Abstract: An automated manipulation system is provided for manipulating one or more vehicles in a transit system. The automated manipulation system includes a vehicle control mechanism in communication with a vehicle for receiving, processing and transmitting signals for controlling the operation of the vehicle. The system also includes a central control mechanism in wireless communication with the vehicle control mechanism for receiving, processing and transmitting signals for controlling the vehicle control mechanism and thereby initiating a manipulation operation in the vehicle. The manipulation operation is one of: adding a vehicle to the system; removing a vehicle from the system; coupling a first vehicle to a second vehicle; and uncoupling a first vehicle from a second vehicle. A method of automatically manipulating at least one vehicle in a transit system is also provided.

Abstract: An undercar assembly for a railroad car. The undercar assembly has a structural member extending longitudinally between the longitudinal sides of the railroad car, where this structural member includes a pair of longitudinally extending beam elements transversely spaced apart from one another. At least one auxiliary equipment bay is defined between the longitudinally extending structural member and one of the longitudinal sides of the railroad car. The auxiliary equipment bay is capable to receive at least one auxiliary equipment, the structural member being operative to support at least in part the auxiliary equipment in the auxiliary equipment bay.

Abstract: An automated manipulation system is provided for manipulating one or more vehicles in a transit system. The automated manipulation system includes a vehicle control mechanism in communication with a vehicle for receiving, processing and transmitting signals for controlling the operation of the vehicle. The system also includes a central control mechanism in wireless communication with the vehicle control mechanism for receiving, processing and transmitting signals for controlling the vehicle control mechanism and thereby initiating a manipulation operation in the vehicle. The manipulation operation is one of: adding a vehicle to the system; removing a vehicle from the system; coupling a first vehicle to a second vehicle; and uncoupling a first vehicle from a second vehicle. A method of automatically manipulating at least one vehicle in a transit system is also provided.