In the 2021–22 state budget, the Victorian Government announced $986 million in funding for an initial order of 25 new X'Trapolis 2.0 trains to be built by rolling stock manufacturer Alstom, which built the X'Trapolis 100 trains used on much of the Melbourne rail network.[10][11] The $986 million funding also included an upgrade to the Craigieburn train maintenance facility, to support maintaining and storing the new fleet.[11]
In 2023, a life-size mock-up of the train was put on display to receive feedback on its design and accessibility features.[12]
The X'Trapolis 2.0 trains are being built at Alstom's Dandenong & Ballarat North Workshops with a 60% local content quota to support local manufacturing jobs.[9] The government claims the project will support 750 jobs and ensure continued operation of the Ballarat North Workshops,[13] following concern by Alstom and trade unions about the facility's future.[14] On 19 November 2024, the first X'Trapolis 2.0 train was completed.[15][16]
Testing of the trains began on 7 March 2025 on the Werribee line, between Newport and Laverton stations.[17][18] The trains will eventually replace the Comeng fleet on the Craigieburn, Upfield and Frankston lines.[9] The Comeng trains are the oldest trains currently in operation on Melbourne's suburban rail network, having been first introduced in 1982.[19]
X'Trapolis 2.0 (Set 1+3) stopped at Tecoma during gradient testing on the Belgrave line, August 2025
In August 2025, grade testing began on the Belgrave line between Upper Ferntree Gully and Belgrave. This testing was conducted to assess the train's ability to handle steep gradients and its acceleration and deceleration performance on such terrain. The testing was not intended to certify the X'Trapolis 2.0 for regular service on the Belgrave line, as these trains are not planned to operate on that line.[20]
Design
The X'Trapolis 2.0 trains are a six-car electric multiple unit design, similar to the seven-car High Capacity Metro Train,[12] compared to the Comeng, X'Trapolis 100 and Siemens Nexas trains which are three-car sets run in tandem. Much like the High Capacity Metro Train and the Siemens Nexas, the X'Trapolis 2.0 uses a continuous walk-through design.[12] The trains are designed for a maximum capacity of 1241 people, a slight improvement over the 1127-person capacity of a six-car Comeng train.[13]
Features of the X'Trapolis 2.0 also include:
Wide doors to reduce boarding and alighting times to under 40 seconds
Passenger information systems that display journey information in real time
20 wheelchairs-designated spaces, and seating designed for bicycle and pram storage[21]
Semi-automatic wheelchair ramps located behind driver cabs[14]
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