Passenger Intercity News photo: Metroliners live on

News photo: Metroliners live on

By Trains Staff | October 1, 2025

Aging equipment receiving Amtrak 'Phase VII' paint

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Cab car with blue and red front passing Amtrak "Windsor Locks station sign
Former Metroliner cab car No. 9646 displays Amtrak’s latest paint scheme at Windsor Locks, Conn., on Sept. 28, 2025. Scott A. Hartley

Amtrak push-pull cab control coach No. 9646, in fresh “Phase VII” paint, stops at Windsor Lock, Conn., leading Springfield, Mass.-New Haven train No. 465 on September 28, 2025. Built as Pennsylvania Railroad Metroliner coach No. 813 in 1967, and converted to its current unpowered cab control car configuration during the 1980s, No. 9646 is among Amtrak’s oldest operating revenue equipment. Approximately 15 of these cars, mostly painted with yellow and black safety stripes on the nose, remain in service, mostly in New England and on New York-Harrisburg Keystone Service. The former Metroliners eventually will be replaced by new Siemens Airo equipment, but until then the 58-year cars will continue to be maintained and carry passengers in the Northeast.

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