Abstract:
Although diesel multiple units (DMUs) have been extensively used in Europe and Japan, they have had a limited presence in the United States in recent years. This article describes how research confirming the effectiveness of the crash energy management technologies included in DMU technology, coupled with regulatory reforms, has opened the door in American and Canadian cities to DMUs incorporating proven Asian and European designs. Implementation of these vehicles realizes cost efficiencies and provides other improvements, such as low-floor boarding, which reduce dwell times and improve accessibility.
