New trams for Melbourne: Alstom or Bombardier
  Chris Gordon

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/minister-for-public-transport/150-jobs-created-as-shortlist-to-build-trams-announced.html

150 JOBS CREATED AS SHORTLIST TO BUILD TRAMS ANNOUNCED

Two companies have been short-listed to design and build Melbourne's
fleet of 50 new low floor trams as part of the Brumby Labor
Government's $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan.

Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said Alstom and Bombardier were
short-listed and the companies would be invited to tender before the
end of the year.

"We are building a better transport system so people can spend more
time with family and less time commuting," Ms Kosky said.

"Patronage on Melbourne's tram network has grown to more than 178
million trips a year and that's why we're taking action to deliver
these 50 new trams as soon as possible.

"Alstom and Bombardier are internationally regarded in providing high
quality and efficient tram vehicles.

"And with Melbourne having the largest tram network in the world, I
believe both companies will submit world class tenders to provide the
best value and vehicles for the travelling public."

The Brumby Labor Government committed $1 billion in the Victorian
Transport Plan to the development and production of 50 new trams and
the redevelopment of the Preston workshops.

"These new trams will be able to carry an additional 10,000 passengers
at a time and provide capacity on our busiest routes, particularly
during the morning and afternoon peak periods," Ms Kosky said.

"The new trams will be designed to maximise passenger comfort and will
increase accessibility for disabled and wheelchair passengers to the
tram network."

Industry and Trade Minister Martin Pakula said the tram contract had
been declared a Strategic Project under the Victorian Industry
Participation Policy and for this project at least 25 per cent of the
manufacturing contract would need to be local content.

"This local content provision is expected to create at least 150
direct jobs in Victoria. Importantly, this also raises the total local
content over the life of the contract to more than 50 per cent, which
is good news for Victorian industry," Mr Pakula said.

"The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to create jobs now and
support Victorian manufacturing. This tender demonstrates our policies
to support local sub contractors and suppliers, with 10 per cent of
the selection criteria directly relating to local content."

As part of the contracts and job creation, there will be the
opportunity for Victorians to boost their skills and knowledge through
new training opportunities including apprenticeships.

The first of the new trams are expected to be in service in 2012.