The bar car: a dying breed

So, what's better than kicking back and relaxing on the train for your commute home? Well, perhaps that might be kicking back, relaxing and downing an alcoholic drink. Or two. Or... well, you get the idea. Unfortunately, that dream may soon be gone, as the "bar cars," as they are popularly known - or "refreshment cars," as they are officially known - are slowly being phased out of service. Formerly in widespread use in commuter agencies across the country, they have been disappearing more and more rapidly as transit organizations come under increased pressure to maximize passenger volume and revenue. Metra, Chicago's commuter rail agency, ended service of its final bar cars last week, saying that they only produced $100,000 in revenue a year. That left New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Metro-North railroad as the only remaining commuter agencies with in-service bar cars.

Sorry, fans of the after-work-drink, looks like you'll have to wait until you get home to indulge.

(Via Trains Magazine)

Filed under: Food and Drink, Transportation