The first of V-Line’s new Vlocity high-speed trains, launched several weeks ago, was manufactured in Dandenong. Another 37 like it will be produced and maintained over the next 15 years at Bombardier Transport’s Dandenong plant.By Shaun Inguanzo
THE Dandenong branch of a multinational railway company played a vital role in launching the first of Victoria’s Vlocity rural and country trains.
Canadian company Bombardier Transport utilised its Dandenong facility to build the first of 38 high-speed trains for the State Government after securing contract valued at more than $400 million in 2001 to build them.
At the time of the announcement, Bombardier spokesman Dan Osborne said the United Kingdom branch would construct the Vlocity undercarriages, while the Dandenong plant would build the train bodies.
The Vlocity trains run about 160km/h, or 30km/h faster than existing V-Line trains. Services were expected to be in full swing by last year, but delays saw the first Vlocity train make its way from Melbourne to Ballarat on 23 December. Other services expected to start this year will include Melbourne to Bendigo, Geelong and Traralgon routes.
