MARTA to begin planning rail car replacement (Jackson: 2014, maintenance)

[MattCW]

I was poking around online looking for technical information on MARTA's CQ312 rail vehicles (the newest ones with the blue interiors) and found the FY14 budget book which states:

Planning for the replacement of the Authority’s CQ310 and CQ311 rail cars will be initiated in FY14 and targeted for completion during FY 15.

This sounds great to me. While the 310 and 311s aren't falling apart, new equipment is always exciting.
Budget Book is here (WARNING: Large PDF): http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...rBGDiJ66du_8vw

[Gulch]

Looks like they'll be phased out towards the end of the decade.

[bfarley30]

I personally like the CQ310s and 11s but if MARTA does get new rail cars they should be like WMATA's 7000 series. Looks like an updated CQ312 to me.

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/jsPNgh0vEzg/0.jpg

[J2201987]

Originally Posted by bfarley30

I personally like the CQ310s and 11s but if MARTA does get new rail cars they should be like WMATA's 7000 series. Looks like an updated CQ312 to me.
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/jsPNgh0vEzg/0.jpg

Both the CQ312 and WMATA's new 7000 series rolling stock were designed by Kawasaki Industries so that's why they look similar.

If it's true that the older model cars will be phased out I hope MARTA contracts out with the same manufacturer that updated it's traction propulsion/motors. I love that sound when it takes off:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0I0JLGLUOE

or at least go with the GE motors that's on WMATA's 1000 series/LA Metro's A650's:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Nm9IqsKAqw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlutTFq4WjA

[bfarley30]

Originally Posted by J2201987

If it's true that the older model cars will be phased out I hope MARTA contracts out with the same manufacturer that updated it's traction propulsion/motors. I love that sound when it takes off

I agree! It's probably my favorite thing about the trains now.

If you ever have been to NYC and rode the subway the R160A cars have a really cool take off too. This would be the only other subway car I would like MARTA to have.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...7_on_the_E.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyfHRMBsryg

I still prefer MARTA's take off. I think the R142s in NYC have the same MARTA sound with their take off. I'm sure you can YouTube that too.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by bfarley30

IND Queens Blvd line: Jamaica bound R160A-2/B (F) Train (Jaguar F-Type Coupe ad) at Jackson Hts - YouTube

Nice video. They sure have a lot of cars in that train.

[toll_booth]

Originally Posted by J2201987

Both the CQ312 and WMATA's new 7000 series rolling stock were designed by Kawasaki Industries so that's why they look similar.

If it's true that the older model cars will be phased out I hope MARTA contracts out with the same manufacturer that updated it's traction propulsion/motors. I love that sound when it takes off:

Me three. About the only other transit system that sounds more awesome on departure is Montreal's (it's kinda hard to pick up in this video):

[AnsleyPark]

Do they really need to be replaced? Couldn't the money be better used elsewhere?

[MattCW]

Originally Posted by AnsleyPark

Do they really need to be replaced? Couldn't the money be better used elsewhere?

I doubt Keith Parker's new administration would be aiming for replacement if it weren't necessary. They feel ok as a passenger, but for all we know, they could be maintenance headaches, or their electrical systems aren't that good anymore, or something else.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by AnsleyPark

Do they really need to be replaced? Couldn't the money be better used elsewhere?

Passenger safety is #1 and if that means replacing cars then I am all for it above expansion.