Inside Melbourne's newest tram!

Join me as we take a look inside a mockup of the G-class tram - the latest vehicle soon to be operating on Melbourne's tram network.
Previous video on background of the G-class tram: • The G-Class: Melbourne...
Maribyrnong Explosives Factory video (part of the site of the Maidstone Tram Depot): • Maribyrnong Explosives...
G-class tram website: www.vic.gov.au/next-generatio...
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MORE INFORMATION
My website: philipmallis.com
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SOURCES
'Next Generation Trams', 2021. Victorian Department of Transport. transport.vic.gov.au/our-tran...
Isaacs, Yasmin, 'VIC unveils first look at next generation trams'. Infrastructure Magazine. 24 October 2023. infrastructuremagazine.com.au...
Supply Chain Channel, 'French manufacturing giant signs $1.85b deal to deliver Melbourne trams'. 2021. supplychainchannel.co/amp/fre...
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I acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this video was filmed, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Boonwurrung people. I pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and their extensive and continuing connection to land, water and country.

[@thomasjones4893]

As a guy living in rural Wales this video is genuinely very interesting to me

[@tdb7992]

You're very welcome to come visit Melbourne!

[@samsam21amb]

I love the wood aesthetic on the seats it’s so unique compared to the plastic white that’s everywhere.

[@philosophyfraillon9362]

Unfortunately I am pretty sure that is just for the prototype - it will likely be plastic for the actual thing.

[@philipmallis]

@@philosophyfraillon9362 We did ask and it was confirmed as part of the actual design, I think it looks very nice too!

[@emmaandthediamonds8705]

it’s been a common theme for tram models (and even trains) that were developed in australia to be the more preferred ones. models that were built overseas always seem to be the least practical/least liked by the public, so im glad they see how valuable it is for these models to be constructed locally so they can get feedback right here from australians-and understand the needs of melbournian passengers specifically! ❤️

[@74_pelicans]

taitset - a very private undisclosed warehouse PM - Here it is, this suburb and where it located

[@rogue265]

Just as an interesting fact. Orange on black is a somewhat known colourblindness - and it will just show black. It's actually why they are retrofitting Metro with white PIDS, rather than yellow and orange

[@jimmychin8313]

Philip, if possible please pass on above comment re colour of display. I have low vision and find the white PID on buses infinitely clearer than the orange ones.

[@philipmallis]

Thank you, I had no idea about that!

[@007knick]

Wow I wondered if it was something like that. I do wonder if this was part of the consultation process.

[@grobbosixtyone]

I congratulate Melbourne for building these trams locally. It’s ridiculous that Sydney went overseas for theirs

[@mackenzietoscan3602]

Building a trams factory for Sydney or any other city make financial sense if their keep on building new lines or replacing a large fleets of old trams. Or the factory is going to sit empty after the order is completed or sell it off and 15 years later need a new factory for the replacement. Melbourne one is too busy to do their network. So I saying build more light rail( for the right place)

[@ethanmccormick3271]

I would love if Victoria could build them for other states, they build great trams

[@thennicke]

@@strawberrysoup1 All very well and good except that local supply chains are insulation from global shocks such as covid, wars, or disruptions in the suez or panama canals. Furthermore they keep the wealth within the country.

[@rodrigodelprat]

I will miss the variety of older smaller trams, but these do look really cool.

[@timareskog2418]

Having been involved in the construction of the Motor Control Gear in the T2000 B Class trams back in ‘88/‘89 it’s good to see the new trams being built in Melbourne. Even though it’s been 35 years, I’d enjoy being back on the cable bench and helping the fitters building these new ones.

[@Clove_Parma]

This is very encouraging, looking forward to seeing this on routes 64 and 67… one day at least!

[@siobhanmurphy4912]

Yes I live in the 67 vicinity and not far from the 64 route. I agree. Although I am sentimental about the older trams.

