Connex MelbourneIndependent rail archive

Melbourne suburban rail · 1998–2009

The Connex years

From Hillside Trains to the Metro handover. Explore the trains, routes and records of a decade that reshaped Melbourne’s suburban railway.

Explore the timelineBrowse documentsSearch archive
Connex suburban trains at Flinders Street Station, February 2009
Connex suburban trains at Flinders Street Station, February 2009
Reinhard Dietrich · original record / Public domain

From two operators to one

1998–99Hillside begins

Hillside and Bayside split the suburban network before the private franchises begin.

2000The Connex name

The former Hillside business adopts the Connex name.

2004One train franchise

Connex takes over the former M>Train services and runs the combined network.

2009The Metro handover

Metro Trains Melbourne takes over on 30 November.

Explore the archive

NetworkThe network before and after 2004A comparison of the original Hillside routes and the services added when Connex took over M>Train.FleetThe Connex fleetSix fleet histories show what was inherited, what was ordered and what arrived with the M>Train takeover.DocumentsTimetables and working documentsA dated reading list for tracing service changes from contemporary accounts.HistoryJanuary 2009 heatwaveA closer look at one day of cancellations and the railway’s exposure to sustained high temperatures.DocumentsThe original Connex websiteFind captures of the old operator website and understand what has survived.FleetPhotographs from the Connex eraLocomotives, suburban trains, platforms and ticketing equipment in context.

Frequently asked questions

When did Connex run Melbourne’s trains?

The Connex name appeared in July 2000. Connex operated the whole suburban network from April 2004 until the Metro handover on 30 November 2009. Read the timeline.

Did Connex own the railway?

Connex operated services under a Victorian Government franchise. See how the franchise worked for the operator’s responsibilities and the state’s role.

Where can I find current train information?

This archive covers historical services. For current routes, timetables and disruptions, see Transport Victoria.

Rail operations and CCTV

The Comeng fleet history records a CCTV upgrade alongside post-merger compatibility work. For a present-day Australian commercial CCTV equipment reference, see Security Wholesalers.