A-class Melbourne tram

Melbourne A2 Tram 273
A Class
Service
Entered service	A1, 1984/85; A2, 1986/87
Built by	Comeng
Built / In service	70/70
Fleet numbers	A1, 231-258; A2, 259-300
Depots	Camberwell, Kew, Southbank, East Preston, Glenhuntly
Weight
Tare	22.2t
Dimensions
Length	15.01m
Width	2.67m
Height	3.34m
Power
Motors	2x AEG ABS 3322 195kW

The A class of single-unit bogie trams that operates in Melbourne, Australia was built by Comeng, a manufacturing company in Dandenong, Victoria, Australia. The A class was the first modern tram on all-night service on route 99, which ran from Melbourne University to Richmond, Prahran and St Kilda, terminating at Fergie Street, North Fitzroy.

In September 2007, along with the Z class, the A1s and A2s were fitted with LED digital signage, replacing traditional roller blinds.

They are in two subclasses - A1 and A2:

A1 class

The A1s originally had trolley poles, but 238-258 had their poles replaced with pantographs in 1988. 231-237 had their poles removed in 1995 following the end of A class operation on Chapel St services.

A2 class

The A2 class differed from the A1 in having Hanning and Kahl brakes, and different door electronics resulting in faster door operation.

Use

A1/A2-class trams are currently used on the following routes:

• 3/3a - East Malvern to Melbourne University
• 11 - West Preston to Victoria Harbour
• 30 - St Vincients Plaza to City
• 31 - Hoddle St to Victoria Harbour
• 42 - Box Hill to Victoria Harbour
• 48 - North Balwyn to Victoria Harbour
• 64 - East Brighton to Melbourne University
• 67 - Carnegie to Melbourne University
• 70 - Wattle Park to Waterfront City
• 75 - Vermont South to City
• 78 - North Richmond to Prahran
• 79 - North Richmond to St Kilda
• 95 - Melbourne Museum to City
• 109 - Box Hill to Port Melbourne
• 112 - West Preston to St Kilda

Gallery

• 

  A1 245 in advertising livery

• 

  A1 256 at Bourke Street Mall

External links

• Vicsig: A1-class trams
• Vicsig: A2-class trams