Tri-Rail’s first bike car, a specially equipped Bombardier trailer car, was added to the fleet of rolling stock on July 24. With more passengers turning to bikes for either the start or final leg of their commute, or both, plus additional leisure riders using the combination of train and bike to explore the region, bike racks have become a necessary amenity for travelers
Passengers bringing bicycles onboard had previously been limited to two bicycle straps per car, a limit that high demand made impossible to meet. An overflow of bicycles sometimes made traveling on the train challenging. The new bike car contains 14 racks that will provide more room to maneuver bicycles on and off the train. A set of seats were removed from the lower level of the vehicle to make room for the bike racks; however, the bike car is added as an additional coach to the standard three-car set, making it a four-set train with additional seating.
The bike car will be marked with a large bicycle symbol on the outside of the vehicle to help passengers identify the correct car prior to boarding; conductors will also assist with announcements as they arrive at each station. Additionally, nine coach cars are being retrofitted with bike racks, to eventually get a bike car available on every train.
Tri-Rail continues to encourage the public to use their bicycles for trips in combination with the train, providing bike racks at all stations. Bicycle lockers are also available at all stations, with the exception of the Pompano Beach and the Miami Airport stations due to recent construction work, though both stations are expected to have lockers available in the near future.
