GO Transit Fleet Equipment and other

[GOTransitFan206]

So, I went to the Jays game (5-4 Tampa Bay), and when I passed Oakville Yard heading east, 2 inconspicuous GO coaches were the second and third last cars at the end of a grain train. I didn't know if they were coaches, cab cars, or both. Also, 201, 203, and 2 other units were at Willowbrook Yard. When I boarded the westbound Lakeshore West train (I boarded at cab 251), the conductor and engineer were trying to find the AC. I felt like telling them to open the door so the HVAC could come in. At Oakville Yard, there was a train race, and when the race paused at Oakville (where I got off), there was an eastbound train pulling into Oakville.

 

[reaperexpress]

Caltrain ordered a bilevel BEMU also, which is interesting given the gaps in Metrolinx’ available trackage for electrification

Caltrain to Pilot First-in-the-Nation Bi-Level Dual Electric and Battery Powered Train to Expand Zero-Emission Service | Caltrain

www.caltrain.com

CalTrain say that their Stadler KISS battery-electric EMU would be the first in the nation, but Metra already ordered some Stadler FLIRT BEMUs for use in Chicago. I guess the race is on to see which train enters service first.

 

[GOTransitFan206]

I'm guessing Metra will be first.

 

[turbanplanner]

I'm guessing Metra will be first.

Hope they replace the god awful coaches

 

[pokechimp88]

Hope they replace the god awful coaches

True, both Caltrain and Metra need to get rid of their Gallery coaches as soon as possible, one door per side is awful. Gallery cars are better for intercity service rather than commuter service.

 

[turbanplanner]

True, both Caltrain and Metra need to get rid of their Gallery coaches as soon as possible, one door per side is awful. Gallery cars are better for intercity service rather than commuter service.

Also the weird half open upstairs lmao

 

[RU479]

Hope they replace the god awful coaches

Metra is getting new Alstom built coaches that are more similar in design to GO's BiLevels.

 

[GOTransitFan206]

Metra is getting new Alstom built coaches that are more similar in design to GO's BiLevels.

Like the Hyundai Rotems? Railfans hate those. Especially Tri-Rail railfans. Or are they more shaped like the Bi-level?

 

[GOTransitFan206]

Also, any updates on 200-214 yet?

 

[pokechimp88]

Like the Hyundai Rotems? Railfans hate those. Especially Tri-Rail railfans. Or are they more shaped like the Bi-level?

Either way the cab car is ugly, either a Rotem cab with asymmetrical windows or a CEM cab car. And most railfans hate them because of bad horns (K2 on the Rotem and K5CA-LS on the CEM), but they're generally safer than gallery cars/old BiLevels though.

 

[dowlingm]

Like the Hyundai Rotems? Railfans hate those. Especially Tri-Rail railfans. Or are they more shaped like the Bi-level?

Alstom have a render video in their announcement here.

Alstom to supply 200 multilevel commuter rail cars to Chicago’s Metra for €650 million

18 March 2021 – Alstom has received an initial order from Metra, the

www.alstom.com

 

[GOTransitFan206]

They look like the Gallery Cars.

 

[Metroscapes]

They look like the Gallery Cars.

Maybe in terms of paint scheme. They look more like squared off Bombardier Bi-levels to me. And with that, I'm surprised the cab cars have the front end that they do, and not like CEM cab cars.

 

[RU479]

And with that, I'm surprised the cab cars have the front end that they do, and not like CEM cab cars.

Metra apparently specifically wants cab cars with flat fronts so that they can be used as midtrain coaches if need be.

 

[GOTransitFan206]

Either way the cab car is ugly, either a Rotem cab with asymmetrical windows or a CEM cab car. And most railfans hate them because of bad horns (K2 on the Rotem and K5CA-LS on the CEM), but they're generally safer than gallery cars/old BiLevels though.

The right side window is taller.

Metra apparently specifically wants cab cars with flat fronts so that they can be used as midtrain coaches if need be.

That was one thing why railfans don't like the CEM / Rotem cabs.