Bar Car Survey Comments

8/9/2019 Bar Car Survey Comments

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17. Please offer any comments you have on current or proposed bar cars onMetro-North.

answered question303 skipped question 445

1.I've always enjoyed the current bar cars and would certainly welcome themalong with the new cars. I think the proposed design would be wellreceived.

Mon,Aug 16,20104:18 PM

2.

I use the bar car when offered and I would seek out the train times where abar car is offered.

I would also like to see a first class car available.

I would pay extra for a roomier seat.

Mon,Aug 16,20109:21 AM

3. The current Bar Car design offers more capacity for riders. Certainly therestroom at one end or the other is less invasive on the quality of the ride.

Sat, Aug

14, 20102:27 PM

4. MORE CARS AND SEATS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Sat, Aug14, 20109:33 AM

5.we need more space to congregate, not less - the more seating you offer,the less of a social atmosphere you create. The seats will be taken by nonbar car folks who don't commute anyways - they don't get it

Fri, Aug13, 20102:54 PM

6.Its a very important service for many commuters who like myself enjoymeeting friends for an hour on the way home. please continue this service.

Fri, Aug13, 20102:05 PM

7.Putting small tables in front of seats effectively means blocking seats. Noon will want to 'squeeze' in anywhere. All seating and standing areas mustbe complety open and accessible.

Fri, Aug13, 20101:15 PM

8.The bar attendants often only go half of the train journey and then get off.This is too soon. People like to stand in the bar car, not sit. The bar servingare is too small. The bar car is often dirty.

Thu, Aug12, 20102:33 PM

9. Need seats, not MORE standing room!Thu, Aug12, 201012:21 PM

10.i just wish the bathroom was more "removed" from any seating areas, ifind the smell that emanates revolting, especially whilest people are

imbibing and eating. But otherwise it looks wonderful.

Thu, Aug12, 2010

12:20 PM

11.Bathroom should be down at the end of the car. Bar looks small. Thereshould be more places to set down your beverage. The bar looks muchsmaller then the existing bar. The bar should be in the middle of the car.

Tue, Aug10, 20104:55 PM

12.unless Metro North improves the cleanliness of the bathrooms, theproposed bar car bathroom should be moved to one end of the car, out ofthe way of where people sit or congregate.

Mon,Aug 9,20104:24 PM


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13. Love it. I hope M-N puts this car into action on the new M8 cars!

Mon,Aug 9,20108:40 AM

14. The bathroom should be at the end. The bar is next to the door and lookssmall. More counter space like in the existing bar car.

Wed,

Aug 4,20104:21 PM

15. They are great keep them going.

Wed,Aug 4,201012:12 PM

16. need wifi and bathroom should be in the back corner not in the middle

Wed,Aug 4,201012:09 PM

17.Make sure the TV screnes are high enough to be visable from all areas ofthe car,

Wed,Aug 4,201011:49AM

18. It looks good...just get it done before I retire in the next 15 years!!!

Wed,Aug 4,201011:39AM

19. be cool to have more tv's on the new trainsTue, Aug3, 20109:49 PM

20.

I am a regular rider in the bar cars on Metro North, and have been since1982. It is something that brings happiness to many at the end of the day. Istrongly urge you to keep some form of bar car in service on Metro North.Thank you.

Mon,Aug 2,20104:24 PM

21. more open design would be preferable.

Mon,Aug 2,20104:24 PM

22.

2 bartenders, one in this design's location and one where the bathroom is.the bathrooms on the trains tend to smell very poor and it would detractfrom the comfort of the car to include a bathroom.

Also, its wonderful that designs are taking computer / laptop usage intoconsideration. In the past, when using the counter for my laptop, it seemedwireless service was heavily disrupted on the bar car as compared to othercars. Can the designers consider clear access to Wifi? thanks!

Mon,Aug 2,20109:35 AM

23. The more seating, the better. I encounter the bar car on inbound trains in Thu, Jul


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the morning often, and it's frustrating to have to stand.29, 20102:37 PM

24.

Move the Bathroom to one end. Have the Bar in the middle of the car onthe wall. Make the access open around the bar. Counters for drinks andstuff like in the existing bar cars. Overhead racks for stuff or under racks

for bags and computers and jackets and coats.

Tue, Jul27, 20105:13 PM

25.Remove the bathroom from the bar car. The facing sitting takes up toomuch room and likely will not be filled to capacity.

Tue, Jul27, 201010:20AM

26. Maximize standing room as much as possibleSat, Jul24, 20106:13 AM

27.

As female commuter I find bar cars extremely uncomfortable. I also don'tthink MetroNorth should be encouraging people to drink and drive. Weneed more seats for commuters and should encourage those who wish to

commute in an eco-friendly fashion. Maybe a "bike car" would be moreappropriate. Thanks!

Fri, Jul23, 201010:44

AM

28.please-please-please keep the barcars. they are so unique!!! and despitewhat nay-sayers say, they are practical

Thu, Jul22, 201011:56 PM

29. Keep the bar car!Thu, Jul22, 20104:52 PM

30.

The tables in the middle of the car seem to be in the way and take up spacefor the majority of the folks who stand. Also look like they will be in theway for the invetiable stream of people that have to walk up to get to thefirst car that platforms. The bar space seems a bit small given how manypeople have to wait in line to get their order. Can't see space enough forthem to stand. Other than that it looks pretty good

Thu, Jul22, 2010

9:14 AM

31.

The current cars offer flexibility to move around and form groups offriends, particularly when people are late. The fixed seating in groups of 4and 6 would make this very difficult. If there are 5 of you and only 4 seatsleft, someone can't move up and make extra room, etc. And what's with thename "CAFE CAR" -- is this going to be another Starbucks!

Wed, Jul21, 201011:26AM

32.At times the Bar car gets quite crowded so the most standing room andeasy access to the bar is most desirable.

Wed, Jul21, 20108:38 AM

33.

I believe there should be sofa seats, similar to the current bar cars, wherepeople can sit in a straight line with cup holders in front of them.I also think the curve in the current sofa seat in the current bar car shouldbe straigtened out to make it easier to sit on. The last seat is currentlyawkward, not allowing the rider to sit straight or to stretch out their legswhen the train is crowded.

Tue, Jul20, 20104:58 PM

34. i travel mostly between new haven and new york gct. and the bar car is areal "treat" and gives me high levels of satisfaction with the metro north

Tue, Jul20, 2010


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service it would be a shame to see it go away.

also wouldn't it be a good idea to have a first class car in addition to the barcars. since the cars run in pairs a first class coach next to the bar car wouldbe great.

thanks for letting me put in my two cents.

10:17AM

35.Bar cars need more rooms to stand...less room to sit. No one uses theirlaptops so that's a non-issue. People relax and unwind.

Tue, Jul20, 20109:55 AM

36.

too much seating. cramps the space overall. people prefer to stand. boothsare too cumbersome and won't optimize the space and will undoubtedly betoo small for the avg person.TV would be nice but not at the expense of higher fares and beer prices.

Tue, Jul20, 20108:05 AM

37. offer n.a. beerMon, Jul19, 2010

5:59 PM

38.

it would be helpful to see a drawing of the current bar cars and hear aboutgains/losses in seating.The bathroom will likely be smelled more if it's located in the middle ofthe car.

Mon, Jul19, 201012:04 PM

39. Really doesn't matter as long as you keep a bar car.Sat, Jul17, 20109:52 PM

40. Simple, in the summer, crank up the A/C!Sat, Jul17, 201012:01 PM

41.There are quite a few people who sit by themselves in the bar car. Currentseating doesn't allow for that - is more for groups. Current seating allowsfor individuals to sit without occupying whole boots.

Fri, Jul16, 20104:41 PM

42. I really look forward to the bar car on my Thursday and Friday commute.Fri, Jul16, 20103:10 PM

43. Move the bathroom to the end of the carThu, Jul15, 20104:42 PM

44. Prefer Bombardier Push-Pull train sets and the P42AC-DM Pushing

Thu, Jul15, 201010:57AM

45. Please do not put bar cars on the morning trains.Thu, Jul15, 20109:26 AM

46.I have been commuting in and out of NYC to Stamford for 6+ years. I willalways get the Bar car if available.

