On October 17, an important milestone in Melbourne’s public transport modernization program was reached: the first G Class tram—the new generation of fully low-floor vehicles for the capital of Victoria—was officially unveiled for the start of the test phase.
The new generation of Alstom vehicles will be built at the Dandenong plant. The order comprises 100 new vehicles. Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) is the client and the purchase has been made by the Victorian Government. Yarra Trams will operate them once commissioning and acceptance is complete. This is the largest rolling stock project in local made trams in Australian history to date. The total project is worth AUD 1.85 billion (approx. EUR 1.03 billion), with the design, build and maintain contract with Alstom worth EUR 700 million.
First G Class officially unveiled
The first G Class tram arrived at the newly built Maidstone depot in September 2025, where it has been undergoing preparations for testing and commissioning ever since. The official presentation took place in October in the presence of representatives from the Victorian government, Alstom, and Yarra Trams.
The new vehicles will gradually replace the older A and Z Class trams, significantly improving accessibility, comfort, and operational efficiency. The first units are scheduled to enter regular passenger service in early 2026, following completion of the test phase and driver training.
Continuation of a successful partnership
The G Class builds on a long-standing collaboration between Alstom and Melbourne. The previous generation, the E Class, was supplied by Alstom, formerly Bombardier Transportation, and introduced in 2013. A total of 100 E Class Flexity vehicles were built by 2021. These are three-part bogie vehicles (based on the classic Flexity Classic concept) with two bogies under the middle car and one bogie under each end car.
The E Class was also manufactured in Dandenong. With the G Class, Alstom is continuing this development with improved design, higher energy efficiency, and a higher proportion of local manufacturing. Technically, the G Class is based on the Flexity-2 platform with a fixed bogie under the middle car and swivel bogies under the end cars.
The G Class can be seen as Melbourne’s third generation of low-floor trams, following after the E Class; and Melbourne’s purchases of imported vehicles from Europe in the 2000s comprising 36 Alstom Citadis 202 3-car trams in 2001 (C Class), 59 3- and 5-section Siemens Combino trams in 2001 (D1/D2 Class), and a further five Alstom Citadis 302 cars leased surplus from Mulhouse in 2008 and later purchased (C2 Class).
Technical features
The G Class is 25 meters long and has a completely low floor. It can accommodate around 150 passengers, including generous space for wheelchairs and strollers.
- The most important innovations include:
- Regenerative braking system with up to 40% energy savings compared to the E-Class,
- Modern passenger information system with real-time updates,
- Hearing loops and wide entry areas for greater accessibility,
- Energy-efficient LED lighting and air conditioning,
- Robust and easy-care interior materials for lower maintenance costs.
The vehicles are designed to operate with 600 V DC from the overhead line and are specially adapted to local route and climate conditions.
The new G Class trams are also planned to be equipped with a 48.9 kWh onboard energy storage system comprised of two lithium-ion nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries mounted on the roof. These batteries function similarly to those in a hybrid vehicle: they provide additional power during acceleration and store energy recovered through regenerative braking. They can also draw electricity from the overhead line while the tram is stationary or coasting, reducing energy demand during the next acceleration. This so-called “peak shaving” helps to avoid current peaks above around 600 amps, easing the load on the power network and substations. Overall, the battery system, together with other efficiency measures, contributes to reducing energy consumption per passenger by about 30 to 40 percent.
Technical data:
- Train architecture: 3 cars with two long end-cars and a central fixed car
- Vehicle length: ~25 m (82 ft 0 in)
- Low-floor percentage: 100 %
- Number of doors per side: 4 (2 double leaf doors and 2 single doors)
- Maximum speed: 80 km/h
- Motorisation rate: 66 % (4 out of 6 axles driven)
- Traction motors: 4 × Skoda FCX 105 kW (141 hp)
- Tractive power: 420 kW (560 hp)
- Line voltage: 600 V DC
- Traction batteries: installed 49.8 kWh Li-Ion traction batteries (energy storage) to reduce power use and capture energy generated when braking (planned)
- Track width: 1435 mm
65 % of local manufacturing
The new trams will be manufactured entirely in Victoria, the next-generation G Class trams have a 65 per cent local content requirement. The program secures around 1,900 jobs in production, supply, and depot construction.
At the new Maidstone depot, which is also operated by Alstom, more than 40 employees will be responsible for maintenance and fleet management in the future. The maintenance contract runs for 15 years.
The project is part of the Victorian government’s Rolling Stock Strategy, which aims to secure long-term investment in the local rail industry and sustainable vehicle production.
New Maidstone tram depot
The Maidstone tram depot was designed specifically for the G Class and is optimized for maximum efficiency and safety.
- The most important technical facilities include:
- an Automated Vehicle Inspection System (AVIS) for predictive maintenance,
- a Digital Depot Protection System (DDPS) for increased workplace safety,
- energy-efficient infrastructure with LED lighting, water recycling, and sustainable building standards.
The depot will also help maintain and house part of the fleet but not all 100, with some of the vehicles assigned to other depots including Essendon Tram Depot.
Melbourne’s superlative tram network
Melbourne operates the world’s largest tram network, covering over 250 kilometers and more than 1700 stops. The fleet comprises over 480 vehicles.
The new fleet will initially operate on routes 57, 59 and 82 from Maidstone and Essendon tram depots.
Planning for wider operation of G Class trams on more routes is underway, in coordination with other initiatives as part of Melbourne’s Tram Plan.
With the G Class, the city is taking a decisive step toward a more sustainable, accessible, and modern tram system by replacing the high-floor trams. The new vehicles also contribute to achieving the state’s climate goals, in particular the Net Zero Strategy 2045.
Outlook
First service is expected in 2026 – but only after extensive testing is complete will the new G Class trams progressively begin taking passengers on routes 59, 57, and 82. This rollout will also be done over coming years, as more new trams are delivered and driver training is completed.
23.10.2025