[@footyfan101ful]

I can't wait to see this on the 64!!

[@chrismckellar9350]

That is why Melbourne developed the 'Melbourne Tram Specification' that has being used for future tram designs that is compatible for the network, except during 'privatisation' period of the network when 'off the shelf' design's likes the C & D class trams where used and proved they weren't compatible to the network, hence being restricted to certain routes. The G1 trams are in essence the modern version of the B Class trams which have proven to be flexible across the network by moving a lot of people, hence the G1's are shorter than the E Class trams.

[@therealsammyvee888]

I saw Taitset's video just before as well which is also very good. I'm going with my dad to see this tram tomorrow as he works with a disability agency and I'm also totally blind. So excited! He was also invited to see the X'Trapolis 2.0 a few months ago but we were busy then. Ah well. Thanks for this update Philip.

[@maifantasia3650]

At 2:28, when you mentioned the obstacle avoidance system, I thought of a tram swerving around a car that was blocking the tracks. How great that would be when a single, ignorant motorist decides they want to prevent a hundred people getting to their destination.

[@WanderingBabs]

well a BMW committed suicide today via a C-Class in the CBD

[@Arrigo888]

Thanks for keeping your viewers informed, Philip. Agree wholeheartedly about the stop buttons and the easy to follow information screen. Can you really drive a tram?

[@philipmallis]

No worries at all, glad you enjoyed it. And no I'm pretty sure I can't drive a tram unfortunately, although I've never tried!

[@crazycatlady2744]

This is super exciting! Watching from New Zealand, I feel like I'm peeking 40 years into the future.

[@alexlanning712]

nothing wrong with Old School, Kiwi Buddy

[@philipmallis]

Make sure you check out Taitset's video on this too (and completely coincidentally released at more or less the same time): kzbin.info/www/bejne/eni0la2rr5pliKc

[@David-uo2oc]

Is it just me,or do you guys sound alike?

[@BatCaveOz]

The narrow passageways will create a bottleneck nightmare when trams are full. Other than that, the design looks pretty good.

[@nobodycares85]

The old trams that these new ones are expected to replace inspired a song I wrote. The Next Stop buzzer on some of those older models makes a sound like a cricket. I haved joked when someone pressed the button for the Next Stop that someone must of stood on a cricket's toe making it angry. Though I can see a clear need to replace those old models with more user friendly versions with better accessibility, I'll miss those old trams that I have come to know as the "Angry Cricket" trams.

[@wildwombat]

Thanks, Mr Phillip. A wonderful coverage of the new display tram. I can't tell you the amount of times, the 86 route driver has either announced over the speakers, or opening his door into the cabins letting people know about leaning on the stop button, by accident while standing up.

[@carltonbloke]

A great video as always Philip! I enjoy your KZbin channel. The new G-class trams look great. I'm looking forward to 2025 to see these on the network. One small issue with the seats remaining "down" in the accessible areas. As a wheelchair user I would expect this make it difficult to access the accessible area. I would not expect many able-bodied passengers to return the seats to the upright position when they leave the tram. I sent it down with position would be an obstacle. I hope YT do return to the flip seats when these trams are rolled out 😇 🤗

[@busestransporta-z781]

Great tour journey!

[@JimmiAlli]

The weird thing is that on the St Kilda Road corridor we seem to have inherited all those awful old trams and yet they are not running these lovely new trams on those routes.

[@Low760]

The"awful" old trams are way better than the next generation of trams, in fact I still prefer the old high floors to all the new ones. Much more comfortable to ride on.

[@alexlanning712]

@@Low760 busy, arent we!

[@Secretlyanothername]

@@Low760 they're inaccessible and awful on a hot day

[@SamsonOhsem]

This is absolutely amazing 👍🏻

[@CautiousKieran]

Looks like there's good space to surf the back.

[@Playtime-lu8wj]

Awesome cannot wait till they are operating…!

