Trams on the road rails

A NEW tram built in Dandenong South hit the tracks this week.
Yarra Trams unveiled the first of 50 Bombardier-built, low-floor E Class trams in Preston on Monday.
Bombardier sales and marketing director Andy Spink said 50 per cent of the project was local manufacturing content.
“So there are a number of companies in Melbourne’s south-east that are working with us to deliver these striking vehicles,” he said.
“We are very pleased to be building these trams in Dandenong.”
Transport Minister Terry Mulder said the first tram would travel around the network over the coming months on a 6000 kilometre testing program.
“Passengers will be able to experience the new E Class trams later this year following the completion of this rigorous testing regime,” he said.
Premier Denis Napthine said the first tram’s transfer from the Bombardier factory was a significant milestone in the $300 million project.
“These new E Class trams are absolutely world-class,” he said.
“They will be the most comfortable, safest and highest-capacity trams in Melbourne’s fleet.
“At 33 metres long, these trams will also be the longest yet to run on our network.
“They are capable of carrying about 210 passengers each, which is more than any other tram we have in service.”