Wed, Jul14, 20105:24 PM


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47.

I really like the new proposed bar car design. I enjoy using the bar carswhen offered on the train I ride and hope to see some sort of a cafe car onthe new Metro North train cars. The bar car is a great luxury that the NewHaven Line customers get to have by buying alcohol, soft drinks, andsnacks. It's nice that we have bar cars because it takes most New Haven

Line customers an hour or more like myself to go back and fourth fromNew York to Connecticut. I know that myself and my friends that also usethe bar car all the time would be very sad and disappointed if we wonthave a place to relax and talk coming home from our long day of work. Asa little side note, if new bar cars are approved, writing the word cafe car onthe outside of the railcar instead bar car sounds better to me because if ayoung person wants a snack or soft drink and when the word bar car iswritten, they might not want to go in or might be afraid, something alongthe lines of that. Just my opinion.

Tue, Jul13, 20108:58 PM

48. I would prefer having no seats in the bar car.Tue, Jul13, 2010

9:27 AM

49. Needs some more bar counterMon, Jul12, 20109:51 PM

50. Let people sit in other cars.Mon, Jul12, 20106:23 PM

51. 604 Bar Car - JoAnn is the best !!Mon, Jul12, 20104:37 PM

52.Does not seem to be enough standing room which will reduce the capacityof the car, and also force the break up of groups. In addition the line for thebar will be weaving between seating areas when busy

Mon, Jul12, 20104:28 PM

53. more open room at the actual barMon, Jul12, 20104:10 PM

54.

These are a stupid idea, and should not be built. They are a complete wasteof taxpayer money, and they hog up space on the train that should be usedfor regular cars with regular seats. Building cars like these in budgetcrunched times would be totally irresponsible. Also, the Shore Line Eastdesperately needs electric equipment, while the New Haven Line does notneed toys like Bar Cars. Also, other than SLE, any additional options onM-8's should not be purchased, as while there is no question that new M-8's are needed to add to the fleet and replace some M2/4/6's that are in badshape, retiring perfectly good M2's, 4's, and 6's by buying even more M-8'sis fiscally irresponsible. In fact, I think the state should buy back 33% ofenough M-8's to run SLE, and the number of new cars reduced, in favor ofmaintaining existing M2 equipment. Unfortunately, the M2's cannot beused on SLE, as they would be just the ticket for efficient travel on theshoreline.

Mon, Jul

12, 20102:21 PM


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55.

more places to stand and work on a computer (like the counter of the bar inthe current bar cars), work et cetera more important to me than any booth.The wavey design of the standard table on this design looks to be lackingin terms of real room to do any work or have a laptop open. Also wish theseats at both ends of the trains weren't facing eachoterh, but similar to

regular train seats that do not face eachother. that small table in acrossseats is so small that it is useless.

Mon, Jul12, 201011:25AM

56. i like the bar cars the way they are nowSun, Jul11, 20107:41 AM

57. It looks good

Sun, Jul11, 201012:22AM

58.

I'm with those who prioritize seats over bars. When everyone can sit whowants to, then worry about the amenities unless it is free beer for those

who can't sit!

A further drawback you didn't mention is that each bar car has to be hauledback into position for the evening run which limits seating for no purpose(even alcoholic commuters are not boozing on the 6:58am) and consumesenergyto haul it.

I'm afraid the genteel era of commuting is over - we are all cattle going tomarket each day.

Sat, Jul10, 20109:41 PM

59. I like the social element of the bar car and would hate to lose it.Fri, Jul 9,20108:44 PM

60.The Cafe Car is great. The bar and the bathroom are the same size. Is thatenough room for the bar area? Shouldn't the bar be in the center of the carinstead of next to the door?

Fri, Jul 9,20104:19 PM

61. no seats are needed at all.Fri, Jul 9,20104:03 PM

62. Ithink there should be as much standing room as possibleFri, Jul 9,20102:32 PM

63. The bar car is a fantastic social mixer and should remain a part ofcommuter society.

Thu, Jul8, 20106:37 PM

64. Keep them!Thu, Jul8, 20104:53 PM

65. I would like to see more bar cars on my train line that stops in Darien.There don't ever seem to be any. Thank you.

Thu, Jul8, 2010


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4:14 PM

66.I am not in favor of any bar cars on Metro-North. In my opinion the bar caris one less car of seats on the train. It is not worth the hassle of less seatson my commute.

Thu, Jul8, 20109:42 AM

67.

Too much group seating and not enough standing room in the proposed

version.

Thu, Jul

8, 20108:45 AM

68.

The current layout of the bar cars is one that makes sense for the peoplethat use it. The new layout looks like it was designed by someone whodoesn't commute on a train. Putting the bathroom right in the middle of thecar? Puttin standard rows of bench seating in a bar car? The new design isa horrible mish mash of poorly thought out concepts without any apparentthought to the useability, durability, or common sense.

Wed, Jul7, 20106:15 PM

69.Keep the Bar car - it is a place to converse and be social whereas the restof the train it is frowned upon.

Wed, Jul7, 20104:55 PM

70. more of them! Wed, Jul7, 20104:48 PM

71.

The bar should be in the middle of the car to make it more accessible.Those who have bought beverages can then disperse to either side to allowfor new customers.The bar should also be a lot smaller, there is usually only one tenderbehind there, so not as much room needed.

Wed, Jul7, 20104:48 PM

72.Need to keep the bar car! The current bar is way too big and thus notenough room for people to congregate - the proposed design works muchbetter

Wed, Jul7, 20104:42 PM

73.Bar should be in the middle sourounded by a counter to read, usecomputer. Bathroom should be at far end, similar to current cars. Seatingshould be the same.

Wed, Jul7, 20104:26 PM

74. Please keep the Bar Car. Metro-North needs the Bar CarWed, Jul7, 20104:22 PM

75.Would like to see them more regualrly on the 551 from Stamford to GrandCentral. It makes the commute out of New York more feasible.

Wed, Jul7, 20104:07 PM

76. TVs not needed; save the moneyWed, Jul7, 20103:46 PM

77.Bar cars are only of the only things that make commuting fun, please keepthem.

Wed, Jul7, 20103:43 PM

78. Love it. Very social and helps commuters deal with daily grind!Wed, Jul7, 20103:38 PM

79. Bathroom at the end instead of the middle and maybe the bar in the middle Wed, Jul


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instead of by the door7, 20109:42 AM

80.

I have never been a fan of the bar cars on Metro-North and it disappointsme that money for a second order of new cars could be wasted on thesecars. They are an inefficient use of space--particularly in the morning

when it is always unfortunate to have a train set with a bar car included.The primary purpose of Metro-North should be to provide comfortableseats to all commuters and the fact that a bar car often comes at theexpense of sufficient seating doesn't make sense to me. In my mind, there'sneither a need nor a reason for a bar car; those who wish to get a beveragecan easily do so at GCT pre-commute and those looking to fraternize canclaim seats together in a typical car. Thank you to the Commuter Councilfor soliciting feedback.

Tue, Jul6, 20109:15 PM

81.

Please keep the design of the bar cars the same. If it is not broken, do notfix it. This design had been in exsistence for many years and works verywell. You will be able to get more people in a bar car designed like the one

we currently have. More people, more selling of beverages which willmean more money for CDOT/MTA. Also, consider offering advertising orsponsoring by any of the beverage makers to help subsidize the purchaseof bar cars. The more cars serving beverages, the more money and profits.

Mon, Jul

5, 201012:31 PM

82. just dont take away a bar car, thats allSun, Jul4, 20102:57 PM

83. provide WIFI accessSat, Jul 3,201011:42 PM

84.Bar cars not needed. Plenty of purchase options to buy preboarding. Morethan 1 or 2 within 1 hour (typical commute time) and you shouldn't bedriving anyway.

