The Government of Victoria in Australia has signed an agreement with Bombardier Transportation Australia to design bogies for the new standard gauge VLocity trains to be used on the North East Line.

The contract follows an earlier order for 87 VLocity carriages to Bombardier and is part of the government’s A$848.5m ($627m) regional rolling stock investment plan for the North East Line.

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A key component under the train, bogies hold the axles, suspension and brakes. Since the previous VLocity trains were not equipped with the standard gauge bogies, the new vehicles are now required to obtain safety accreditation after installing them.

The trains are expected to reach track the testing and accreditation stage in around 12 months.

“North-East Victorians are relieved there is a clear path to deliver the better services they deserve, with an upgraded track and new trains on their way.”

Victoria Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said: “We’re getting on with delivering the redesigned VLocity trains North East line, which will provide passengers with a reliable and comfortable journey.”

The VLocity trains, which will operate between Albury-Wodonga and Melbourne, will take two years to complete and are expected to be available when the planned A$235m ($173.7m) upgrade works of the North East Line are finished.

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The works, which will enhance the rail tracks to Victorian Class 2 standard and allow VLocity train operations, come as part of the A$1.7bn ($1.26bn) Regional Rail Revival project.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said: “North-East Victorians are relieved there is a clear path to deliver the better services they deserve, with an upgraded track and new trains on their way.”

The government’s investment has currently led to a 40% increase in services. A further A$15m ($11.09m) has been set aside to enhance the existing operations of standard gauge Classic Fleet trains.

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