Here's my thoughts on the 4 car trains. Perhaps somebody in the know could let me know if this is realistic. I'll use the south LRT line as an example; as I'm familiar with that line.
As it stands IIRC the following stations can accomidate 4 cars: Sommerset through Canyon Meadows, and the Downtown stations closest to Centre street. (On on either side of 7th ave.)
Why not add that 4th car, and make it an "express" car. Meaning heading north it will make the first 4 stops, and then until it hits downtown the 4th car will not have its doors open; as it won't be lined up with a platform. All of a sudden you have added an extra 33% to the C-train capacity. As well, you also get rid of a major problem; I know southbound at Centre Street there's always a wall of people wanting on, but no room on the train. All of a sudden you have a brand new empty car for those people to board.
Yeah, there will be the odd person who didn't read the signs on that car that it is now an express car. But like the Vulcans say, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
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