Melbourne’s next generation of suburban trains is moving closer to passenger service, with around 1,000 drivers now training on full-scale simulators ahead of the rollout of the X’Trapolis 2.0 fleet.
The Victorian Government said the training program will prepare drivers to safely operate the new trains when they enter service later this year, with simulators replicating real-world conditions across multiple routes on the metropolitan network.
The new fleet, built in Ballarat, is set to progressively replace Melbourne’s long-running Comeng trains and will operate on the Craigieburn, Upfield and Frankston lines.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said the upgrade is aimed at improving day-to-day travel for commuters. “We’re delivering more reliable, modern trains so families can spend less time commuting and more time at home with the people that matter most.”
The X’Trapolis 2.0 trains have been designed with input from drivers and include features such as real-time fault alerts, rear-facing cameras to improve visibility, and semi-automated boarding ramps intended to speed up boarding and improve accessibility.
Officials said the simulator training will allow drivers to practise a range of operational scenarios before the trains are introduced to passengers. “The simulator helps around 1,000 drivers become familiar with the new controls and features before the trains enter passenger service,” Williams said.
The new trains will carry around 1,225 passengers, an increase of nearly 10 per cent compared to the existing Comeng fleet, as the government looks to expand capacity across Melbourne’s growing rail network.
Passengers on the affected lines are also expected to see service improvements. Additional off-peak services are planned for the Craigieburn and Upfield lines from mid-2026, while Frankston Line services have returned to the City Loop and are set to receive an extra 12 weekly services following the completion of level crossing works.
Williams said the new trains are expected to improve the daily commute for thousands of passengers. “For thousands of Victorians, these new trains will deliver smoother and more reliable journeys.”
The project forms part of a $986 million investment in Victoria’s rail network and is supporting local manufacturing and employment, including jobs in Ballarat and across the supply chain.
The rollout comes as Melbourne continues to expand its public transport capacity to meet population growth and rising demand for more frequent and reliable services.
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