Sat, Jul 3,20106:18 PM

85.It will be a great shame if bar cars are eliminated. I hope that the currentones will be kept in service and new M8 bar cars are added to the rollingstock.

Sat, Jul 3,20102:51 PM

86.If folks think the train is noisy now, it will become even more so if the barcars are removed and the social scene is forced into vestibules or seatingareas in the standard cars.

Sat, Jul 3,20101:59 PM

87.BAR area: imagine the line to get drinks and then the returning line awayfrom the bar... bar needs central and toilet in a corner [not nice odors + notstep out into a crowd].

Sat, Jul 3,20101:30 PM

88.

Looks good, design seems to work. A huge bar is not necessary, since it isusually only staffed by one bartender. Consider opening it in the morningas well for coffee/breakfast items; that would be a very easy addition andcould generate some money. Perhaps offer an outfit like Dunkin Donuts a"morning franchise", then flip it to a bar in the PM.

Sat, Jul 3,201012:34 PM

89. I like to stand in the bar car sometimes. I also read a newspaper on the lowtables and sometimes i work on my computer.

Sat, Jul 3,201010:04


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AM

90.I was assualted by a drunk driver. I am opposed to the idea of adding a barcar to the train.

Fri, Jul 2,20104:37 PM

91.

the use of a bar car is a misallocation of scarce resources--while a limited

number of people enjoy them on the commute home, the appearance ofone on a morning train causes people to flee down the platform and awayfrom the bar car-there are plenty of opportunites to imbibe both before andafter the commute and the few that enjoy this should not make the manysuffer

Fri, Jul 2,20104:12 PM

92.most people in the current bar cars aren't there because they are seeking abar on their way home - they are there because there is no otherroom...maximize seating and forget about a bar!

Fri, Jul 2,20102:13 PM

93.I think the bar car is a bad idea. We need more seats, particularly in themorning when they don't (thankfully) serve booze.

Fri, Jul 2,20102:00 PM

94. Move the bathroom to the end of the car and leave the middle of the caropen ffor standing with hand rails

Fri, Jul 2,20101:41 PM

95.BC is a nice idea, but seats are what is needed not a bar car. I also have ahuge issue with people drinking alcohol on their trip home then gettigninto a car to drive and place my family of beign on the same road as they,

Fri, Jul 2,20101:39 PM

96.

As many others have said, the bar car offers an opportunity to meet andtalk with people and friends. when times were good, it was a happy andentertaining place. when the markets fell apart, it was a place forsupport/comfort from others and many offered help. This is one of the fewperks in what is an otherwise tedious commute.

Fri, Jul 2,20108:44 AM

97. stop putting bar cars on morning commute trains!Fri, Jul 2,20103:19 AM

98. better selection of product is neededThu, Jul1, 201012:25 PM

99.Vast majority of regular bar car patrons stand -- it's convenient/social andprobably packs in more people that using a lot of space for seating...

Thu, Jul1, 201011:01AM

100.

It would be greatif the cars worked both ways, coffee during the morningcommute...bar in the evening. I would probably use it more in the AM.Also, the cafe car should never be on the end of a set of equipment alwayssandwiched between conventional cars.

Thu, Jul

1, 20109:30 AM

101.

post the barcar car # on a website for easy finding on a daily basisWed, Jun30, 20105:41 PM

102.

They are a very important. I would drive if there wasn't a bar car. Wed, Jun30, 2010


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5:35 PM

103.

Put Bathroom on the endWed, Jun30, 20105:29 PM

104

. excellent idea. its a long commute and this makes it enjoyable

Wed, Jun

30, 20104:01 PM

105.

As long as we have bar cars, I will be happy. No need to over think theseating area. I believe patrons are just as happy to stand provided the spacewill accommodate.

Wed, Jun30, 20103:32 PM

106.

Keep the bar car! And I think the new design is sharp.Tue, Jun29, 20109:34 PM

107.

I used to ride on the New Canaan Line and really enjoyed the 6:08 bar car.It would be nice to have one on 5:38 train to New Haven (Fairfield FirstStop). It's great to see your planning on adding them to the new trains.

Thanks

Tue, Jun29, 2010

9:11 PM

108.

not enough of them i very seldom find one on my commuteTue, Jun29, 20107:55 PM

109.

I think the posistioning of the bar may make it difficult for the lines thatform prior to departure.

Tue, Jun29, 20104:29 PM

110.

I am pleased that this forum is available for folks to express their opinions.Thank you. In general my observation is that most people stand and preferto stand on the bar cars. I would recommend the elimination of the seatingin the middle of the train.

Mon, Jun28, 20108:19 PM

111.

Keep the format of the cars the same as the old cars. Don't fix what isn'tbroken,

Mon, Jun28, 20104:29 PM

112.

Put the bathroom WAY down at the end b/c that thing smells.Mon, Jun28, 20103:48 PM

113

.

The bar area should be more mid-car - like it is now. Perhaps put thebartenders back to the back of the bathroom wall. Also - more C shapedbooths for our groups are needed. They're precious real-estate on thecurrent cars and these appear to have even less of them. The idea of facingseats with a table in between will ONLY work if that table is small enoughto allow passengers to get in/out easily without giving eachother a lapdance. Having said all the above, the 'small tables' between the facing seatslook like they'll only serve to further limit the amount of seating suitablefor a tall person like myself.

Mon, Jun28, 20102:39 PM

114.

There are way too many seats. No one uses the seats except in the am. Thisdesign will make it more difficult to get beverages and snakes and it willbe very crowded. I think it will be very hard to move around the car with

Mon, Jun28, 201011:38


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this design especialll when the trains learch. AM

115.

I have been offended and annoyed by drunks on the trains for years. Thestate should not encourage drinking on the trains.

Mon, Jun28, 201011:30AM

116.

Appears to need more bar space with the bartender perhaps more centrallylocated.

Mon, Jun28, 201011:26AM

117.

I have never seen a bar car in operation on the 5:33 or 5:56 New Haventrains out of GCT. HOWEVER, I've often been forced to sit in one on themorning commute into GCT. This is the ultimate inconvenience: beingforced to ride in an uncomfortable bar car in the morning just because it'sbeing returned to GCT for outgoing service later. This should not be doneduring the peak AM hours.

Mon, Jun28, 20109:31 AM

118.

I love this proposed design, but I think bar cars should only be included in

orders if their cost can be recouped by sales within the bar cars. Otherwisetransportation should be priority as some trains running in and out of NYCat peak times are crowded

Sun, Jun

27, 201010:34 PM

119.

Looks pretty good! If I were to change anything, I would make thebanquette seating into single seater stools so that it is easier for people toget out of the train when the train arrives at their stop. I also suggesthaving hooks to hang purses so that they are out of the way. Hooks couldbe placed under the bar tables. It would make the bar cars more welcomingto women (which, of course, they should be).

Sun, Jun27, 20109:30 PM

120.

When gas is $10/ gallon in the not so far future, we'll be very happy tohave these cars - order dozens!

Sun, Jun27, 20106:21 PM

121.

Great Idea! Do it and I'll use it! This is great for people who have to rushto catch trains without being able to stop for a drink or a snack!

Sun, Jun27, 20102:18 PM

122.

I think there are too many seats. The current bar cars should be duplicatedin the M8's.

Sun, Jun27, 20107:47 AM

123.

bar should be loacated dead center of the middle of the bar car (this way itwill be easier to get to when the car is crowded)... take out that smallcenter circle seating area and put it in place of where the bar is located inthe drawing.

Fri, Jun25, 20109:49 PM

124.

I thinbk design of the existing bar cars works well. Why change them?Fri, Jun25, 20104:35 PM

125.

Flat screen TV and Music. No bathroom, bigger bar area- or two bars- onein place of bathroom.

Fri, Jun25, 20104:14 PM

126.

Eliminate the tables in the middle - to many people will be walking backand forth and not many people would sit there. The space would be better

Fri, Jun25, 2010


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with counters on both sides and open for standing 3:05 PM

127.

