Metroliner club car No. 880, 1970s.

The Metroliners were high-speed Budd electric cars designed for use on the Pennsylvania Railroad's busy mainline between New York and Washington. The cars generally operated as married pairs, meaning that trains had an even number of cars. Luxurious interiors and fast running times made the Metroliners a viable competitor to regional airlines. Under Amtrak, Metroliner Service frequencies increased to keep up with demand, and trains often reached speeds of up to 110 mph. In the late 1970s, Amtrak refurbished and reconfigured part of the Metroliner fleet after it had run more than 1.5 million miles of service. The first class Metroclub had roomy, individually reclining swivel parlor chairs; there was also a phone booth available to passengers. A service attendant provided food and beverage service at one's seat. In 1979, Amtrak refurbished club car No. 880, increasing it from 34 seats to 48. Conversion to a 64 seat coach occurred in 1981. Photographer: Unknown for Amtrak. From the Amtrak Corporate Collection.