Fondly known as the “Sounder” or “Sea World” cars, the Bombardier trains are easy to spot, with their bright blue and turquoise waves painted along the sides. These trains are VRE’s short-term solution to record-breaking passenger loads; the three train sets (16 cars and two locomotives) are actually leased from Sound Transit in Seattle, Wash.
Commuters have found a lot to love about the bi-level Sounder trains, which feature the latest in seat design and comfort. There is a restroom in every car, and seating is a real potpourri of options, with facing seats, individual seats, fold-down seats and seats with tables. Additionally, the Sounder trains have a low, wide entry level that allow two people at a time, making boarding and exiting much easier and faster. Most notably, passengers will see that all doors automatically open and the cars "flood load" from the center, meaning that the trains can be filled or emptied in one third of the time that it takes in the older trains. The coaches feature high back seats with cupholders, luggage racks and surge protected outlets for computers.
VRE expects to use the leased cars for 18 to 24 months, a relatively short term in "commuter rail time."