Even Melbourne 'Herald Sun' condensed this fluff for its printed version
this morning (Mon.19.10).
DotYT was bleating about lack of capacity 2 years ago: 5 years from then
until delivery of half of the promised fleet.
Does 'maximised comfort' mean a return to bogie trams?

Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

Fri. 16.10.09 press release (fluff removed)
Two companies have been short-listed to design and build 50 new low-floor
trams: Alstom and Bombardier (Canada). They would be invited to tender
before the end of the year.
"Patronage on Melbourne's tram network has grown to more than 178 million
trips per year.
The Brumby Labor Government committed $1 billion to 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.
"The new trams will be designed to maximise passenger comfort and will
increase accessibility for disabled and wheelchair passengers.
At least 25 per cent of the manufacturing contract would need to be local
content, with with the total local content over the life of the contract to
more than 50 per cent.
The first of the new trams is expected to be in service in 2012.

Fri. 16.10.09 press release (in full)
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.