> 4) The new cars (coming in a few years) are based generally on the Cal Car design, but
> with tweaks for nationwide use. Most likely, they will have smaller luggage areas similar
> to other Amtrak short-distance equipment...


Tweaks for Nationwide use? -- What, Californians use bigger luggage than everybody else? - One size fits All? - None of this makes any rational sense.


Anyone ever notice that when things are reduced down to only one common denominator - it is always to the lowest!

Those double deck "Calcars" were designed by @#$%& himself, the most unpleasant rigid seating in the most bouncy, bumpy, rough riding cars ever built. Even a little kink in the track, or a rock in the flangeway, will cause you to think it's gonna tip over! Amtrak's super-liner fleet fleet is considerable better, but the swaying still can be severe when rounding a curve at maximum authorized speed.

But given the important need to increase speeds in general, and especially in regional corridors; the big mistake is in buying more high center of gravity equipment - period. Besides, the SJ's horizon cars were very smooth when they last used them. The best I ever rode though, were the Santa Fe San Diegans - smooth as glass!

Widespread use of a lower center of gravity cars; even just an ordinary comet, horizon, amfleet, heritage, or similar cars; fitted with proactive tilting equipment, would substantially increased allowable speeds in most places. Add modestly improved braking ratios as well, then make that absolutely everywhere.

Trying to fit high level cars with proactive tilting equipment, is futile. To do its job, it would have to be way too strong. Strong enough to tip the car over while standing still!