If you heard the news, this new Alstom train has recently hit the Melbourne electrified broad gauge network.. The train set, whilst called an Xtrapolis 2.0, is actually part of the Alstom Adessia collection. There are some noticeable similarities with other UK trainsets, such as the Alstom/Bombardier Aventras, which is part of Adessia.
So a quick TLDR.
- Xtrapolis 2.0 has been ordered as the replacement for the 1980’s Comeng trainsets currently running on the Craigieburn, Upfield and Frankston lines (with the future plans of extending its operational scope to Glen Waverley*). A total of 50 trainsets will be operational around 2030.
- 8 December 2024, the first completed X’Trapolis 2.0 set was transferred from North Ballarat Workshops to Newport Workshops. .
- 3 May 2026, saw the first trainset (Trainset 5) enters revenue service, 0906 to Upfield and 0953 ex Upfield to Flinders Street
*subject to operational requirements and future funding.
Previously, I’ve been lucky to photograph two of the Xtrapolis 2.0 transfers in daylight, traversing from Ballarat to Newport Workshops via Bacchus Marsh. This locomotive-hauled transfer is now running in darkness.
So my thoughts on the Xtrapolis 2.0 on launch day.
I didn’t manage to get many shots onboard this time, surprisingly (unlike the HCMT first trip in December 2020). Honestly, don’t have much to say about the trainset that these comments.
Overall, it’s a decent train, and it definitely feels like a suitable replacement for the Comeng sets. However, a few things still stand out.
First, performance in bad weather: as soon as the conditions turn and the tracks get even slightly wet, the Xtrapolis 2.0 suffers from noticeable wheelslip. The upside is that it recovers reasonably well – much better than the Xtrapolis 100, which tends to jolt around constantly in similar conditions.
Whilst air-suspension is a huge step up from the spring suspension on the Xtrapolis 100, I kinda found it cool we are more swaying left to right… another benefit, somehow the train motors are pretty silent… even being in a motor car too. Long gone are the days of hearing the high-pitched whine of the motor alternator on the Comengs.
The big talking point, though, is the seating. The infamous FISA Lean seats… which makes another appearance, complete with that almost cardboard‑like padding. Interestingly, the VLocity versions (on VL77–79) aren’t too bad, but on this train, they’re just oddly uncomfortable. For a short run – say, up to about an hour – they’re tolerable, but anything longer starts to feel pretty unforgiving. The seats have an odd seating angle… maybe they’ll get better… (tho honest opinion, the side seats look much more comfortable).
I don’t know what to say about this passenger information display… it feels off.
One slight minor thing… it’s been suggested that the X’trapolis 2.0 has some tinting… cell service was pretty shocking (tho that might be due to Optus, honestly).
And really, that’s it. The trip to Upfield and back was quick… just went in a blur… honestly had more fun talking to other enthusiasts. (and yes, just to dispel a rumour, I was there… 🙂
But hey, for a new train for Melbourne… It’s definitely needed if Melbourne wants to be a “world-class metro”. Just need frequency boosts across the entire network, dragging it from the dark ages towards a “turn up and go” timetable… Infrastructure upgrades are great, but completely pointless if we don’t have frequency, which negates any benefits gained.
I’ll probs get more pics of them when they actually roll out in due course. Rather, honestly, rush to get the last four years of the Comeng trainsets.
expect more from this blog… tho maybe not so much railway content tho.
*edited. listed wrong date for HCMT launch… was December 2020, not December 2022.