While @colbyjd3 explained the benefits of high platforms, has the benefit of cars accessible from low platforms, both locomotive pulled (Bombardier Bi-Levels, the fresh sheet cars Alstom is making for Metra) and EMU (Stadler’s FLIRT line, the EMU’s they’re making for Caltrain) been compared in contrast? They may be a bit more feasible in terms of cost and are largely proven.
Also, do you have a plan if Duke decides to sabotage this try. I know the suggestion for a planned West Durham station has shuttle buses, probably operated by Duke as they have the fleet and they rotate through buses as it is, but given their petty past can they be overriden?
ANSWER: There are no cars available in the market that would provide level boarding from the 8” low platforms required on mainline tracks in this corridor (such as the existing platforms at the Cary and Durham Amtrak stations today). Bombardier bi-level coaches, for example, have a floor height of 25”. GoTriangle is working with partners including NCDOT Rail Division, NCRR and Norfolk Southern to evaluate various ADA-compliant platform and station configurations for this corridor.
We are working with all of our partners including Duke University to ensure that we have the support needed to proceed.