Comeng (train) - Refurbishment

Refurbishment

From 2000 to 2003, the two train operators at the time, the now defunct Connex and M>Train, introduced a refurbishment program for the trains. Connex had Alstom refurbish their trains, while EDI Rail refurbished M>Train's vehicles. Both refurbishments had operator-specific livery applied.

The Alstom and EDI Rail sets have a number of differences, including:

• Interior arrangement - The interior LED displays on the M>Train Comeng trains were in the middle, as opposed to being at both ends of the carriage on Connex sets.
• Upholstery - Seats in M>Train Comeng trains are blue, while Connex opted for rainbow-textured seats.
• Seating arrangement - Connex provided a different seating layout from M>Train.
• Exterior front panels - Information on the train's terminus is displayed on top of the window on M>Train fleets, while Connex trains have them displaying on the left window (in the pre-refurbishment style).
• Cab layout - The EDI Comeng trains retained a second full-size seat on the right-hand side of the cab, originally used for the guard, whereas the Alstom sets only have a small seat, the same size as the passenger ones.
• Cab fittings - The EDI Comeng trains also have a windscreen-wiper on both sides, the Alstom sets only having one on the driver's side.
• Light fittings - The Alstom Comeng trains have grated light coverings, while the EDI type retained the original flat coverings.

Both sets had CCTV and emergency assistance panels added as part of the refurbishment program.

After Connex assumed responsibility for all of Melbourne's suburban train network in 2004, the EDI refurbished trains had the M>Train exterior logos removed, and later received Connex blue and yellow side stripes, and a repainted front panel.