[@Katie_v]

A very interesting video, thank you! I love the "eggbeater" design. The only concern for me is the narrow corridors. Also, as they are building a new depot in Maidstone, does that mean they are finally paying more attention to public transport in the Western Suburbs? :) Keep up the great work.

[@74_pelicans]

These trams are for the west yes, those who cry poor but actually get a lot

[@markspublictransportvideos8429]

Great video all

[@handyandyaus]

It's all very well to have wheelchair spots, but when the vast majority of tram stops are not DDA compliant, they unfortunately won't get used much.

[@carltonbloke]

Some routes such as #109 and #96 are very good with accessible access. Others I agree lacking the projected DDA compliance Yarra Trams forecasted. I am a wheelchair user having used the accessible trams in the city for the past 21 years.

[@WanderingBabs]

@@carltonbloke I am just waiting for the discrimination court case to be finalised.

[@carltonbloke]

@@WanderingBabs thanks for the update. It will be to see what the case outcomes are

[@francistaylor1822]

Coming with new and improved bell DING DING DING

[@johnvuong5496]

Why can't Alstom develop better and comfortable seats for these trams? Ever since new trams were introduced in the early 2000s all of them have cheap uncomfortable seats unlike the ones found on the Comeng produced trams.

[@Low760]

No different to buses.

[@FrostyFrostySnow]

These look good and will hopefully provide some needed capacity boost to help reduce overcrowding

[@dekkerlundquist5938]

I hope these will have decent air conditioning systems that can cope with the very hot days in summer.

[@UnknownUser-lt1nf]

Love it

[@RGC198]

Hi Philip, Thanks for sharing the G Class tram tour. I wonder if any of these will eventually run on route 75?? I agree with you about he orange destinat6ion signs being better. Also, I hope they decide to make the seating more comfortable as time goes on. Anyway, wishing you the very best. Rob.

[@KurtBryant95]

5:49 That isn't a photo of the problematic touch buttons, but one of the physical buttons the touch ones replaced.

[@LeonSuperman-vb7ex]

So cool

[@thies7831]

Will they be as tough as "30 Rhinos" or being derailed and running off-road like the "light" C-Class in moderate collisions ?

[@liuhc]

Judging by the rather obvious 3 light tubes behind the passenger information display, I'd say the mockup is just using a printed sheet over lighting to mock the display effect, which explains why the destination display looks very much washed out. A real one with LCD display or LED matrix should look much better.

[@glenmorrow]

Hi Phillip, Thanks again for another great and informative video. I myself have a vision impairment and am a guide dog user. I have a few coomments about accessibility: - Sometimes these ‘side’ seats aren’t so good for guide dog users, as dog paws end up in the aisle of the tram and - you guessed it - people step on them! - I agree about the destination board at the front, I wish it were a high contrast white text on black background like some buses have. - While on the topic of buses, its interesting that smart buses have external audio announcements telling potential passengers what route and destination the bus is, I have never understood why no tram has ever had this feature given how easy it would be to implement and would save people hopping on and off trams to ask the drive what route a tram is which in a corridor like Swanston St, is quite arduous. - Now that some tram stops are island stops, there needs to be easy access to the driver on both entrances at the front if people with disabilities have questions/etc. But I suspect this would be difficult to implement Overall I think the newer trams are good and hopefully with a few more improvements will be even better!

[@philipmallis]

Thanks for the insights!

[@darylcheshire1618]

the battery tram is already a thing in Newcastle which don’t use an overhead wire on the roads. Not sure if they use supercaps but probably do if they recharge in a minute or so at each stop. Historically the Bendigo system used a battery tram presumably lead-acid and kept having to be towed back to the depot when the batteries ran flat during part of the route. Eventually an overhead wire was erected.

[@normandiebryant6989]

I think the "Habsburg Jaw" makes it look very ugly. I wonder how hot the driver will get behind all that high glass.

