Last Thursday, the State Government announced that Metro Trains Melbourne will replace Connex from December.

MTM - a joint venture of the Hong-Kong based MTR Corporation, John Holland and UGL Rail - won an eight-year contract, with a seven-year option.

Jeremy Lunn, the Public Transport Users Group outer east convener, expected MTM to fulfil promises of greater punctuality, cleanliness and staffing levels.

"The key to punctuality will be in the increased funding for maintenance."

He noted there had been no promises of more frequent services, but commuters would be expecting such upgrades for services beyond Ringwood and "across the board".

"On the whole, we expect a lot more than a fresh coat of paint and a new logo. If that is all we get, John Brumby will certainly pay the price."

Eastern Transport Coalition chairwoman Samantha Dunn said the State Government also needed to invest more in infrastructure, such as duplicating and triplicating lines and installing better signalling. "It doesn't matter who's operating (the rail system) to a degree because we need a massive investment in infrastructure from the Government."

Metro Trains Melbourne

chief executive Andrew Lezala said the company had put forward proposals to improve safety and reliability, expand capacity and "enhance the customer experience".

But MTM wouldn't give further details because of a "strict probity environment".

Jonathan Metcalfe, executive chairman for Connex's unsuccessful bid, said Connex was "very proud" of its achievements.

Premier John Brumby said the new contract included a customer service regime that offers incentives for MTM to improve customer service announcements, cleanliness, graffiti removal and increased personal safety on the rail network.