Editing Commuter rail (section)

==Train types==
Commuter/suburban trains are usually optimized for maximum passenger volume, in most cases without sacrificing too much comfort and [[luggage]] space, though they seldom have all the amenities of long-distance trains. Cars may be single- or [[bilevel car|double-level]], and aim to provide seating for all. Compared to intercity trains, they have less space, fewer amenities and limited baggage areas.

===Multiple unit type===
[[File:Treviglio - stazione ferroviaria - elettrotreno TSR.jpg|thumb|An electric multiple unit at Treviglio, on [[Milan S Lines|Milan suburban line]] S5]]
Commuter rail trains are usually composed of [[multiple unit]]s, which are self-propelled, bidirectional, articulated passenger rail cars with driving motors on each (or every other) [[bogie]]. Depending on local circumstances and tradition they may be powered either by [[diesel engines]] located below the passenger compartment ([[diesel multiple unit]]s) or by electricity picked up from [[third rail]]s or [[overhead lines]] ([[electric multiple unit]]s). Multiple units are almost invariably equipped with control cabs at both ends, which is why such units are so frequently used to provide commuter services, due to the associated short turn-around time.

===Locomotive hauled services===
[[File:ACE EMD F40PH Fremont - San Jose.jpg|thumb|left|An [[Altamont Corridor Express]] train operating along the [[San Francisco Bay]]; a [[EMD F40PH|MPI F40PH-2C]] locomotive hauls a consist of [[Bombardier BiLevel Coach]]es.]]
Locomotive hauled services are used in some countries or locations. This is often a case of asset sweating, by using a single large combined fleet for intercity and regional services. Loco hauled services are usually run in [[Push-pull train|push-pull]] formation, that is, the train can run with the locomotive at the "front" or "rear" of the train (pushing or pulling). Trains are often equipped with a control cab at the other end of the train from the locomotive, allowing the train operator to operate the train from either end. The motive power for locomotive-hauled commuter trains may be either electric or [[diesel–electric powertrain|diesel–electric]], although some countries, such as Germany and some of the former Soviet-bloc countries, also use diesel–hydraulic locomotives.

===Seat plans===
In the US and some other countries, a three-and-two seat plan is used. Middle seats on these trains are often less popular because passengers feel crowded and uncomfortable.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/31/nyregion/for-train-riders-middle-seat-isnt-the-center-of-attention.html|title=For Train Riders, Middle Seat Isn't the Center of Attention|first=Patrick|last=McGeehan|newspaper=The New York Times|date=31 May 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/06/opinion/on-the-802-express-threes-a-crowd-139947.html|title=On the 8:02 Express, Three's a Crowd|newspaper=The New York Times|date=6 June 2005}}</ref>

In Japan, South Korea and Indonesia, longitudinal (sideways window-lining) seating is widely used in many commuter rail trains to increase capacity in rush hours. Carriages are usually not organized to increase [[seating capacity]] (although in some trains at least one carriage would feature more doors to facilitate easier boarding and alighting and bench seats so that they can be folded up during rush hour to provide more standing room) even in the case of commuting longer than 50&nbsp;km and commuters in the [[Greater Tokyo Area]], [[Seoul metropolitan area]], and [[Jakarta metropolitan area|Jabodetabek area]] have to stand in the train for more than an hour.