Connex refurbished train at Flinder Street Station

["James C" <idonthavemail@noemail.org>]

I visited Flinder street just after 11am saw 3 refurbished comeng carriages
stable at platform one towards Spencer street side. The train looks quite
smart actually and already attract lots of attension, most of the visitors
are either rail fans(with camera) or Connex employees(especially drivers)

The exterior painted yellow and blue with Connex symbol near the doorway. 2
level LED sign replaced traditional destination sign.

The interior looked somewhere in between recent Yarra trams refurbished
trams and QR's SMU2 .Looks quite pleasant I must say. Similar to Yarra trams
the handles painted green color instead of yellow.  LED sign on the celing
telling passengers the route(destination) and next station,  plus
prerecorded PM system inform the stopping pattern and next stop. Security
cameras also been fitted on the celing.

The new seats somewhat firmer then current Comeng seats, this maybe a vandal
prevention. There are intercoms for passengers in case of emergency. At the
end of the carriage extra 2 windows were fitted so you can see through to
the next carriage, this maybe a security measures and simplify transit
police's job. Also 1 public phone been fitted each set(just behind the cab)

Lots of drivers came to checked out the new driving cab with Video fitted so
drivers can see inside the passenger saloon.

Overall I must say Alstom did a good job, this will definitely impress new
and old users of Connex.

Cheers
James