Victoria’s opposition has committed $1.7 billion to buy 25 hybrid bi-mode trains for the Melton and Wyndham Vale lines, allowing more frequent peak services through the City Loop or Metro Tunnel before full electrification arrives.
These trains switch between electric power on suburban tracks and diesel or battery elsewhere, much like models in New South Wales and South Australia.
Labor criticises the plan as a costly delay that would build trains overseas and risk compatibility issues, while the opposition promises eventual electrification amid years of delays since Labor’s 2018 pledge.
The debate centers on fast population growth in the west and differing views on jobs, costs, and long-term solutions ahead of the state election.
One thing to Consider those train are used in NSW…
And NSW rail system is more extensive then Vic….
Ie: Central to Newcastle take 3-4+ hrs one way…. But to places like Grafton it over 5hrs on the train one way which currently uses the XPT.
That looks like more replacement for XPT but they had a spat about their off the shelf design modifications for a sleeper in a carraige….
Means more $$$ to modify their term and condition to the Spanish rolling stock manufacturing company changing its design for nsw railway travelling requiremeants!