typesix wrote:I just don't know why they don't try and put a door set at the center articulation.
Then where does the center truck go? You're right on top of the truck in the T8.
Why cant we get something modern....thats entirely low floor
Are there any currently any completely low floor cars rated for 55mph speed? That car in the picture is not entirely low floor. If it is similar to what's found on the Siemen's site, 70% of the car is low floor, the ends appear to use regular trucks.
I actually cant find any in use in america, although they do exist in Europe. That point is moot though, as the regulations differ.
However, the phoenix light rail car is rated for 55mph, and while it does have steps at the end, its only ONE step, unlike our cars which have 2. While it might not appear to make a difference, it does, as people are more likely to move up and away from the center.
Also, the phoenix cars have 4 doors on each side using a similar articulation as the type 8s.
At the end of the day, what they look like on the outside doesnt matter. They can look like stretched PCCs if they want.
The main issue is the interior. The type 8s have a very bad interior as it promotes bunching near the doors....which is the one place in the train without anything to hold on too.
The type 7s are much better, but not perfect either because of the 3 door configuration, meaning the rear of the train is empty while the front and middle can be packed,
One interesting note is that this will be a small order.... 14 cars if I remember correctly. The next big order, to replace the type 7s, wont come until 2019 (2014 for the type 9s). However, thats no excuse to make the same mistakes again!