By CASEY NEILL
BOMBARDIER has officially received the State Government order for 20 extra E-Class trams announced in the May budget.
But the Opposition says it’s not enough, after pledging on 9 November to order 75 new E-Class trams from the Dandenong manufacturer if re-elected.
Bombardier is currently building 50 E-Class trams, the last of which is due to enter service in May 2017.
The first trams of the new order are expected on the network in June 2017 and all 70 should be in service by late 2018.
“The 20 new E-Class trams will provide certainty for manufacturers, secure 500 local jobs and boost Melbourne’s iconic tram network, to carry more people every single day,” Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said.
Prior to this year’s State Budget, the Journal reported that Bombardier needed a new work order by November to secure supplier contracts and avoid having to reduce its 430-strong workforce.
The State Government said the former Liberal Government did not order a single tram in its four years in office, putting jobs at Bombardier and related suppliers at risk.
Bombardier Transportation Australia managing director Rene Lalande welcomed the order for 20 trams.
“We recently celebrated the 1 million km milestone journey of the existing E-Class fleet, which demonstrates their excellence in reliability,” he said.
“Bombardier is proud to be part of Australia’s rail transportation network, and we look forward to delivering the additional trams to the Melbourne network.”
