davinp wrote:So that's why they don't operate them as cab cars. I though with the rear windows and stripes painted down that it was a cab car.
It's not fair that Chicago gets to enjoy new equipment, which includes locomtives, while VRE suffers with old equipment.
Well, when VRE starts having the kind of A) Ridership and B) Funding that Metra has, then you might see more new equipment. Like most all commuter railroads, its a struggle to get what you can.
VRE did get a batch of very nice looking Kawasaki bilevels, complete with 2-2 seating. The similar MBTA Kawasakis have very cramped and uncomfortable 3-2 seating, and those are the nice cars! On the line that I ride, the cars probably are older and in worse shape than the Mafesera cars that VRE is getting rid of.
Metra also has plenty of old equipment as well -- the original Highliners on the Electric District don't even have restrooms, and aren't exactly very youthful at this point, either.