Rolling Stock
Commuter trains are usually powered by diesel-electric or electric locomotives or use self-contained multiple units. Electric power (transmitted via third rail or catenary) is favored where it is available due to quicker acceleration, lower noise, and fewer air-quality issues.
Diesel-electric locomotives based on the EMD F40PH design as well as the MP36PH-3C are popular commuter motive power. Manufacturers of coaches include Bombardier, Kawasaki and Nippon Sharyo.
Systems using DMU units include Westside Express Service in Portland, Capital MetroRail in Austin, Tri-rail in Florida, and the A-Train (Denton County Transportation Authority) in Texas. These systems use train sets made by Stadler Rail or US Railcar (formerly Colorado Railcar). While the other systems use only DMU trains, Tri-rail uses both DMU trains and traditional passenger cars pulled by locomotives.
Read more about this topic: Commuter Rail In North America
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