Bombardier to design VLocity train bogies for Victoria, Australia

A VLocity train operating in Malmsbury, Victoria

The Andrews Labor Government has reached an agreement with Bombardier Transportation Australia to complete the bogie design for the new standard gauge VLocity trains which will operate on the North East Line.

Bogies are the essential component under the train that bear the load and contain the axles, suspension and brakes. As VLocity trains have not previously been fitted with standard gauge bogies, this component will take the longest to design, construct and gain safety accreditation for the new North East trains.

Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, said: “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’s finished. We’re getting on with delivering the redesigned VLocity trains for the North East line, which will provide passengers with a reliable and comfortable journey.”

The design process has commenced and will take up to 12 months until they reach the production, accreditation and track testing stage. The full build of the new long-haul VLocity trains, that will run between Albury-Wodonga and Melbourne, will take two years to complete.

Starting the work now will ensure the new rolling stock is available when the $235 million upgrade of the North East line is completed, as part of the $1.7 billion Regional Rail Revival, a joint initiative of the Australian and Victorian Governments.

The Labor Government’s investment in regional trains has provided a 40 per cent increase in regional rail services, with V/Line now running more than 2,000 services every week.

The Government has also invested $15 million to improve comfort and reliability on the existing standard gauge Classic Fleet trains, including facilitating a fourth train to operate along the North East line; reducing train cancellations as a result of a train fault.

Member for Northern Victoria, 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.”