet is part of a $1.85 billion state government investment to build 100 new trams as well as a new tram maintenance and stabling facility in Maidstone to house the NGTs, with construction scheduled to start in 2023. 

The project will create 280 jobs during construction, and for ongoing maintenance and the supply chain, with local suppliers providing materials and services. 

Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said the NGTs would see a significant improvement to services in the area.

“These new trams feature the latest accessibility technology, coupled with a low-floor design and additional doors, greatly improving accessibility on the network,” he said.

Pre-construction activities will take place at Dandenong with construction of the first tram due to start from late 2023. The first vehicles are anticipated to be in service from 2025. •

Caption: New trams will replace the older high-floor trams.

Picture: Murray Enders.