200211 – Baker – Connex New Rolling Stock Procurement Experience the X’TRAPOLIS

The 8th April 2002 saw the delivery of Melbourne’s newest train in 20 years, the X’TRAPOLIS™. The first unit, comprising three cars (M869 – T1635 – M870) were transferred from a low-loader and unloaded onto the tracks at the Bayswater maintenance facility.

In total 58 new X’TRAPOLIS™ units will be delivered to Melbourne replacing the existing Hitachi rolling stock fleet operated by Connex.

This first unit is currently being used for extensive validation and ‘type’ testing throughout the Melbourne network.

The 1st Trainset (comprising two 3-car units) is due to enter revenue service on 31st December 2002.

This first unit, pictured above at Bayswater, has been fitted with a distinctive ‘test’ livery.

In summary the current project status and overview is detailed below:
• The First unit arrived 8th April 2002 for testing.
• Mainline testing commenced in June 2002.
• The Second unit arrived in late July 2002 to compliment testing.
• Testing will continue over a period of 6 months.
• The 1st November 2002 will see the first Trainset delivered to Connex for formal Acceptance Tests with the Department of Infrastructure.
• By the 31st December 2002 the first Trainset will be in regular revenue service.
• The remaining Trainsets will be progressively delivered and enter revenue service between January 2003 and December 2004.

The following paragraphs describe how this procurement has been achieved in the commercial Franchise environment for Connex .