Keep the open area, make the windows larger so you can look outside andtake the ride in. Also keep TV's so that we can have discussions andicebreakers for people to feel more comfortable if you are new to thecommute as I am.

Fri, Jun25, 20102:39 PM

128.

keep them Fri, Jun25, 201012:42 PM

129.

I'm not sure people use the counter for laptops in my bar car. They use it tohold their work bags while they stand and drink. If they discontinue thecounter, perhaps they could use some hooks for work bags.

Fri, Jun25, 201012:06 PM

130.

The postition of the bathroom is ok if it doesn't reak or stink as the currentbathrooms. Prob would be better at either end of the car

Fri, Jun25, 20109:15 AM

131.

First I belive you should center the bar to ease congeston and install a handrail for safety reason while standing while working on a computer. But as a

emergency worker I see that there might be a problem with evacingdisabled rider with the floor plan and the curves with the booths. Also if astrecher is needed to remove someone it would be imposable to make thecurves around the booths. But over all I like the basic design and I hopeyou can concider the emergency worker to help us in a emergency tobenifit the commuter on your railroad.Leigh Bedia

Thu, Jun24, 201011:21 PM

132.

I think that the current design has a big potential for causing a "bottleneck"during busy trains since it is such a small bar and it is right near an exit.The current longer bar isn't perfect but it seems better.

Thu, Jun24, 201010:28 PM

133

.

Bathroom should be on either end not in middle.Seating on ends of train should be more open for larger groups tocongregate together.

Thu, Jun24, 201010:03 PM

134.

Bathroom should be on either end not in middle.Seating on ends of train should be more open for larger groups tocongregate together.

Thu, Jun24, 201010:03 PM

135.

Keep the bar carThu, Jun24, 20108:26 PM

136.

The more room, the more income for the train. Just give us new trainswhere the A/C works!

Thu, Jun24, 20105:15 PM

137.

Current seating areas are preferable to the new seating area design.Agnostic on the standing room in the middle, although the new design forthe middle looks more space efficient.

Thu, Jun24, 20105:10 PM

138.

Please get rid of the excessive booths and seats - it makes no sense as mostpeople stand. You need to have more unrestricted movement in the cars,and access to the bar (as opposed to creating multiple choke points).

Thu, Jun24, 20104:24 PM

139.

I think the bar car isn't the answer ont he MTA line - we need more trainsor more seating. We are always standing and crowded on the afternoon

Thu, Jun24, 2010


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trains!!! 3:07 PM

140.

The bar should be centrally located in the car so that you don't have towade through a large group of people to get another drink. Can you addcoat hooks under the counters? The bathroom should be located at an endof the car, not near the sliding entry doors.

Thu, Jun24, 20102:59 PM

141.

More Bar Car Please! Thu, Jun24, 20102:54 PM

142.

Just make sure they stayThu, Jun24, 20101:40 PM

143.

Proposed design adds total of 14 coach seats to one end and 22 to otherside of car for a total of 36 seats that current cars lack, not including smallbooths in bar area which offer similar seating capacity to current end- carbanquettes.These added coach seats would alleviate seating shortage nowexperienced during the am rush when bars are non-operational. However,

may I suggest removing proposed round banks of table seats in middle ofcar as this not only allows for more mobility and preferred standing roomwhen bars are in operation, but also pares down the expense of the newcars, while creating a "happy medium" that satisfies both the need for moreseating with the desire to roam about. Smaller bar area creates a moreefficient use of space by freeing up current dead space behind overly longbar thus, creating more space for commuters while facilitating betterbartender accessibility and efficiency. All things being considered, theproposed design, excluding the middle of the car round table seats, appearsto be an attractive solution to both the current seating vs. minglingdilemma and the overall cost of building M-8 bar cars. Not to mention thatthe cars will bring in welcomed additional revenues that will not only off-set their cost, but also decrease the amount of future taxpayer subsidiesnecessary to meet operational expenses. In short, it appears to be a win-win proposition!

Thu, Jun24, 20101:02 PM

144.

We need to keep the bar cars. The propsed deisgn is not a good one --would prefer something like what we have -- this is not "bar" enough -- it'sa snakc car pretending to be a bar car -- but better than nothing.

Thu, Jun24, 201012:51 PM

145.

Please consider offering bar car service on trains that service Westchesterstops on the New Haven, including Larchmont.

Thu, Jun24, 201012:31 PM

146.

Can the bathroom be placed near the non cab end of the car? That wouldbe nice.

Thu, Jun24, 201010:30AM

147.

Overall, the design is excellent and is much better than the layout of theM2 barcars (8651-8669).

Wed, Jun23, 20109:45 PM

148.

The size of the bar and the amount of room they have allowed for peopleto stand in line for their order will not be sufficient to allow people to enter

Wed, Jun23, 2010


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and leave the train effeciently. It needs to be further away from the doorsmore towards the middle of the car to allow for traffic and for crowds ofpeople to stand in line.

5:38 PM

149.

The design of the current bar car that I am riding in is exactly the way thenew ones should be...

Wed, Jun23, 2010

4:50 PM

150.

i like the booths but thing there should be more room for the actual barcounter

Wed, Jun23, 20104:37 PM

151.

I will use Metro-North less if there are no bar cars. There is not enoughroom around the bar to serve the crowd.

Wed, Jun23, 20103:56 PM

152.

If you use the facing seats, there needs to be enough knee room, especiallyin the 6 seater. Bar could be longer as lines often form. Perhaps remove thelarge booth and standard table in front of the bar to create space

Wed, Jun23, 20103:46 PM

153.

I really like the proposed design. My only real complaint is the two booths

directly across from the bar. They should be removed so there is moreroom in front of the bar. This would also create more standing room forregulars who like to stand.

Wed, Jun

23, 20103:32 PM

154.

Like the proposed TVs. Like the idea of car looking more like a cafe or afrequent flyer lounge instead of a "good old boys watering hole". Mostwomen and business people prefer to sit in comfortable seating and notstand around a bar especially when it's moving.Could bathroom be moved to a more discrete location without sacrificingseating? Maybe either end of car (more out of sight) and move small tableseating up toward the center?Looking forward to enjoying the new cars!

Wed, Jun23, 20102:42 PM

155.

tv's pleaseWed, Jun23, 20102:11 PM

156.

This design has too much seating overall - at ends as well as middle -friends and I prefer standing option. Could also use more counter space,e.g. for computers, rather than just handrail - it's nice to stand and typeafter sitting and typing all day. Thx for chance to comment.

Wed, Jun23, 20101:48 PM

157.

keep the bar carWed, Jun23, 201012:42 PM

158

.

TVs are a great idea; would be great to congregate and watch sporting

events

Wed, Jun23, 201012:38 PM

159.

I don't see a need for a bar car. The trains are noisy as it is and adding a barcar only makes the commute more stressful for those many commuters thatdo not use a bar car. Also, what message are we sending those who are notcommuters and use the train to travel to the city especially children.Solution - no alcohol served but other non-alcholoc drinks would makebetter sense. For those who need that drink for their commute, they might

Wed, Jun23, 201012:13 PM


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want to find a better way to destress from the workday.

160.

Those of us living on the outer New Haven Line already have a long andarduous commute into the city - having the bar cars make it quite a bitmore enjoyable. Every effort should be made to continue bar car service.

Wed, Jun23, 201011:28AM

161.

We need seats on the NH not bar cars. People get out of these bar cars andinto their personal vehicles and become hazards to others on the road.

Wed, Jun23, 20109:06 AM

162.

trains are already too crowded for bar cars. prefer to have more seating.last night's commute home felt like i was in india. need more seats notbars.

Wed, Jun23, 20108:25 AM

163.

Move the bathroom to a far end of the car. the booths with 3 seats facingeach other isn't practical, consider if the inside people need to get out. Notenough counter space. Did you consider traffic flow when there is a line toget things at the bar? It isn't apparent. Make sure the bathroom is designedlike all other mass transportation I see (Am Trak, airplanes, etc. - NO

SMELL.

