Quote:
Originally Posted by You Need a Thneed
To completely replace the original U2 cars, and go to all 4 car trains requires about an additional 120 vehicles, at a cost of around half a billion dollars. By the time that whole order comes in, even if it was made now, the first round of second generation cars would need to start being phased out.
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A little under 100 new LRVs by my math.
I believe the City has an option to make another order of 60 (ish) at the same rates as the current order of 63.
I think a possible path forward would be to order the additional 60 now, and make up the rest of the discrepancy by ordering 15 or so extra for each extension to existing lines. When lines have been extended in the past, extra LRVs were ordered to service the new track. So, when the south line is extended to 210th Ave, instead of ordering 8-10 LRVS, add to that order to make it 25. For the West line extension to Aspen Woods, order 20 instead of 5.
There will be extensions to 210th Ave., Aspen Woods and a (likely) 2 phase extension to the Northeast line to Country Hills and then Stoney.
The next order of 60 (if made) should take care of the remaining U2 replacement and get a few more 4 car trains. Moving to full 4 car train service can be approached with smaller, strategic orders.
Just an idea.