[@mark123655]

Will be interesting to see whether there are any timetable changes to routes with the A-Class given the greater capacity.

[@r1chy.1.]

Honestly they should use similar displays to the HCMT trains on the Xtrapolis 2.0 and the g class tram

[@Dexter225588]

Very nice seat, i will come back to Melbourne in 2025 and see what it is like on G trams ive already rode on E trams it nice and smooth but the huge problem is it very crowed, also i like the ding sound from E trams it beautiful sound ever

[@hvmish8550]

I have seen the safety bar deploy on the E class tram!...

[@shiori510]

Those seats are great for power wheelchairs, especially if travelling with a 'normal' person.

[@tramlink8544]

i just hope Melbournes flexitys will have a lot less issues than ours in Zurich

[@monogramadikt5971]

i grew up in the 70s, i miss the oldschool trams to be honest, the future no longer excites me the way it did when i was younger and had optimism for this world lol

[@ethans-dk4bk]

The G Class will replace B Class on Route 57, 59, and 82. The B Class will be cascaded to other routes to replace the A and Z Class Trams. The B Class Trams will still operate until it gets replaced by G2 Class Trams.

[@tracey-scotthamlett]

I worked on the original first 50 E class trams at Dandenong this is an interesting design but bit concerned about the length of the inter connecting floor as there was a lot of problems with the first lot of E class tram one's and they were shorter

[@pedroarcilla4825]

Get this on the 57 line ASAP please.

[@DJAYPAZ]

This new tram class will almost certainly operate on the number 59 route.

[@scottcallaghan1000]

I'll miss the B class, the most comfortable seating configuration in my opinion. Makes sense to replace it for accessibility though.

[@normandiebryant6989]

I hope the countryside is dotted with them used for holiday houses or something, rather than being destroyed like the Comeng rail carriages. I'd love to have a holiday shack made of a tram or train.

[@Low760]

​@@normandiebryant6989would be good to keep some for heritage given w's were kept at a younger age.

[@Secretlyanothername]

I hope they all go to metal recyclers and become something useful.

[@jasongarufi8187]

Thanks for the great video. The seats don't look so good.

[@Luvpig]

❤❤❤

[@freebeerishere]

I tried to take a peek at the depot in progress but security quickly grew suspicious of me… oopsie

[@handyandyaus]

I assume these cars will be able to be coupled to another to form a set, as E classes can (but don't)?

[@philipmallis]

Excellent question - not sure about that one. It wasn't mentioned anywhere.

[@charlespisani9923]

When are they building g a tram line to Doncaster? they can make one line from Balwyn.

[@closeben]

I’m surprised they have a full mock up and yet won’t start testing on the network until 2025. Seems a long way off to be already showing off the model. Do you know if along with these new models they will be adding new accessible tram stops along these routes?

[@philipmallis]

They did say that changes will be made from this mockup - its main purpose is for consultation so that people can give better feedback 'in person'. In terms of stops, there is the Route 82 tram stop upgrade project here that covers part of the rollout, not sure about the other two: www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/about-ptv/improvements-and-projects/tram/routes-82-and-86-tram-corridor-development-project/

[@007knick]

Doesn’t look like they’ve improved the legroom for seats near the mid of the tram :(

[@Low760]

But it's the future! We don't need comfortable high floors!

[@omuploads]

Were there any single seats at the front that were green and not orange priority seats?

[@philipmallis]

No, they were all orange priority seats. Two at either end of the tram.

[@ronronchau]

quite wonder why a large battery storage is useful for a package-constrained tram which constantly on the power grid, isn't feeding back to the grid and using a smaller battery/supercap a way better idea than an unnecessary ballast on the roof?

[@Low760]

They need a lot more energy than an A or B.

[@thegaffster]

They fully assembled here or come in kit form from overseas?

[@alexlanning712]

I know it would be extravagant, but having smaller "Chaser" trams following behind on busier routes to pick up stragglers

[@Low760]

They do. It's called running late.