Wed, Jun23, 20108:05 AM

164.

Bar cars need to justify themselves by either accommodating an equalpassengers or pulling in significant revenue. We are saying no to bikes forspace reasons and we shouldn't give a benefit for drinkers just because it'sfun.

Wed, Jun23, 20107:59 AM

165.

seating in 'booths' restricts use of patronsWed, Jun23, 20107:53 AM

166.

Put the bathroom back in the corner and the bar back in the middle. Losethe handrails and put small counter top for lap tops.

Wed, Jun23, 20107:11 AM

167.

Bathroom smells and needs to be at end of car.Tue, Jun22, 20108:24 PM

168.

The current bar car design is good the way it is. It just needs to be updated.The RCC should ask the average bar car rider what needs to be done. Allin all, though, a bar car is better than a regular any day because of thepeople that ride them.

Tue, Jun22, 20107:21 PM

169.

there shouldnt be bar cars because those cars could be used for morepeople to seat themselve rather than stand to accomodate some drunks thatget off the train than go drive their cars

Tue, Jun22, 20105:21 PM

170.

This design is simply not good for the intended use. We would be betterserved with a larger bar more consistent with the current setup and morestanding room. The booths will appeal to the idiot families that like tobring their small children/strollers into the bar car (bad idea anyhow) thatnever buy drinks to support it (bar car) financially. No knockfamilies/kids- I have 2 kids but certainly wouldn't expose them to the barcar. After all,... it is a bar. Keep the blue lagoon (potty) on the end where itwill provide less exposure/ embarrassment to those in need, while limitingadverse effervescent effects to the masses. Sharing is not always caring.

Tue, Jun22, 20104:35 PM


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Also- please note that many stations/platforms often require riders to moveback or up a few cars to make their platform. They often walk through thecenter aisle of the bar car (and other cars) to exit. The booths/tables in themiddle will be a nightmare for those navigating around them and thosesitting in them (having people flop on them while attempting to exit) -

likely an outright insurance issue. This design introduces incremental risk.Please stick to a format more consistent with the current one- if it ain'tbroke don't fix it. We have one shot at this and will live with these cars fora long, long time. This was obviously designed by someone with limitedexposure to the practical/functional aspects of the current setup. I wouldsuggest having the designer ride the bar car a few dozen times at peak hourto better define and frame the task at hand.

171.

I think the bar cars waste space and offer little value to the majority ofcommuters. FYI, I am a daily NY - New Haven commuter.

Tue, Jun22, 20104:07 PM

172.

Too much seating will make the car seriously uncomfortable. More high

tables in mid of car. Bathroom takes up space too centrally and should bemoved to the back if possible. Would be better to replace seating bankswith booths. If bar is more centrally located, it will be easier to accesswhen crowded. For question 3 above, should have a third answer - "toomuch".

Tue, Jun22, 20104:03 PM

173.

Would love to buy a drink when I get on in South Norwalk at 5:04 on theNew Haven Line

Tue, Jun22, 20103:58 PM

174.

Need a seating area more condusive to a bigger group in the fore and aftsection of the car. Also difficult to be certain the disign is right given onlya 2 dimensional drawing. Put mock-up in GCT

Tue, Jun22, 20103:17 PM

175.

While I don't use them regularly, I do believe that they are an integral partof the MNRR service.

Tue, Jun22, 20103:11 PM

176.

Bathroom should be at the end of a car - away from tablesTue, Jun22, 20102:06 PM

177.

I think the new design is trying to do too much in too small a space.Tue, Jun22, 20101:46 PM

178.

New B-car requires a larger more centrally located bar. The bathroomshould be located at the end of the car. not a very bright idea to locate apublic restroom with its associated odors close to where drink/food isconsumed.The new design may be artistically pleasing to an architect, but ,from apractical point of view, access to the bar is restricted and the walkway toonarrow due to excessive seating and awkwardly placed booths.

Tue, Jun22, 20101:43 PM

179.

Rather than having standard seats facing each other at the ends of the car, Iwould consider constructing these as booths with benches-- that way ifmore people wanted to crowd around a table, they could.

Tue, Jun22, 20101:17 PM


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180.

Need to have seating for larger groups!Tue, Jun22, 201012:53 PM

181.

bar tender area is too small. Prefer the current bar car layout.Tue, Jun22, 2010

12:18 PM

182.

This looks so nice, you'll need two on Fridays!

Tue, Jun22, 201010:58AM

183.

I heard on CBS radio yesterday that there is a contest to design the new barcars. Has it ended? If not, how do I get more informatio?

Tue, Jun22, 201010:19AM

184

.

the bartender area seem far too small, with poorly planned room forpatrons to line up. I'd suggest a full scale mock-up by done that included

the typical number of commuters and bartender customers. This designlooks like there is no where for the line for the bartender to form withoutclogging the table area or the "aisle"

Tue, Jun

22, 20109:47 AM

185.

put the bathroom at the end of the car; more standing room/more openTue, Jun22, 20109:17 AM

186.

We absolutely should keep the bar car. This design is great, except that Ilike the bar being in the middle of the car, not to one side or the other.

Tue, Jun22, 20109:07 AM

187.

I just want to make sure there IS a bar car going forward with new carscoming in.

Tue, Jun22, 20108:58 AM

188.

THEY GIVE PEOPLE A REAL CHANCE TO CONNECT AFTER ALONG DAY. WE ALL HOPE THEY CONTINUE.

Tue, Jun22, 20107:57 AM

189.

Would encourage metro north to raise prices on beverages and cost ofentry Rather than eliminate bar cars.

Tue, Jun22, 20107:28 AM

190.

We need more cars and seats in the regular cars.Tue, Jun22, 20106:44 AM

191

.

I'd appreciate a more open layout and a way to effectively manage the linefor the bar and bathroom. The current design seems as if it wouldminimize passenger flow rather than maximize it.

Mon, Jun21, 201010:27 PM

192.

All in all I'm excited that a bar car redesign is being considered.Seating/Standing: I usually stand so adding more seats isn't a big concernof mine; regardless, the flow and staging of customers needs to beconsidered (which this design seems to do a good job at) Currently I hatestanding near the bar when people try to squeeze by and/or lined up to geta drink. I try to suck in my fat gut, but others are inconsiderate ... Thus my

Mon, Jun21, 201010:06 PM


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comment about flow. The one thing I would like to see is the addition ofpower stations (not just in the ends of the car). The cars need to evolvewith it's commuters (laptops, cell phones, etc.)

Bathrooms ... these usually smell horrible. The proposed location drops it

smack into the main room BAD IDEA ... consider putting bathroom(s) in asealed of potion of the car. I like the condensed bar ... maybe more central?

Bartenders ... Get rid of the big balding guy with glasses. He's rude towomen, unpleasant ... not a nice guy. When he is working on the platformI will walk past him to another bartender. If he doesn't want to be aservant, he should choose another career. I use to bartend in college andregardless of my personal life, I always put the customer first.

Finally, While I tend to ride the bar car If I see one, I do so not to getloaded up after a hard day of work (sometimes I just order water) but

because it is a nice place to unwind and chit chat with other commuters.I've meet so many individuals and heard some wonderful tales. It makesthe commute a but easier to swallow.

193.

The bar should be in the middle of the car.

The bathroom should be at the end of the car and not near where peoplewill be drinking and eating, they smell.

Mon, Jun21, 20109:57 PM

194.

The cars are crowded, better to simply the design to maximize space andcooling.

Mon, Jun21, 20109:29 PM

195

.

It would make sense to have the bar in the middle of the car, less tables,

more standing room with plenty of space to place drinks and other items.

Mon, Jun21, 20108:23 PM

196.

I'd like to see a less radical change from what we have today. A smallerbar area is fine but today, there seems to be not enough standing room.Bathroom should remain at one end.

Mon, Jun21, 20108:07 PM

197.

Can you make sure that other beverages will be available on board the barcar like Pepsi or something? That would really be nice and definitely makeme want to ride in those cars. I really like that you guys are adding that carto the new M-8s. ROCK ON!

