Alstom will continue its longstanding partnership with the Victorian government and V/Line following its latest announcement
Rail manufacturer Alstom has been announced as the successful bidder for the $1.5 billion contract to maintain Victoria’s regional rolling stock VLocity and Classic fleets for the next decade.
The VLocity train fleet, which is built at Alstom’s Dandenong manufacturing site, will be maintained alongside the classic fleet out of West Melbourne, South Dynon and Ballarat East sites. Alstom says this will secure hundreds of local Victorian jobs for the next decade.
Alstom Australia and New Zealand managing director Pascal Dupond says he’s happy that a two-decade long partnership has been extended.
“On the 20th year of that association I am humbled by the trust put in place in us by the Victorian government to continue the privilege of servicing VLocity trains for the next decade,” Dupond says.
Alstom says the renewal of its contract with the Victorian government locks in a number of benefits for the state’s economy.
This includes 98 per cent of labour based in Victoria servicing the VLocity and Classic fleet while 69 per cent of maintenance materials will be supplied by local suppliers.
Alstom says it has also committed to a six per cent spend with 40 local social benefit suppliers over the life of this contract.
“We will establish a fleet control centre in South Dynon based on Alstom’s UK Voyager Control Centre which will further improve reliability and availability of the fleet,” Dupond says.
“Local suppliers across Victoria will also play an important part in supplying parts, overhauls, repairs, preventative maintenance and wheel turning.
“The impact to the rail supply chain in Victoria will be profound.“
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| Alstom says the renewal of this contract will help boost Victoria’s economy. Image Supplied: Alstom Group |
Alstom will also provide additional predictive maintenance technology that it says will result in a reduction in fuel costs and carbon emissions from the respective fleets.
“VLocity is without a doubt a jewel in the crown of Victoria’s rail fleet,” Dupond says.
“The technology, local knowledge, innovation and excellence that Alstom brings will enable the VLocity and Classic fleets to shine and continue to serve Victoria’s regions throughout this decade and into the next.”