[@wendyquach3371]

Wait I thought the g class tram were replacing A and Z class trams but are they replacing B class tram too?

[@victorianrichard8097]

i hope g class trams will coming in 2025 philip

[@yiannisdanatzis2889]

Why is is the the tram lines heading North West (Noth Coburg 19, Airport West 59) always get the newest trams but route 70 & 75 only ever have A class and B class? I want to see 21st century trams in Burwood for once

[@davidbayley9588]

These new trams are also going to be used on Route 57 & 82 which have the oldest Z class still operating

[@jakal0]

Isn't the Preston Depot newer than Southbank?

[@WanderingBabs]

Preston was refurbished it is over 100 years old

[@jakal0]

@@WanderingBabs It was a workshop previously, it had never been a depot before.

[@WanderingBabs]

@@jakal0 but there was no structural work to complete the conversion

[@elliotknight4487]

interesting, i never knew it was done at the front of my work at tulla. my office is behind you at the start of the video.

[@hhgttg69]

any USB outlets for passengers?

[@ducky_the_helper]

That "egg beater" handrail infront of the gangways are a stupid idea once you get a few people clinging onto them it'll be impossible to move through the tram

[@footrotdog]

They should paint them black. Then they'd look like the Spacing Guild navigator's pods from David Lynch's Dune.

[@97itachiuchiha]

8:54 G-class may be shorthand for gigachad, look at that chin!

[@victorianrichard8097]

g class tram will buit in 2025 completed company by alstom

[@Secretlyanothername]

Can't wait for these to replace the awful Z, A, and B classes - that should have been replaced decades ago as inaccessible and discriminatory, as well as being cramped, uncomfortable, and terrible on hot days. Everyone deserves to use public transport.

[@roryds1532]

Colours are terrible. Good vid tho sir.

[@roryds1532]

Colour design of the tram that is.

[@squishyhippie4059]

Not an expert in scale models or (gauges) by any means, or transportation networks for that matter..... however...... acessability (woops a "magic" and "special" word) in the project/POC/development/iteration/etc area. ∴ making it even more accessable which is obviosuly 101% better/"safer"/etc (woops another magic word :-). ∴ (woops) The scale model gets a BIG tick (a green one!) as the difference between the scale model guage, and the gauge of the old timers toy trains may be (in)compatible Which could potentially increase "occupancy" in the tram area (lol) all-be-it for a very silly and uniunportant "fun" activity

[@weirdpringleschip]

Bro why does our new tram look like handsome squidward? 😭 💀

[@squishyhippie4059]

lol

[@davidbayley9588]

The front sure isn't very attractive

[@withinjapan2024]

They will be trashed like the other teams by the dirty locals and budget operator

[@g_wy]

Melbourne misses a massive soft power opportunity by not thinking seriously about look and colour schemes. The seats are a little better looking than previous ones, but nowhere near being interesting or cool. The yellow poles with the green seating just doesn't look good at all. We should understand how our trams project an image of Melbourne to the world and really seek to make them special, not just functional.

[@clintthomas1854]

When is Melbourne going to join the 20th like the rest of Australia? Buses are cheaper faster and more user friendly

[@Secretlyanothername]

Buses are worse in almost every way. There's a reason people around the world don't like buses, and the only people who love them are cost-cutting planners and transport nerds.

[@rodneymcgovern5984]

Your username matches your comment: rubbish!

[@zeljkodusenjko5425]

The seats are costly , they should of made them full plastic seats then they can actually clean them regularly. The cloth seats are easily damaged and dirtied with people who use them as foot rests, most seats in Melbourne trams are filthy and l would not sit on them, especially inner city areas they can be disgusting. If people need comfort for a tram ride they should stand. In Bangkok the BTS is all plastic seating and they are super clean. If you design the tram with full plastic l think it would be less expensive to maintain.

[@astroboy4653]

Why is this guy so negitive.