Mon, Jun21, 20107:46 PM

198.

There is no need to have bar cars. Metro North uses them as a car on themorning commute and it is a waste. If they only used them at night thatwoudl be fine but I would rather them make more regular cars so seating isnot an issue

Mon, Jun21, 2010

7:17 PM

199.

would like more standing room and larger bar.Mon, Jun21, 20106:44 PM

200.

Overall, I think I like the design. I would make a few changes.

I would like to see the Bathroom moved to the left side of the diagramed

Mon, Jun21, 20105:38 PM


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where some of the standard seats are and put in another set of booths in thecenter. Though I doubt that is feasible to move in a cost effective mannersince Im sure that is a stock future on the base car.

I like the booths but they seem to small, I suppose that could be the

diagram and Im not sure how much larger you could make them and stillhave ample walking space.

Also I would propose that the standard seats to the right of the diagram arereplaced with two large U shaped booths similar to what is there now. Ican see those seats rarely getting used. People go on the bar car sosocialize and those seats are not conducive of that. If youre trying tomaximize the amount of people that can go on the bar car you will bedoing the opposite. You will actually get less people on the car than withtwo large booths even though there are less seats. Most people dont mindstanding on the bar car.

201.

The current cars are obviously quite old but I like the amound of standingarea and the narrowish counters along one side where you can stand, read,work, etc. The actual bar area on the cars seems too large or maybe justunder utilized by the bar tender....as they most often operate just from thecenter where they have a paper box of snacks and either end of the bar isunservicable

Mon, Jun21, 20105:05 PM

202.

The bar looks too small and the size and location (not central within carand close to entry/exit doors) seems like it would cause traffic flowproblems.

Mon, Jun21, 20104:56 PM

203.

I agree that these are an integral part of many commuters daily routine andI have met some of my best friends on these bar cars as it is a great socialenvironment as well as an opportunity to network with others. The newdesign may be radical for some but since the current cars are so old, I thinka change is desparately needed. My only concern is the bathrooms on theold cars are disgustingly bad and the farther away from people, the betterthough I hope the new bathrooms are more easily maintained and I trulyhope the state will be ordering the new cars as part of the new fleet!

Mon, Jun21, 20104:47 PM

204.

Unbelievable that proposals such as this are being made when everyone isrealizing that Metro North is just a drain on state funds.

Mon, Jun21, 20104:43 PM

205.

I go from Bridgeport to South Norwalk and never see a bar car on mytrains. I would like to have one in the morning (7:47) so i can havebreakfast at one of the tables. The bar cars I do see in the evening (5:20)are not in service!

Mon, Jun21, 2010

4:42 PM

206.

Bar cars take up room when we could have seating. Drop the bar car, sellyour food and beverages on the platform entrances. We will have moreseating and you can still have your revenue. Maybe you will have morerevenue because buyers will stock up before getting on train. You alsolower your costs because bartender on ny platform can service multietrains. You'll also never run out of items since you can replenish at will.

Mon, Jun21, 20104:31 PM


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207.

How about fold-down seats? It seems that riders want to sit in the bar carsin the morning but want to stand in the evening and then they could have itboth ways.

Mon, Jun21, 20104:10 PM

208.

BRING BACK THE BAR CAR IN BIG NUMBERS!Mon, Jun21, 2010

4:04 PM

209.

The bathroom should not be so close to the serving area. Basic hygiene.Keep it at the back/front of the car as it is now. Also, people sitting in theproposed booths directly across from the bathroom would likely not behappy as well. Thx for keeping the idea of bar cars around as I have riddenmany trains around this fine country and this is really unique andappreciated.

Mon, Jun21, 20104:03 PM

210.

I like the idea that your going to keep the bar car. There should be one onall early evening trains

Mon, Jun21, 20103:55 PM

211

. Free beer please

Mon, Jun

21, 20103:34 PM

212.

Bar needs to be in the center of carMon, Jun21, 20103:31 PM

213.

Booth seating should be more openMon, Jun21, 20103:28 PM

214.

Get rid of the bar cars. They just take up space for the commute in on themornings. I dislike having to stand in the bar car in the mornings.

Mon, Jun21, 20103:11 PM

215.

NICE design!Mon, Jun21, 20102:59 PM

216.

Keep the design simple. The proposed design above is too complicated. Ahandful of small seating areas, a bathroom and a bar. That's all you need.

Mon, Jun21, 20102:57 PM

217.

keep restroom away from bar seating put it instead of seats at B end of carMon, Jun21, 20102:47 PM

218.

Bar Cars are a luxury we can no longer afford. They seat fewer people andon the morning inbound trip people avoid them like the plague. We needmore standard seats, not less.

Mon, Jun21, 20102:45 PM

219.

Let's say some stimulus money for more important things!!!Mon, Jun21, 20102:35 PM

220.

Additional funds should be spent on more regular cars so riders can sit andrelax to and from work instead of the crowded, standing-room-only carsnow. The money should be spent more wisely.

Mon, Jun21, 20102:33 PM

221 Why mess with the current design? The small bar and separate seating Mon, Jun


21/28

.

areas is a poor design choice. Shrinking the bar and putting small groupsof facing seats at the ends just makes the whole car more anti-social.This looks like it was cooked up by the bureaucracy at Metro North and/orthe DOT in order to maximize the official number of seats per car, so theycan reduce train lengths.

21, 20102:28 PM

222.

I like the long bar counter -- good for standing, working on PC, readingand setting down drinks. Also like the bar counter corners -- good forgathering with a group of about 6-7 people.

Mon, Jun21, 20102:22 PM

223.

Currently my preference is to stand in the vestibule with 3-9 other friends.I ride up to Fairfield and there are many days where it's already toocrowded. I think there should be more standing area vs sitting areas wouldhelp with that.

Mon, Jun21, 20102:04 PM

224.

I live in noroton heights, there are never any bar cars during peak hoursleaving manhattan; however, we get them FREQUENTLY in the morning.I would take the bar car every night, if it were available, it's not fair to onlyoffer them to commuters ind Darien, Noroton heights, Rowayton and S.

Norwalk ONLY in the am.

Mon, Jun21, 20102:03 PM

225.

Less seats/tables, more bar area so bartender can serve the customers. Allof the tables are not good at all.

Mon, Jun21, 20101:41 PM

226.

Design makes the car seem crowded with permanent fixtures. A larger barand less seating area would be desired.

Mon, Jun21, 20101:41 PM

227.

not sure about the round tables in the boothsMon, Jun21, 20101:39 PM

228.

I don't get all the booths and tables. What about the person who just wantsto sit in the bar car (alone) and have a drink and read a book/paper etc? Iknow for a fact that there are many that do that yet your plans don't allowfor that to easily happen. Also, what about the morning commute? Fromwhat I understand, the bar cars are part of the morning trains and arenecessary seating (I have had to sit in a morning bar car from time totime). The last thing I want to do is share a booth or table with a bunch ofstrangers. Rethink this whole thing - the bar car is not a lounge - it needs tobe much more functional than what is shown above.

Mon, Jun21, 20101:31 PM

229.

Should be enough seating for individuals & small groups. People standinglike to read the paper, use computer etc. so counters need to be big enough.A couple of larger tables for the regulars/poker players is fine, but otherseating should allow for 1-3 friends to sit together. Bathroom should be outof way as it always smells & can be a line. Bar needs to be bigger forpeople waiting to get drink. Could put high bar chairs on some counters sodon't have to stand- also more like a real bar. Add more TV's forSports/News.

Mon, Jun

21, 20101:28 PM

230.

It's much more important that Metro North provides comfortable seatingfor every one. Bars cars are a waste.

Mon, Jun21, 20101:19 PM


22/28

231.

Bathrooms tend to be stinky so need to be at one end to minnimize howmany people it affects. Layout of current bar cars with smaller bar areawould work well.

Mon, Jun21, 20101:12 PM

232.

