Re: Santa Cruz Branch Commuter Rail
Author: FUD
Date: 06-29-2020 - 07:46
Is that a FLIRT? Are the logos extremely reflective or are the Photoshop? Is that actually on site, someplace? Anyway, for use on the Branch at least one mod is still needed: a third headlight on top. At least, as a low-floor LRV, making the temporary stations ADA-compliant should be relatively easy.
Nobody (other than, possibly, Metra, where well-maintained equipment that's only seen California winters would be an improvement in some respects) wants old Caltrain gear. The diesels are too big and heavy for the line in its present condition and they're Tier-0 emissions at best, the cars' ADA compliance is minimal, and SC wants and needs something clean and new and cute and maintainable by bus mechanics. For a demo, especially, an off the shelf fuel cell car is ideal and maybe is borrowed from somebody already buying them like Metrolink for the Redlands line. (Looking at photo again...) Howard: where is that photo taken? Looks like a body-in-white before any logos are added. Is that at the factory?