Published on: Dec 18, 2025 06:16 am IST
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Victoria’s first fleet of high-tech, automated trains will be built right here in Melbourne, with global consortium TransitLinX awarded the contract for the $6.7 billion Linewide package of Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East works.
The contract includes the design, manufacture, install and testing of all the systems required to run the new network – including signalling, platform screen doors, passenger information displays, communications systems, CCTV and security systems, and tunnel ventilation.
There is also a separate 15-year agreement to operate and maintain the network, and construction of the train stabling and operational control centre in Heatherton.
TransitLinX – which will be known as the Linewide Alliance during construction – is a consortium of industry leaders John Holland, RATP Dev, Alstom, KBR and WSP – which have extensive local and international experience on major transport projects including Paris Metro, Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel, X’Trapolis 2.0 trains, Sydney Metro Northwest and Western Sydney Airport.
New images show the SRL East trains will be state-of-the-art, accessible, safe and comfortable, with platform screen doors and modern passenger information systems. The carriages will have seating along the walls to create more space for passengers in peak periods, with dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and passengers with special needs, as well as flexible use spaces for prams, assistance animals and other uses.
The 13 four-carriage trains will be built in Dandenong at Alstom’s manufacturing site – the first time automated trains will be built in Australia. The factory has built trains and trams for 70 years and will be upgraded for the SRL works – opening up potential opportunities to eventually supply automated trains for interstate and international networks as well.
The Linewide contract will create more than 500 local jobs a year during construction, and hundreds more when SRL East opens, while more than 300 small-to-medium sized businesses will be used throughout the supply chain to support the huge package of works. At least 15% of all project hours will be worked by apprentices, trainees or cadets – creating more than 80 full time jobs for the next generation of highly skilled workers.
All SRL East rail infrastructure, stations and buildings will be powered by 100% renewable energy, while energy regenerated during train braking will be used to power other trains on the network.
The 2 tunnelling contracts for SRL East have already been awarded, with major construction now underway, and tunnelling to start next year. More than 3000 people are already working on the project, with trains taking passengers in 2035.
Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County, today signed Executive Order No. 2025-8, formally confirming the end of the County’s COVID-19 state of emergency and outlining DeKalb County’s transition to a post-emergency work plan for County offices and employees.
The Executive Order aligns DeKalb County with the State of Georgia’s conclusion of its pandemic-related public health emergency, while reflecting lessons learned during the COVID-19 response about flexibility, productivity, and service delivery.
“This executive order marks an important step forward for DeKalb County,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “It confirms the end of the emergency period while putting in place a work plan that balances flexibility with responsibility and ensures we continue to deliver reliable, high-quality services to our residents.”
Strengthening In-Person Service
Beginning January 5, 2026, all DeKalb County offices under the CEO’s supervision will be staffed in person during regular business hours. The requirement ensures that residents can consistently access services, ask questions, and receive assistance when visiting County facilities.
“In-person service matters,” Cochran-Johnson said. “Having staff present in our offices strengthens accountability, collaboration, and efficiency across County government and improves the experience for the people we serve.”
The Executive Order is intended to increase in-person staffing and does not authorize any reduction in staffing levels or business hours.
Maintaining Hybrid Work Where Appropriate
The Order also preserves a structured hybrid work option for eligible employees whose job responsibilities can be performed remotely. Under approved departmental plans, employees may work a hybrid schedule that generally includes three days in the office and two days working remotely, with supervisor approval.
Not all roles are eligible for remote work, and hybrid arrangements will be evaluated based on operational needs, performance, and service delivery. Remote work remains a privilege and may be adjusted or revoked when necessary to meet departmental goals.
“This approach recognizes what we learned during the pandemic,” Cochran-Johnson added. “Flexibility can benefit employees and the organization, but it must be balanced with our responsibility to be present, responsive, and effective.”
Additional Provisions
The Executive Order also:
Executive Order No. 2025-8 reflects DeKalb County’s commitment to a strong, present, and responsive County government that works for both employees and residents.
“Our goal is simple,” Cochran-Johnson said. “To ensure DeKalb County government shows up, delivers, and continues to serve our community with excellence.”
The Executive Order is effective upon issuance.
For more information, including a video from CEO Cochran-Johnson and a copy of the signed executive Order, visit https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/chief-executive-officer/E02025-8.
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