Southern California rail provider the first in the nation to deploy new cars equipped with state-of-the-art technology

Los Angeles – Metrolink, Southern California's passenger rail provider, unveiled its new state-of-the-art cab and passenger rail cars equipped with collision-absorption technology at a series of stops as part of Whistle Stop Tour across Metrolink's five-county service area. Scheduled stops include: LA Union Station, Glendale, Moorpark, San Bernardino, Downtown Riverside, Irvine and Santa Ana. The events will be attended by Metrolink board and staff leadership, members of the public, media and regional dignitaries.

The new cars dubbed the Guardian fleet by Metrolink and manufactured by Hyundai Rotem include energy-absorbing retractable couplers, a crumple zone and tables designed to minimize passenger injuries if an incident were to occur. Additionally, the cab cars have an elevated train engineer compartment providing enhanced visibility and safety for the engineer; both cab and passenger rail cars have higher seat backs providing extra comfort and back support for passengers.

"We are excited to present the safest rail cars in America. Our new Guardian fleet cars are a major component of our plan to be the safest passenger railroad in the nation. These safety-enhanced cars will save lives in the event of a collision. These cars were developed in collaboration with the world's leading safety experts. We are pleased our

passengers will be the first to enjoy the peace of mind knowing they are riding in these industry first rail cars," said Metrolink Board Chairman Keith Millhouse

The cab cars stand 15 feet and 11 inches high, 85 feet long and weigh almost one hundred fifty thousand pounds. With a stainless steel exterior, the new Hyundai Rotem cars do not need to be painted.

"Here at Metrolink, we wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night with safety on our minds. We are honored to provide our employees, customers and the region some of the safest rail cars in existence," said Metrolink CEO John Fenton. "Our board's commitment to safety is evident in their recent decision to purchase 20 more Rotem cars."

Ten cars will be put into service immediately across the Metrolink System. As more cars are assembled, tested and approved for service, they will be used to augment Metrolink's current fleet. All 137 cars are expected to be in service by late 2012.

In accordance with the "Buy America" program, Metrolink's Rotem cars are being assembled and tested at the agency's Eastern Maintenance Facility in the City of Colton. Over 50 jobs have been created for Southern Californians. Over the past several months, Metrolink employees and contractor crews have been trained to operate the new equipment including the trains' controls and new safety features.