Alstom Secures €1 Billion Deal for Melbourne’s New Driverless Metro as Part of $5.75B Contract

Alstom has secured a significant €1 billion share of a $5.75 billion contract to deliver Australia’s next generation of driverless trains and systems for Melbourne’s ambitious Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East project. As a key member of the victorious TransitLinX Alliance, the French rolling stock manufacturer will supply, integrate, and maintain the automated Metropolis metro fleet, marking a transformative step for the city’s public transport network.

The Suburban Rail Loop Authority has awarded the comprehensive “turnkey” contract for SRL East to the TransitLinX Alliance, a consortium comprising industry leaders John Holland, KBR, WSP, and RATP Dev, with Alstom taking a central role. Alstom’s extensive scope includes the supply of a new fleet of automated Metropolis metro trains, the implementation of advanced digital signalling and control systems, and full system integration. The contract also includes a 15-year maintenance solution covering the train fleet, signalling, and infrastructure, which will be managed from a new, purpose-built maintenance facility in Heatherton, Melbourne.

At the heart of the project is the deployment of Alstom’s proven Metropolis platform, which will operate at Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4)—the highest level of unattended train operation. This fully driverless system will be managed by a Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) system, enabling higher frequency and greater reliability across the network. This will be Australia’s second driverless train fleet, following the successful launch of Alstom’s Metropolis trains on the Sydney Metro in 2019, demonstrating the company’s established expertise in the Australian automated rail market.

The Suburban Rail Loop is a city-shaping project designed to create a 90km orbital railway through Melbourne’s middle suburbs, connecting major hubs without requiring travel into the central business district. The initial 26km SRL East stage will feature six new underground stations, strategically located to link communities with key employment, health, and education precincts. The introduction of this globally significant project places Melbourne among the world’s leading cities adopting advanced, high-capacity metro solutions to manage urban growth and improve passenger mobility.

Key Takeaways

• Major Financial Win: Alstom’s €1 billion contract share underscores its strategic importance within the $5.75 billion TransitLinX Alliance delivering the project.
• Technological Leap for Melbourne: The project will introduce the city’s first fully automated, GoA4 driverless train network, promising enhanced efficiency and service frequency.
• Long-Term Commitment: A 15-year maintenance agreement ensures end-to-end lifecycle support for the new fleet and systems from a dedicated local facility.

Editor’s Analysis

This contract award is more than just a win for Alstom; it signals a pivotal moment for urban transit in Australia. The SRL project’s orbital design addresses a common challenge in large, sprawling cities: poor cross-suburban connectivity. By adopting a fully automated GoA4 system, Melbourne is not just building a new line but future-proofing its network for decades to come. For Alstom, this solidifies its position as the dominant force in Australia’s nascent automated metro market, leveraging its success in Sydney to secure a landmark project in the nation’s second-largest city. This project will serve as a global case study for other cities looking to implement large-scale, automated orbital routes to reshape urban mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East?
SRL East is the first 26km stage of a 90km orbital railway in Melbourne. It will connect key suburban hubs with six new underground stations, providing a crucial link between health, education, and employment centres.

Who is responsible for building the trains and systems for SRL East?
The TransitLinX Alliance, which includes John Holland, KBR, WSP, and RATP Dev, was awarded the primary contract. Alstom is a key partner within this alliance, specifically responsible for supplying the driverless trains, signalling, digital systems, and long-term maintenance.

Will the new Melbourne trains be driverless?
Yes. The Alstom Metropolis trains will operate at Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4), which is the highest international standard for automation, meaning they are fully driverless and operate without any staff on board.