Alstom has emerged victorious in securing a €900 million contract to maintain Victoria's regional train fleet for the next ten years. The contract encompasses both the state's modern VLocity trains and the older Classic fleet.
The deal will ensure the reliability of Victoria's train network and will also unlock significant economic benefits for the region. 98% of the workforce responsible for maintaining the VLocity and Classic fleets will be local. This is alongside 69% of the necessary maintenance materials sourced from Victorian suppliers.
Furthermore, Alstom has committed to spending 6% of the contract value with 40 local social benefit suppliers over the next ten years.
The current Vlocity train fleet is built at Australia’s Dandanong site in Melbourne and will be maintained alongside the classic fleet at Alstom’s other Australian sites including West Melbourne, South Dynon and Ballarat East.
"Our association with VLocity began in 2003," enthused Pascal Dupond, Alstom's managing director for Australia and New Zealand. "On this 20th anniversary, we are deeply humbled by the Victorian Government's continued trust in us to keep these vital trains running smoothly for another decade."
"We will establish a state-of-the-art fleet control centre in South Dynon, modelled after our successful Voyager Control Centre in the UK", Dupond elaborated. "This will further enhance the reliability and availability of the trains. Additionally, local Victorian businesses will play a crucial role in supplying parts, performing overhauls and repairs, and implementing preventive maintenance measures, including wheel turning."
Alstom's commitment to sustainability extends beyond job creation and local sourcing. The company plans to utilise advanced predictive maintenance technology, reducing both fuel costs and carbon emissions from the VLocity and Classic fleets.
Dupond added, "VLocity is undoubtedly a crown jewel of Victoria's rail network. The technology, local knowhow, innovation and excellence that Alstom brings will enable the VLocity and Classic fleet to shine and continue to serve Victoria’s regions throughout this decade and into the next”.
Photo Credit: Alstom
