Ridership Boom May Bring 8-Car Trains and more to the 65

Metropolis, BR. April 16th 2014

Some 65 Elevated stations have space for 8 car trains.

The 65 Elevated Railway line is a short but busy reminder that Metropolis is a busheling city that needs to transport people around. The train tackles the core of the Midtown and Downtown districts of Metropolis Island as well a being a vital link for Boga Island residents who have to transfer at Blue Beach from 26 trains. Recently, ridership number have been soaring. So much so, the Night Bat shuttle buses that replaces service at night runs two articulated or "bendy" buses back to back to transport the night club crowds. The city is making a proposal to Metropolis Transit to run 8 car trains at all times, and even considering overnight "Bat" service. 

65 Train as seen from the Consedux Bridge. 

The 65 currently runs 6 cars like most Metropolis Elevated Railway trains but unlike the other lines, even the much longer and far reaching 47 Line, the 65 is becoming crowed. Many passengers let the train go during rush hour or take the 43 or 61 trolleys to avoid the crowed rush hour trains. The problem is a few of the station including the major Isle Glass Tower station in the Downtown Loop do not have long enough platforms to hold 8 car train citing the 6 car limit on all lines. Metropolis Transit says if they are properly funded they will be happy to make the necessary changes to make the 65 an 8 car Line. The city of Metropolis agrees, while they are in talks with the state Treasury department to secure funding for upgrades.

Overnight Busing may come to an end. 

Another push for the 65 is the extension of overnight rail service instead of busing the line every night. This comes as ridership on Night Bat buses skyrocketed when a new condo complex along Waves Avenue opened. The night club scene in Metropolis is also ever expanding especially in Midtown. The 65 recently has been using 6 cars at all times to hold ridership. TWU269 and Metropolis Transit will meet about it in the coming days. For one thing though, overnight service on the 65 is more possible the 8 car service since it boils down to union talks at that point.