The first contract for the delivery of the third stage of upgrades to Melbourne’s Comeng fleet has been signed with DTI Group, who will upgrade the trains’ key communications systems.
The contract will see DTI supply and install integrated surveillance and passenger information systems valued at approximately $5.85 million on 58 Comeng trans. The new systems – to include new CCTV cameras, driver CCTV screens, PA systems and emergency buttons – will be installed on the youngest Comeng trains, as these will remain in service over the duration of the progressive retirement of the fleet and the roll-out of the new High Capacity Metro Trains.
The systems include an in-built multifunction 4G, LTE, 802.11 a/b/g/n router, twelve high-
definition cameras, two transit rated power over Ethernet network switches, two hearing-aid loop amplifiers, two driver display units, two frontal displays, two PA amplifiers, and six internal displays.
Works will also involve overhauling Comeng air and brake systems and delivering traction control upgrades to the trains.
“As we get on with building the infrastructure that allows us to run more trains more often – we’re also upgrading our trains to make sure passengers are comfortable and safe,” state transport minister Jacinta Allan.
“We’ve delivered a record investment in new trains and trams – both new and old – to get Victorians where they need to go safer and sooner.”
Comeng trains, manufactured by Commonwealth Engineering in Dandenong, entered service in 1982 and were first refurbished 2000 by Alstom Ballarat and Downer EDI in Melbourne.
The current refurbishment programme began in 2017, adding additional handholds and more comfortable seats to the trains, as well as vertical poles and bigger seat handle backs to ensure comfort for standing passengers.
Alongside the upgrades, the state government has made a recent $103.5 million investment in five new six-carriage X’Trapolis trains – bringing the total X’Trapolis orders to 24 – while 65 new High Capacity Metro Trains are to be delivered, the first of which will start running on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines in 2019.