Suburban multiple unit (Queensland Rail)

Formation

A Suburban Multiple Unit is a three-car set, with the lead car being a Driving Control Car fitted with motors for all variants (numbered 5), the middle car being either a motor car (numbered 6 for SMU 200 series) or trailer car (numbered 7 for SMU 220/260) with Pantograph fitted, and the third car being either a Driving Control Trailer Car (SMU 200 series) or the second Driving Control Car also fitted with motors for the SMU 220 and 260 series (numbered 8) Like most trains in the Citytrain fleet, two three-car SMUs can be attached together to form one six-car set. The 200 series and 220 series are interoperable, and can both operate together in revenue service as a six-car set.

200 series

The SMU200 series were introduced in 1994 due to a rollingstock shortage after an increase in Citytrain services as well as transitioning into a modern 21st century fleet. Twelve were built by Walkers Limited, Maryborough with electrical equipment supplied by ABB. The trains are numbered SMU201-SMU212. All have driving cabs at both ends and have buttons to open the doors as opposed to handles for the EMU sets.

220 series

The SMU220 series were introduced into service in August 1999 to cater for service increases on recently upgraded lines such as the Caboolture line triplication from Northgate to Lawnton. The SMU220s replaced the last remaining loco-hauled SX carriages suburban services in Brisbane. The trains are numbered SMU221-SMU250. All have driving cabs at both ends each having motors with a trailer power car in the middle. These cars were manufactured by Walkers Limited in partnership with ADtranz. These units use more energy efficient Insulated gate bipolar transistor traction packages, as opposed to the thyristors for the 200 series. Selected units previously had software upgrades to enable them to operate slightly higher speeds suitable for the Gold Coast line and would have the markings 'HS' on the right, but has ever since been discontinued once the faster SMU 260s entered service.

Refurbishment

Older SMUs have undergone progressive re-configuration to seating, lighting and hand-rail arrangements to allow easier access to the elderly, parents with prams and people with disabilities, which includes people in wheelchairs. Older SMUs have been refurbished to comply with the Australian Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the 220 series have had the carpet interiors replaced with hard-wearing Linoleum flooring for low maintenance cleaning, with blue section for seating and the red for doorway.

260 series

In 2005 eight SMU260 class sets were ordered from Downer EDI Rail, Maryborough to cater for increased demand. They are based on the Transperth B-series train. These were followed by an additional 14 sets. In March 2009 an additional 20 sets were ordered. These units are identical in design to the IMU 160 series trains as they have plug door systems as opposed to pocket doors on its predecessors and share the same running gear and same maximum speed with the exception of toilets and luggage racks. Because of its interoperablity, they can also be found regularly operating on the Gold Coast line and the North Coast railway line.

The first entered service in August 2008.

Future

Queensland Rail are speculating removal of the SMU200 sets, which will be replaced by New Generation Rollingstock due to reliability issues and software bugs. After sitting dormant at the Mayne Rail yards since early 2016, but returned to service in February 2017.

Derailments

SMU203 derailed at Roma Street in 2004, the train slid off the tracks, damaging carriage SM8203. No injuries were reported. The carriage was repaired and SMU203 was returned to service.