EDI/Bombardier Suburban Multiple Unit 220 series (SMU220)

The SMU220s were introduced into service in 1999 to help boost service numbers on recently upgraded lines such as the triplication to Lawnton, and most notably they displaced the last remaining loco-hauled services around Brisbane (the last being #39P0 from Shorncliffe on 2nd November 1999). Thirty of these 3-car units (SMU221-250, 90 cars in all) were built by Walkers/Adtranz at the Walkers factory in Maryborough, Qld, entering service between 1999 and 2001. Unlike the SMU200s, they have a driving motor car at each end with a trailer car in the middle.

The SMU220s differ only in a number of respects to their older cousins, the SMU200s. The use of AC traction motors is continued, however with a much quieter traction cooling package which is based on oil cooling, as opposed to the blower fans used on the SMU200 and IMU100 units. The air-conditioning is provided by one large roof mounted pod, as opposed to the smaller ones on their older brethren.

The doors are push button operated and can be 'queued' to open for the next station by pressing the Door Open button between stations. The SMU220s are fitted with a Digital Voice Announcement system which provides automatic next station announcements over the PA system, however this is used at the guard's discretion.

The SMU220s are fitted with Scharfenberg couplers and may operate with SMU200, IMU100 and IMU120 sets. They could also be coupled to the EMUs before those were retired, but in non-revenue service only due to electrical differences.

A number of SMUs were given software upgrades which allowed them to run at slightly higher speeds for services on the Gold Coast line, permitting 110km/h as opposed to the normal 100km/h. These units could be identified by the large letters 'HS' on the front of the cab indicating High Speed SMU. However due to limitations in the design, the HS designation was usually only temporarily assigned because of wheel wear problems, and the practice has since been dropped.

Along with the SMU200s and IMU100/120s ... the SMU220s are renowned for their friendliness to passengers with disabilities (PWD). High visibility yellow doors on the outside identify the saloon doors (however on these units, the cabin doors have been painted yellow also which is bound to cause confusion) Large signage is available in the saloons for visually impaired passengers, along with the innovative use of braille signage on both the interior and exterior of the units (namely on the Door Open buttons). The Door Buttons also have audible alerts through the use of beeps ... when the doors are open, the door buttons beep regularly, and when they close they beep in quick succession. Part of a later PWD overhaul included the repositioning of seats in the driving cab cars to run parallel with the carriage. This allowed space for up to 6 wheelchairs to be able to easily access the carriages ... the wheelchair spaces are marked and also have folding seats. Though this sacrifices seating capacity, standing capacity is greatly increased and encourages people to move down from the vestibule.

The SMU220s are still a big part of the Citytrain fleet. In a 2021 answer to a question in Parliament, the Transport Minister put them down for retirement from 2038, which would give the first of them close to 40 years in service.