Today marks 15 years since metropolitan train operations changed from Connex to the Hong Kong-based MTR (trading in Melbourne as Metro Trains Melbourne or MTM).
My words and pictures from that first day in 2009 are here. The 2009 franchise, in particular, was controversial due to the rail network's deteriorating reliability since 2003. The widespread calls to 'sack Connex' were too loud for the government to ignore. Reliability eventually improved under MTM but not before the new more generous contract committed increased funding and the Brumby Labor government was defeated with rail services being a major issue in marginal seats.
Keolis Downer, who operate Yarra Trams, will also be marking 15 years since they took over. However, unlike MTM their franchise will not be continuing. Instead, tomorrow they will be handing the keys over to Transdev John Holland.
This is the farewell video that Keolis Downer produced.
The reason for the rail franchise also not finishing today was due to an extension that was given. This is to ensure continuity to bed down Metro Tunnel operations (with this starting next year). DTP will spend the next year or two working on the next franchise.
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