E1 Class

Melbourne’s current E-class trams are three-section, four-bogie articulated trams that were introduced in 2013. They are built at the Dandenong works of Bombardier. In September 2010, 50 were ordered with an option to purchase a further 100. In May 2015, a further 20 were ordered, followed by additional orders for 10 in May 2017, September 2018 and May 2019, taking the total to 100.

The first tram was delivered in June 2013 and, after testing, entered service on route 96 on 4 November 2013. The last tram to be delivered, 6100, will be delivered in a special livery and is expected to enter service during late August or early September 2021.

E1 class 6010, and E2 class 6052. Note the thinner (safer) ‘A’ pillar design for the E2 class.

There are two classes, the E1 (trams 6001-6050) and E2 (trams 6051-6100),  with differences in the design of the cab to improve ergonomics and decrease blind spots for drivers, and improved hand-holds for passengers in the saloon.

You can find out more about the Flexity Swift range of trams here. Read more on the Melbourne E Class here.

E1 class tram 6002 has just had a driver change at Bourke and William Streets

E1 class tram 6003 moves smartly away from the Port Junction take point toward the Beach

E1 class tram 6004 prepares to leave for St Kilda on the Route 96 from East Brunswick

E1 class tram 6004 has been recovered to Southbank after a big shunt with a road user, and will move to New Preston overnight for repairs

E1 class tram 6005, along with younger sister E2 class 6052, sit at East Brunswick awaiting their next run to the Beach

E1 class tram 6006, along with two A class trams are at the Docklands terminus on a wet and windy March day in 2020

E1 Class tram 6007 rests at East Brunswick terminus before returning to St Kilda Beach on a Route 96 service

E1 Class tram 6008 in company with sister 6014 rest at East Brunswick terminus before returning to St Kilda Beach on a Route 96 service

E1 class tram 6009heads into the city from Port Junction while a Route 109 waits their turn

E1 class tram, and sister 6019, sit at the East Brunswick terminus awaiting their next call to service on the Route 96

E1 class tram 6012 rests at Ackland Street, St Kilda, prior to running another down Route 96 service

Its labours for the day being ended, E1 class tram 6013 works into the maintenance shed from the west gate at Southbank depot

It’s late, at night and in spring, as E1 class tram 6014 rest between trips on the Route 96 at the East Brunswick terminus

E1 class tram 6016 is about to leave the St Kilda terminus at Ackland Street, toward East Brunswick on a route 96

E1 class tram 6017 sits alongside E2 class tram 6051 at East Brunswick

A driver change complete, E1 class tram 6018 pulls away from the take point toward the city

E1 class tram 6021 has just returned to Southbank depot after the morning rush

E1 class tram 6022 prepares to leave St Kilda on a down Route 96 during the morning peak

Its mid-afternoon on the East Brunswick front as E1 class tram 6023 prepares to run an up Route 96 to St Kilda Beach

E1 class tram 6024 sits in the remand centre siding having completed its Route 86a duties for the day and preapres to return to Southbank depot

E1 class tram 6025 sits at platform 1 in Ackland St ready to run another trip to East Brunswick on the Route 96

E1 class tram 6026 is ending the day on 12 Road at Southbank depot

It’s overcast, and none to cheery, as E1 class tram 6027 prepares to leave for St Kilda Beach on a route 96

E1 class tram 6029 prepares to ‘car out’ on a bright morning just before Christmas in 2019

Driver change complete, E1 class tram 6030 moves off toward the city on a Route 96

With cloud threatening another downpour, E1 class tram 6032 prepares to leave East Brunswick on an up Route 96

E1 class tram 6033 is shutting down after the morning peak at Southbank depot’s 2 road

E1 class tram 6034, on platform 1 at St Kilda Beach, prepares to run another trip to East Brunswick on the Route 96

E1 class tram 6036 threads its way to rest on 12 road at Southbank depot

E1 class tram 6039 has just arrived at the East Brunswick terminus on a late evening Route 96

E1 class tram 6041 powers away from the Collins and Williams St platform stop on a Route 11 service toward Victoria Harbour

E1 class tram 6042 has been parked on the west end of 5 road, in the shed, awaiting a maintenance visit

E1 class tram 6045 sits quietly at St Kilda, while a sister unit leaves toward the city and East Brunswick

E1 class tram 6049, in company with E2 class leader 6051, wait for their next run of duty at the East Brunswick terminus

The final E1 class tram 6050 is powering down after a busy day of Route 96 work