Alstom, a global pioneer in smart and sustainable mobility, has officially commenced maintenance operations at the newly opened Maidstone tram depot, coinciding with the arrival of Melbourne’s first next-generation G-Class tram, manufactured at Alstom’s Dandenong facility. Pascal Dupond, Managing Director of Alstom Australia and New Zealand, said, “Maidstone represents a key investment in the future of Melbourne’s tram network. Designed to support the G-Class fleet for the next 15 years, this depot combines advanced global technology with Victorian expertise to deliver accessible, reliable, and energy-efficient transport for passengers.”
Home to the world’s largest operating tram network, Melbourne continues to build on its legacy with Alstom’s contribution from its Dandenong site, which has produced over 75% of the city’s tram fleet. The G-Class program carries forward this tradition, merging Alstom’s technological innovation with local manufacturing excellence.
The new G-Class trams feature low-floor designs, dedicated spaces for passengers with mobility needs, priority seating, hearing loops, and real-time passenger information systems. Their energy-efficient design further enhances accessibility and sustainability for daily commuters.
Manufactured in Victoria with a minimum 65% local content requirement, the initiative sustains around 1,900 local jobs across production, construction, and the wider supply chain. The Maidstone depot itself employs more than 40 full-time Alstom staff.
Elliot Rushworth, an Alstom technician at Maidstone, shared, “I’ve always loved trams — they’re clean, quiet, and vital to the city. Being part of the team maintaining and testing these new trams, while supporting local employment, is something I’m proud of.” More than just a depot, Maidstone stands as a model of modern transport technology, integrating advanced digital and safety systems to maintain world-class performance.
The Maidstone depot integrates a range of advanced technologies designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability across Melbourne’s tram network. Among the key innovations is the Automated Vehicle Inspection System (AVIS), a state-of-the-art scanning system that captures detailed measurements of each tram as it passes through the facility. This continuous monitoring ensures that every vehicle meets strict safety and performance standards, reducing downtime and enhancing reliability.
Another major advancement is the Depot Protection and Personnel Safety (DDPS) system, which prioritises the wellbeing of maintenance teams. This system automatically restricts tram movements whenever personnel are working on or near a vehicle, preventing potential accidents and ensuring a secure working environment.
The depot also employs digital monitoring tools that enable real-time oversight of tram health, maintenance schedules, and operational readiness. By leveraging data analytics, Alstom can proactively identify potential issues, streamline servicing, and optimise fleet performance — ensuring that Melbourne’s trams remain efficient and dependable.
Sustainability is at the core of the Maidstone facility’s design. The depot incorporates energy-efficient infrastructure such as LED lighting, rainwater harvesting systems, recycled materials, and adaptive reuse of resources. These features collectively minimise environmental impact, aligning with Alstom’s broader commitment to building greener and more sustainable transport networks. With these advancements, the Maidstone facility strengthens Melbourne’s reputation for having the most extensive and technologically advanced tram network in the world.
