Baggage Racks on Metrolink Trains

[nickv]

I came across this interesting photo which is the interior of Seattle's Sounder commuter train which uses the same equipment as Metrolink trains.



Note the presence of a baggage rack. Does anybody think it would be worth it to include baggage racks on the Metrolink trains that will be used for the Harbor Subdivision TTC project? How about the existing train sets that serve the Burbank/Bob Hope Airport?

[bobdavis]

Interesting question--on TrainOrders.com someone made the same inquiry about the new Ogden--Salt Lake City commuter trains. One comment was that someone who dozed off, then woke up suddenly as the train approached his/her station might unthinkingly forget about the restricted headroom and bang into the luggage rack--OUCH! There's also the consideration of how much easier it is to forget an item if it's overhead than if it's in your lap or on the seat beside you (when the train isn't full).

[spokker]

Which "racks" are you talking about?

[bobdavis]

Presumably the "above the window seat" racks. The old (1958 version) MTA and its successor SCRTD had buses (2000 series and 5600 series) with overhead racks. They usually ran on the "interurban" runs to San Bernardino and Riverside. There were also some buses (I think in the 5200 series) that had luggage racks behind the driver--probably intended for service to various airports. Haven't been to Chicago lately, but some of their rapid transit trains may have luggage space for service to O'Hare and Midway.

[dasubergeek]

bobdavis said:

Interesting question--on TrainOrders.com someone made the same inquiry about the new Ogden--Salt Lake City commuter trains. One comment was that someone who dozed off, then woke up suddenly as the train approached his/her station might unthinkingly forget about the restricted headroom and bang into the luggage rack--OUCH! There's also the consideration of how much easier it is to forget an item if it's overhead than if it's in your lap or on the seat beside you (when the train isn't full).

I hate to say it, but that's what the person gets. I ride Metrolink reasonably regularly (a lot less now that my main commute involves OCTA 57 instead of schlepping up to Burbank), and in the mornings you wouldn't believe the difficulty in going up and down the aisles, especially in the "split-levels" on the ends of the cars. At least with luggage racks you could put the larger stuff up there. It works on the Sounder, it works on NJ Transit... it could work on Metrolink.

It would increase my ridership for sure, though -- I drive when I need to transport something big like a box or a computer or what have you, because otherwise I feel guilty about obstructing the aisles and end up standing in that little well next to the doorway (so I don't block it), which is quite tiring after 45-60 minutes. With luggage racks I'd be able to put the less-fragile things up there and sit in a normal seat -- and there would be more seats, since Mr. Important Salesman Guy wouldn't take up a double-seater or worse with his two bags and newspaper and... and... and...

I do see your point about lost-and-found, though -- and I can just picture the scene on one of those "let's beef up security in Union Station" days.

Odd, though, that the Sounder cars used on Metrolink (for sure on the Bob Hope Airport line) have had those racks removed. It almost looks deliberate.

[Mac]

It all comes down to what people prefer. I personally like the head, not that I'm tall, but it feels more comfortable. And I usually don't carry bulky things with me anyway, (a laptop, sometimes my backpack, maybe a book or two occasionally). If I'm going on a trip, then I can usually fit all my stuff in one duffel bag or a small suitcase. For the Harbor Sub Division, I think they should just have a baggage rack at the front and at the end of every car.

[dasubergeek]

mac said:

It all comes down to what people prefer. I personally like the head, not that I'm tall, but it feels more comfortable. And I usually don't carry bulky things with me anyway, (a laptop, sometimes my backpack, maybe a book or two occasionally). If I'm going on a trip, then I can usually fit all my stuff in one duffel bag or a small suitcase. For the Harbor Sub Division, I think they should just have a baggage rack at the front and at the end of every car.

Call me big-city paranoid, but I wouldn't take a long journey like that without being able to see my luggage from the get-go. I've had people try to steal my luggage in airport trains with similar setups (yes, Frankfurt, I'm talking about you). Those people ended up somewhat the worse for wear, but not everyone is as bloody-minded as I am.

I'm mid-range in height (6') and I don't feel hemmed in on the Amtrak Surfliners, which are double-decked similarly and have luggage racks, but it does come down to personal preference. Metrolink is primarily a commuter system, so I suppose that's their way of stating it.

[kenalpern]

I think that unless trains are specifically outfitted for airport-bound travellers (and with increased security measures), they'll be poor options for those with lots of luggage.