The city of Melbourne is set to welcome its first new tram model in over a decade, the G-class tram, as part of a significant upgrade to its public transport network. This initiative aims to replace older high-floor Z- and A-class trams on key routes, enhancing accessibility and comfort for passengers.
Victoria has allocated $1.85 billion towards the construction of 100 G-class trams over the next four years. Currently, two units are being built at the Alstom factory in Dandenong, with the first tram expected to enter service by mid-2026. The G-class will gradually replace the aging Z-class trams on routes 57, 59, and 82 as part of a strategy to modernize the network.
Testing and Features of the G-Class Tram
Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams will officially open a new purpose-built depot in Maidstone where the trams will be housed and tested. The testing program is already in progress, focusing on the depot’s advanced facilities, which include a state-of-the-art automated tram scanner designed to detect any damage or maintenance issues upon arrival.
According to Ben Phyland, head of rolling stock and ticketing at the Department of Transport and Planning, the G-class trams will begin testing on sections of routes 57, 59, and 82 later this year. The tests will simulate full passenger loads to ensure the trams can brake and accelerate effectively. “We’re testing all the different functionalities of the tram, both electrically and mechanically,” Phyland explained.
The G-class tram is based on a model already operational in various cities but has been specifically modified to adapt to Melbourne’s extensive tram network, which is the largest in the world. Each G-class tram will undergo comprehensive testing across all 250 kilometres of the Melbourne tram network to confirm its readiness for public service.
Design Improvements and Accessibility Features
With a length of 25 metres, the G-class tram is approximately 10 metres longer than its predecessors, allowing for a capacity of up to 150 passengers, with 48 seats available. This design aims to alleviate crowding during peak hours, enhancing the overall commuting experience.
The low-floor design of the G-class tram significantly improves accessibility for passengers with disabilities, the elderly, and those with prams. Phyland noted that extensive stakeholder input has been incorporated into the tram’s design to maximize accessibility. The floor has been lowered by an additional 20 millimetres to facilitate easier boarding.
Alstom technician Elliot Rushworth is the first individual to obtain a license for operating the G-class tram and will oversee its testing and commissioning. He remarked on the spaciousness of the new model compared to the E-class, particularly in the aisle and central standing area, emphasizing the improved accessibility features.
Currently, approximately 43 percent of Yarra Tram services utilize accessible low-floor trams, while only 29 percent of tram stops are accessible. The introduction of the G-class tram is a significant step towards increasing accessibility across the network.
As Melbourne prepares to integrate these new trams into its transport system, the G-class is poised to revolutionize public transport in the city, making it more efficient and accommodating for all passengers. The last tram model introduced in Victoria was the E-class in 2013, making this development particularly notable as the city embraces modern transportation solutions.
