> commuter rail is very expensive infrastructure with very low utilization, say 4 incoming trains in the morning and 4 outgoing trains in the evening
Post-COVID travelling patterns in the UK seem to suggest that the peaks are being ironed out. Whereas previously rolling stock procurement was dictated by the number of bums on seats for the morning and evening peak, now there's much more consistent demand across the day, and at weekends too - on some lines, weekend usage is now reportedly exceeding weekdays. No doubt it'll vary from place to place, but it looks like the days of buying enough rolling stock for the peaks, then having it sit empty for the rest of the day, might be over.
Post-COVID travelling patterns in the UK seem to suggest that the peaks are being ironed out. Whereas previously rolling stock procurement was dictated by the number of bums on seats for the morning and evening peak, now there's much more consistent demand across the day, and at weekends too - on some lines, weekend usage is now reportedly exceeding weekdays. No doubt it'll vary from place to place, but it looks like the days of buying enough rolling stock for the peaks, then having it sit empty for the rest of the day, might be over.