The original contract – the Rollingstock Manufacture and Supply Agreement – was signed back in 2018. These 18 trains will consist of three cars, meaning the contract is for 54 new VLocity carriages for operator V/Line to run on the regional rail network in Victoria. In July 2020 Bombardier announced this order as an undisclosed customer.
All 54 carriages will be built at the factory in Dandenong and they will use roughly 69 percent local content – a positive boost for the state’s rolling stock supply chain.
12 of the VLocity trains will be broad gauge trains, while the remaining six will be standard gauge. The broad-gauge trains have been designed for both short and medium distance services. The long-haul standard-gauge trains will begin to replace the
ageing classic fleet on the North East line next year, providing passengers with a more modern, comfortable journey between Melbourne and Albury.
The standard-gauge trains will feature comfortable seats so that passengers have a positive experience on the long-haul journey. They will also have
USB chargers. Each vehicle will have six luggage racks and overhead luggage storage, while the six wheelchair spaces have companion seats close by.
The trains will also have a modern catering facility.