I like the offer of a bar car, but not if it effects the amount of seating on therest of the train. There is no enough seating on the trains currently.

Mon, Jun21, 2010

1:08 PM

233.

keep the general design the way it isMon, Jun21, 201012:54 PM

234.

I appreciate your offering this survey. As you can tell from my responses Ilargely like the proposed design. Bar cars are a long-time (going back tothe 50's at least!) tradition on the New Haven Line, and on the New HavenRailroad before it; and I think it's important to retain them.

Mon, Jun21, 201012:40 PM

235.

Need second bar car?Mon, Jun21, 201012:38 PM

236.

Personally, I think this is an extremely well thought out design - takinginto account the need for additional seating, as well as areas for those thatprefer to stand and socialize in groups.

I would perhaps suggest eliminating the center of the three "high tables" toallow for more standing room for groups that gather on the bar car. Butthat comment is based solely on the drawing and perception of scale.

Mon, Jun21, 201012:14 PM

237.

Q4. Like the Table in the seating area only if more room between, seats noKnee knockers!Remove All seats in middle of bar car. Add one long standing counterisland down the middlle + add same down wall between bar counter andBathroom.

Mon, Jun21, 201012:06 PM

238.

Lookiing forward to new cars. Old ones smell really badly.Mon, Jun21, 201012:02 PM

239.

I suggest that the tables on the bartender service side of the car be removedand replaced with two counters extending to the middile of the car, Thiswould provide space for working or reading a paper on the counter whilestanding up. The u shaped spaces would provide a standing area out of thepassenger walking area and would accomodate the small group of regularsthat congregate in small circles of friends on the cars currentlyt.

Mon, Jun21, 201011:58AM

240. Can not make out on here where the Bar is, where the bathroom is

Mon, Jun21, 201011:52AM

241.

I like the current layout. The proposed location for the restroom isimpractical. I think it should be at the end of the car as it currently is.

Mon, Jun21, 201011:51AM

242 i prefer the old design of the bar car relative to this proposed version Mon, Jun


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.21, 201011:51AM

243

.

the seats are fine i suppose, but i think you need more bar space

Mon, Jun21, 2010

11:48AM

244.

i would remove a lot of the seating more make room for more people tostand. The less clutter the better.

Mon, Jun21, 201011:47AM

245.

The shortened length of the bar will be fine. The current long bar mirrors atypical land based bar but the extra room is unnecessary.Serving consumables that close to the bathroom might be a bad ideaconsidering the odors that are sometimes generated.I dislike the idea of regular seats in the bar car but that's only because it

feel it ruins the community atmosphere that naturally occurs in the currentconfiguration. Adding traditional seats at either end of the bar car justmakes the bar car shorter by that amount.

Mon, Jun21, 201011:47

AM

246.

We do not need a bar car. We need the most seats possible. Secondly wehave too many drunks on the train and then they get off the train and getbehind the wheel of a car. Wonderful idea! Sell drinks on the platform andend the bar cars.

Mon, Jun21, 201011:45AM

247.

1) bar should be in the middle2) bathroom should be on the end (too smelly)

Mon, Jun21, 201011:42AM

248.

The bathroom is too close to the consuming area and should be at the endof cars especially with potential smells. Bar cars aren't needed

Mon, Jun21, 201011:38AM

249.

there is not enough seating on MetroNorth trains right now. Bar carsreduce seating. I have no trouble picking up a beer on the platform andenjoying it in my seat either by myself or with a few friends. I do notsupport adding bar cards

Mon, Jun21, 201011:30AM

250.

Cafe Cars should be considered for the morning commute. If handledproperly this could be a money making business for the system. Cafe carsshould only be availibel of express or semi express routes.

Mon, Jun21, 201011:29AM

251.Bathrooms often smell too much to be in the same carMon, Jun 21, 2010 11:28 AM252.Question one is missing the option of too much seating. Seating limits the ability tocongregate into a large group. Move the bar to the center of the train to allow easy accessfrom either end. Put small booths in three corners (exclude where toilet is) and mid-height table along the outer edges with cubbies underneath for briefcases etc (similar tocurrent setup) but add recessed areas to hold drinks to prevent spillage when the engineertakes a corner too fast or slams on the breaks. The bathroom location (if I have it being


24/28

the bottom right hand side about 1/3 the way in from the right) is okay as long as it iscleaned more frequently so it does not smell like the subway in summer time. Otherwisemove it farther to either end and add a ventilation opening.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 11:07 AM

253.put a mockup at grand central so we can better evaluate and give ideas. i do not like

the seating arrangements of the new design at the two ends of the barcar. the old barcarseating arrangements is much better. whole group can sit and talk to each other. the newdesign makes that impossible.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 10:59 AM

254.I like the bar area, but no happy with the seating arrangement on either end of the barcar. The ends of of the bar car should keep the same seating arrangement as theold\current bar cars haveMon, Jun 21, 2010 10:51 AM

255.Could all the tables have cupholders? Maybe put the TVs in a more central location?Mon, Jun 21, 2010 10:50 AM

256.All tables should be provided with cupholders.

Existing seating at each end of car is preferable to proposed design, however acompromise could be to provide booth type seating (as detailed in center of cars) at eachend. Small tables in existing design are effectively useless given the moving and shakingwhen in transit.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 10:42 AM

257.The new design looks nice, but might be too much seating. The bar car is a great wayto end the work day, so any new bar car is going to be nice. Please give us bar cars with abartender and room to stand and socialize. And better brand of chardonnay would benice. Thanks for the opportunity to take this survey.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 10:28 AM

258.The booths look great. Smaller bar is a better use of space. Why not booths in entirecar where tables are?Mon, Jun 21, 2010 10:26 AM

259.We once had these Ex-Main Line passengers cars ion NJ on North Jersey Coast Lineto Bay Head where this is a "Loop" for PRR Steam Engines and the FEC observation thatalso did not requite swutchibg and kept on train. With advent of Push-Pull Bombardiercars passengers did not complain and preferred the new and better riding cars to the oldformer steam heated main line passenger consistWas also a welcome relief to those on Lackawanna side that used an old DLWheavyweight MU coach for it's bar car with old DLW MU's since replaced with bright,new Silverliner V MU's. No one complained in NJ of lose of bar cars and would thinkthose in CT would welcome the New M8's to the old MTA/Penn Central era M2--4-6sets. More effort and interest should be the re-electrification of The Danbury Branch

Jerome RosenfeldMon, Jun 21, 2010 10:26 AM

260.- less seating - more standing room- less room for the bartender - current bars are too big...


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- bathroom is too close to drink/food area - should be at the end of the carMon, Jun 21,2010 10:26 AM

261.get rid of the bar carsMon, Jun 21, 2010 10:20 AM

262.Removable seats a good idea. Every cofiuration in the past always resulted in seatsbeing removed to make more room. Surveying this way is difficult. Can we not get amock-up in GC? Didn't do that in the 70's and the result was a lot of wasted space behindthe bar. Both bartenders and customers were highly critical of not doing this.Mon, Jun 21,2010 10:14 AM

263.Should use the void area in front for passengers; standing or 5 seats.Mon, Jun 21,2010 10:05 AM 264.The current design is good, you can cut the bar in half but leavemost of it the sameMon, Jun 21, 2010 10:04 AM

265.I would prefer CDOT to spend its energy right now getting the new cars in service

rather than designing new bar cars. Please it's crowded and hot and the olds cars keepbreaking down.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 9:58 AM

266.Seems like there needs to be more standing room. The proposed configuration iscluttered.For booths opposite bar and bathroom, two semi-circles seems like a waste of space. Onelarger semi circle surrounding two tables seems like a better fit.Drop wavy design of handrail/standard table. Make it uniform.Drop lean-to benches. High tables are fine by themselves and lean-to benches wouldprobably not be comfortable.If possible, raise windows so that a standing person can look out the window at a 90degree angle. As currently configured, an average sized person who is standing only has aview of the ground.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 9:58 AM

267.the small tables will need cup / bottle holders- it looks like they are planned. I don'tthink the TVs are a good idea.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 9:54 AM

