>>1164156BAT being canceled, you may be right. I have not kept up with this. All the same, the tunnels would need to be bigger for a double decker and this would add substantial cost to the tunnel project.
I suppose it's not just about current patronage, but future patronage as well. My personal belief is that adding a car on the end and removing seats for standing room is a better alternative to a double decker train.
In terms of difference between the QNGR and the current fleet (160/260, also made by Bombardier) I suppose anything I say you may think I'm being a bit biased. I would make a few points:
> The high back seats are much safer in a crash and I think more comfortable> If you have not been inside one, try it out before you say that it's the same as the existing fleet. I think it's pretty flashy inside.> The TV screens (or, 'infotainment' monitors...) are a bit of a wank really, but, don't let them detract from the rest of the train.> A lot of the improvement the average passenger will never see. I am talking about new bogie technology, better brakes, more efficient traction motors, better driver's cab. All of this leads to more reliability and availability meaning there will be less service cancelation> The ride is smooth. The suspension is better than the existing fleetAll this said, it has its problems too. pick up the courier mail to learn more....
