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Metrolink Lures Cyclists Aboard With Customized Railcars That Hold 18+ Bikes
Photo by Gary Rides Bikes via the LAist Featured Photos pool
If you are a cyclist who would use Metrolink to get around more if only their trains could store more bikes, your wish has been granted. The transit agency has announced a pilot program that finds two of their passenger railcars remodeled as "bicycle cars," set up to accommodate at least 18 bicycles.
The goal of the program is pretty straightforward: They want more bicyclists to ride their trains.
The railcars were retooled by taking out 29 passenger seats on the lower level; those cars normally can seat up to 149 riders. Typically, a Metrolink railcar can accommodate just a couple of bicycles.
Metrolink CEO John Fenton acknowledges that in order to increase their ridership, they have to change how they do things to make using the train system more attractive."
The first line to feature the "bicycle cars" is the Inland Empire line for its weekend beach runs; Metrolink says the demand has been the highest there for more bike space. Riders will know its a "bicycle car" because the railcar will be outfitted with yellow decals on the exterior.
If the pilot program for the "bicycle cars" goes well, Metrolink says they're willing to add up to 10 more of the remodeled cars to their fleet.
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