268.Most people stand while at bars and this holds true on the bar car. My group whichrides the 5:23 and 5:48 bar cars prefer more standing room as opposed to sitting. Hightables would be nice if the were smaller and had no seats around them.Mon, Jun 21, 20109:52 AM

269.I would not opt for having the bar car on the train, if it means taking out a regularcar.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 9:45 AM

270.I don't think there should be a bathroom in the bar car. I agree that it would beconvenient but I think the toilets' waste tanks just aren't emptied often enough. The carsthat do have bathrooms very often stink, making them very unpleasant to sit in, especiallyduring warm weather. Overall, though, I'm very happy that MetroNorth is keeping the barcars! My biggest complaint about the current configuration is that they don't have enough


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seating -- and those curved seats are uncomfortable and awkward to use. I often wearheels so I don't want to stand for about an hour-long trip home. Hand rails were fine, Iguess, when most commuters were men but that's no longer the case. We women want tosit!Mon, Jun 21, 2010 9:45 AM

271.Delete the bathroom. They always smell.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 9:37 AM

272.Daily Bar car rider with a group that ranges from 6-12. Need standing room.Mon,Jun 21, 2010 9:28 AM

273.While I do travel in the existing bar cars on a fairly regular basis, I think the time ofthe bar car has come and going. I do prefer to stand on the train and suspect the "booth"ideas will be very awkward. Also concerned about the ability of Metro North to managethe maintenance of the bar cars.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 9:26 AM

274.Bathroom should be end car. Keep 'both type of seathing...not bench seating. Bar

should be in middle of car...at new locations....will cause backups near door...lean benchsare great as well as poles w/cup holders. Keep the flow open....Mon, Jun 21, 2010 9:20AM

275.sorry - bar car is a luxury we dont have space forMon, Jun 21, 2010 9:19 AM

276.All cars are crowded, including the bar car. So the design should recognize this.Example: the bar should be more central so that less movement is required to get throughthe crowd and to the bar.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 9:06 AM

277.Every table and counter should have cup holders, and enough outlets for electronicdevices. Leave enough room between the bar and booth behind it for traffic.Mon, Jun 21,2010 9:02 AM

278.It would be nice to have newer regular cars prior to newer bar cars.Mon, Jun 21,2010 9:02 AM

279.So many problems with this design. Seating across is almost always shunned orleaves unusable space. Bathroom nearer the center ensures odors will permeate the entirecar. Bar at one end ensures a crowd focus point, with no logical waiting line. Computersand liquid are a bad combo: if it's a cafe car, skip the computer tables. Want more details?Email me!Mon, Jun 21, 2010 9:02 AM

280.please please please keep the bar cars. Our commute is long and they help make itbearable.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 8:52 AM

281.It's a bar- people like to stand or sit at the bar.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 8:48 AM

282.Keep the bar cars! The fact that we are the only commuter train in North Americawith them makes it even more important that we keep them.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 8:47 AM


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283.Most people stand in groups and move around in the bar car, there are too manysmall seating clusters which will just get in the way.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 8:35 AM

284.Any bar car is better than none. I am just happy the service will continue. It's not

about seating, it's about the comradery of those stuck in a tedious daily long commute.Too much seating detracts from socializing w/ fellow riders. Thanks for keeping the barcar service.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 8:33 AM

285.The bar is not big enough. Where are people going to wait on line? Between the hightables booths, where or how do people move around ?? just stay with the old design whatyou have now currently.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 8:30 AM

286.Bar cars should be eliminated altogether to provide more seats for allcommuters.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 8:29 AM

287.Maintenance will be a problem. Seems like a costly complicated design. Redesign tobe more efficient, less costly to construct and maintain. Interview maintainers about whatis needed.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 8:27 AM

288.Any improvements fromteh depressing cars would be greatly appreciated. the extraseating would be a great idea.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 8:07 AM

289.Have there been any considerations to adding a bar car to the Danbury Line?Mon,Jun 21, 2010 8:00 AM

290.The booths in the middle will be an obstruction. Also, sitting area needs to moreopen. The booths are restrictive. Bar needs to be a bit bigger. I like the high tables, justget rid of the seats in the middle.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 7:59 AM

291.Please save the bar carMon, Jun 21, 2010 7:39 AM

292.The bar car is an incredibly stupid idea. They are inefficient and wasteful. A taxpayersupported railroad should not be running around with bar cars onboard. Secondly, theShore Line East should get M8's to replace the diesel push-pull before these dumbcontraptions are shoved into the M8 line-up. The bar cars are a piece of years gone by,their time is up, let them get scrapped by the acetylene gas torch of a scrapper and neverbe replaced to drag the efficiency down of one of the biggest commuter operations in thecountry.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 7:04 AM

293.Bar cars are an excellent idea! Please keep them!Mon, Jun 21, 2010 7:01 AM

294.It should be open until milford.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 6:51 AM


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295.I'm tired of being forced to walk through bar cars full of drunks to get off at stationswith short platforms such as Fairfield and Greens Farms. There's a reason why everyother commuter railroad has eliminated bar cars.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 5:25 AM

296.I'm happy to see MN is keeping the bar car on the New Haven Line. They should

have them on all lines.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 5:18 AM

297.There should be open seating...there simply aren't enough regular "small groups" tojustify all the booths/face-to-face seating in the proposed design...there should be plentyof holders to hold the drinks.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 5:01 AM

298.States should not promote Alcoholism, and sell drinks to People that continou bycarMon, Jun 21, 2010 4:57 AM

299.Why do we need a bar car at all? Would rather have more seats for everyone anddecent bathrooms and have a reasonable chance of getting home safely when I drive

home from the station without having to worry about the bar car patrons' blood alcohollevels.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 12:31 AM

300.If you pipe in live TV (ESPN, CNBC, CNN) that would be huge - the #1 positivething you could do to increase patronage.Mon, Jun 21, 2010 12:16 AM

301.Think outside of the box. Make this bar car lovely and inviting make it an "invitingplace" where people cant' wait to get to to be able to wind down after a long day. Put alittle sex appeal in the place...think this.http://www.ridelust.com/chicago-metra-plans-to-shut-down-bar-cars-underestimates-motivational-power-of-alcohol-when-commuting-to-dead-end-job/ Or this bar car (scroll down) http://www.amigos3.com/index.php?go=basic-info&et=getting-around

Or this http://www.townandcountrytravelmag.com/vacation-ideas/best-vacations/back-on-track

Make it inviting and sought after, and you'll have more riders. Get stuff sponsored on thecar if you can't afford it.Watch this will work.Sun, Jun 20, 2010 11:45 PM

302.enlarge window height.Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:53 PM 303.what happens in themorning trains when the bar car provides necessary seating? This new design does nottake that into account. Simply put, it won't work
http://www.ridelust.com/chicago-metra-plans-to-shut-down-bar-cars-underestimates-motivational-power-of-alcohol-when-commuting-to-dead-end-job/http://www.ridelust.com/chicago-metra-plans-to-shut-down-bar-cars-underestimates-motivational-power-of-alcohol-when-commuting-to-dead-end-job/http://www.ridelust.com/chicago-metra-plans-to-shut-down-bar-cars-underestimates-motivational-power-of-alcohol-when-commuting-to-dead-end-job/http://www.ridelust.com/chicago-metra-plans-to-shut-down-bar-cars-underestimates-motivational-power-of-alcohol-when-commuting-to-dead-end-job/http://www.ridelust.com/chicago-metra-plans-to-shut-down-bar-cars-underestimates-motivational-power-of-alcohol-when-commuting-to-dead-end-job/http://www.ridelust.com/chicago-metra-plans-to-shut-down-bar-cars-underestimates-motivational-power-of-alcohol-when-commuting-to-dead-end-job/http://www.ridelust.com/chicago-metra-plans-to-shut-down-bar-cars-underestimates-motivational-power-of-alcohol-when-commuting-to-dead-end-job/

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Bar Car Survey Comments