[IMAGE]Metrolink-2.jpg[/IMAGE]Southern California passenger rail provider Metrolink unveiled its new state-of-the-art cab and passenger railcars equipped with collision-absorption technology as part of Whistle Stop Tour across Metrolink's five-county service area.

The new railcars, dubbed the Guardian fleet by Metrolink and manufactured by Hyundai Rotem, include energy-absorbing retractable couplers, a crumple zone and tables designed to minimize passenger injuries if an incident were to occur.

Additionally, the cab cars have an elevated train engineer compartment providing enhanced visibility and safety for the engineer; both cab and passenger railcars have higher seat backs providing extra comfort and back support for passengers.

The cab cars stand 15 feet and 11 inches high, 85 feet long and weigh almost 150,000 lbs. With a stainless steel exterior, the new Hyundai Rotem cars do not need to be painted.

"Here at Metrolink, we wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night with safety on our minds. We are honored to provide our employees, customers and the region some of the safest rail cars in existence," said Metrolink CEO John Fenton. "Our board's commitment to safety is evident in their recent decision to purchase 20 more Rotem cars."

Ten cars will be put into service immediately across the Metrolink System. As more cars are assembled, tested and approved for service, they will be used to augment Metrolink's current fleet. All 137 cars are expected to be in service by late 2012.