X'Trapolis 2.0

The X'Trapolis 2.0 is a series of electric multiple unit (EMU) trains to be used for Metro Trains Melbourne, part of Alstom's X'Trapolis family. The trains are set to enter service between 2025 and 2026.

The X'Trapolis 2.0 and High Capacity Metro Trains will continue replacing the ageing Comeng fleets on the Craigieburn, Upfield, Frankston and Flemington Racecourse lines.

Construction

In the 2021/22 state budget, the Victoria Government announced $986 million in funding for an initial order of 25 new X'Trapolis 2.0 trains to be built by rail manufacturer Alstom, which has previously built metropolitan trains for the Melbourne rail network. The X'Trapolis 2.0 trains are to be built in Ballarat with a 60% local content quota to support local manufacturing jobs. The project will support 750 jobs in manufacturing and the supply chain, and ensured the future of Alstom's Ballarat manufacturing facility. This decision followed concern by the manufacturer and unions in 2019 over the fate of the facility.

The trains replacing the Comeng fleet are anticipated to "be more accessible, reliable and energy efficient". Also included in the $986 million 2021/22 funding is an upgrade to the Craigieburn train maintenance facility to improve train maintenance and provide more space to store the new fleet.

Design

The X'Trapolis 2.0 trains consist of a permanent configuration in six-car carriages unlike the Comeng, X'Trapolis 100 and Siemens Nexas trains, which are formed as three-car sets. Like the High Capacity Metro Train, the trains have a walk-through design. The trains' maximum capacity is 1241, compared with a capacity of 1127 on the Comeng fleet it is replacing.

Features of the X'Trapolis 2.0 also include:

• Modernised doors to reduce the boarding times at stations to under 40 seconds
• Passenger information systems that would display that train's journey in real time
• Higher energy efficiency to work with a lower network voltage, to fit in line with modern rail systems overseas
• New interior designs including tip-up seating to allow space for wheelchair spaces
• Designated bicycle storage areas
• Semi-automatic wheelchair ramps located behind driver cabs

In the first half of 2023, a life-size mock-up of one and a half carriages was displayed by the manufacturer to stakeholders to receive feedback on the train's internal designs and accessibility features. The train is planned to feature 20 dedicated accessibility spaces and the ability to count passengers.

References

1. X'Trapolis
2. X'Trapolis 100
3. Comeng (train)
4. Metro Trains Melbourne
5. Melbourne bus route 901
6. High Capacity Metro Train
7. Railways in Melbourne
8. Myki
9. Siemens Nexas
10. Melbourne bus route 601
11. V/Line
12. Kinetic Melbourne
13. Craigieburn line
14. Public Transport Victoria
15. Melbourne bus route 202
16. McKenzie's Tourist Services
17. V/Line VLocity
18. List of bus routes in Melbourne
19. Victorian Railways H class
20. 4D (train)