Picture: David Crosling

Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan in Wellington Parade to inspect tram 51, before it and tram 52 enter passenger service later this week.

The low-floor E-Class trams are the biggest and most accessible in Victoria, with low floors, more myki readers, better information and space for more than 200 passengers.

They include audio and visual passenger information, air conditioning and dedicated spaces for passengers with prams and mobility aids.

The newest E-Class trams feature a new cab design which makes passengers safer including eight extra hand rails and 24 more strap hangers.

These trams were built right here in Victoria – supporting 500 local jobs at Bombardier in Dandenong and local suppliers.

Trams 51 and 52 are the first of 20 ordered by the Labor Government in 2015 to enter service, and will operate on routes 96, 86 and 11.

The Victorian Budget 2017/18 funded a further 10, taking the total number of E-Class trams to  be purchased to 80.

All 80 trams are expected to be in service by mid-2019, providing space for more than 17,000 extra passengers.