Los Angeles – Today, at a special-called meeting, the Metrolink Board of Directors voted unanimously to exercise the option to purchase 20 additional, state-of-the-art, safety-enhanced Hyundai Rotem railcars equipped with collision absorption technology for a million dollars under market value per car. This action, when added to the initial purchase of the new cars, amounts to 137 of the nation's safest railcars being deployed on Metrolink's system starting with the first ten next month.
"The board's decision to purchase additional Rotem cars at considerably favorable pricing is a direct testament to Metrolink's commitment to safety and fiscal responsibility" said Metrolink Board Chairman Keith Millhouse. "With the option to take advantage of the prices expiring at the end of the month, it was important for the board to act in a timely fashion. I'm pleased to be part of a board who continues its ongoing mission to operate the nation's safest passenger rail service."
The new passenger and cab cars are characterized by unique features such as:
- Crush zones that absorb impact at each end of the car
- Enhanced bumpers to absorb, balance and dissipate force if an impact were to occur
- Couplers that absorb energy and help to keep cars in line and upright
- Work tables designed to dissipate the force of a collision
- Reconfigured seat placement in each car
- Comfortable seats with higher seat backs, provide more neck and back support
- Illuminated and marked pathways and exits
- An elevated train operator compartment
- Preinstalled inward and outward facing video cameras
- Sleek, stainless steel exterior
Metrolink is hosting a Whistle-Stop Train Tour the first two weeks of December to introduce its new fleet to the public. The cars will be gradually deployed as they are received from Korea, constructed in the City of Colton and tested across the system following the cars' introduction.
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