The ideal situation would be to obtain a Metrolink trainset from Los Angeles. A set consisting of a diesel locomotive, an LNG alternative fuel locomotive (assuming the current test is successful), three coach cars, and two cab cars, is recommended. However, it is unknown at this time if Metrolink will have sufficient spares to allow a 2-month lease, particularly after the recent earthquake, which, as a result of destroyed freeways, has caused a large jump in Metrolink ridership, and consequent demand for all available equipment. If the experience of the 1989 San Francisco earthquake holds true, a substantial portion of this ridership (70% or more) will remain on the train even after freeway repairs are complete.
The purpose of having both a conventional diesel and an LNG powered locomotive is to allow a comparison and demonstration of the "clean air" technology, particularly appropriate as this will occur during the high-pollution season for the Valley. The two locomotives will be rotated in use, each running approximately half the number of service days. In any event, two locomotives and two cab cars should be obtained to allow for spares.
If two (or more) sets are available from different manufacturers, the sets can be rotated in use to allow a comparison between them. In addition, a second set could be used on game days (Fiesta Bowl and Super Bowl, etc.) to provide additional stadium shuttle service between Phoenix and Tempe, or Mesa and Tempe, while the other set provides the regular Phoenix-Mesa shuttle.
It might also be desirable to provide additional service between Mesa and Sky Harbor Airport on certain days of Thanksgiving week. Special game day shuttle services, or Thanksgiving week airport shuttles to points of the Valley outside the main demonstration run (such as Glendale, Gilbert, Sun City, Goodyear, etc.), and static displays of equipment at these locations are also a possibility if enough equipment can be obtained.
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