page_title: A-class Melbourne tram
section_title: History
hierarchical_section_title: A-class Melbourne tram / History
caption_attribution_description: English: A2.272 at Flinders Street.
context_page_description: The A-class Melbourne tram is a class of bogie trams that operate on the Melbourne tram network. Seventy were built by Comeng, Dandenong between 1984 and 1987 in two batches, 28 A1's and 42 A2's, with only minor differences. They are the smallest trams by capacity currently operating on the network.
context_section_description: Comeng had expected an extension to the Z-class order, and in the early 1980s drew up plans for a Z4-class, due to a change in state government in 1982 these plans were put on hold. The order eventuated however in late 1982, for 28 A1-class trams. (at the same time, an order was placed for two B1 class articulated LRVs, making a total of 30 trams ordered). The design, which was shaped by input from passengers and tramway employees, had a series of alterations from the Z-class design. They did not include the conductors console seen in the Z-class, and had a differing door arrangement that posed a design challenge, as there was less space to house equipment.
  This order was extended in 1985 by 42, these were designated A2-class due to a number of design changes (including a different door-operating mechanism to the A1-class). All 70 A1 and A2-class trams were built by Comeng's Dandenong factory, with 69 remaining in service. When the Melbourne tram network was privatised in August 1999, all passed to Yarra Trams.
  A few had their roller blinds replaced with dot matrix equipment in 2005/06, before all were fitted with LED equipment in 2007. All were fitted with cab air-conditioning in 2007.
  As of 2017, an automated on-board passenger information system was being rolled out.
caption: A2 272 on Flinders Street in May 2007
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