M-Train

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The correct title of this article is M>Train. The substitution or omission of any < > [ ] { } is due to technical restrictions.

M>Train is a former operator of half of Melbourne's suburban railway network. It lasted from 2001 until it ceased operation at 3:00am on 18 April 2004, with Connex Melbourne then taking over all rail operations.

1 Privatisation
2 Operation
3 Collapse
4 References

[edit] Privatisation

Victoria's train and tram networks were privatised in 1999 under the Jeff Kennett government. The suburban train network was divided in two, and National Express Group won the Bayside Trains franchise (and Swanston Trams and V/Line regional passenger franchises).

In October 2001, National Express renamed Bayside Trains to M>Train (as well as rebranding its Swanston Trams as M>Tram). The two "M>" business used near-identical, complementing branding, including colour scheme, and the same "Moving Melbourne" banner or motto.^[1]

[edit] Operation

M>Train operated the Sydenham, Upfield, Werribee, Williamstown, Broadmeadows, Cranbourne, Frankston, Pakenham, Sandringham and Stony Point, lines, as well as maintaining most of the underground City Loop stations.

While operating the franchise and under contractual obligations with the State Government, M>Train refurbished its Comeng rollingstock through EDi Rail, and ordered 62 three-car Siemens trains, built in Germany, to replace the ageing Hitachi trains.

[edit] Collapse

National Express walked away from its contract and handed back control of all of its public transport franchises to the Victorian State Government in December of 2002. M>Train was run by the government for the last period of its life until negotiations with Connex were completed to take-over responsibility of the whole suburban rail network. The V/Line regional passenger franchise remains under reverted government control.