Passenger railroad car

A passenger railroad car or passenger car (American English), also called a passenger carriage, passenger coach (British English and International Union of Railways), or passenger bogie (Indian English) is a railroad car that is designed to carry passengers, usually giving them space to sit on train seats. The term passenger car can also be associated with a sleeping car, a baggage car, a dining car, railway post office, and prisoner transport cars.

The first passenger cars were built in the early 1800s with the advent of railroads, and were small, little more than converted freight cars. Early passenger cars were constructed from wood; in the 1900s, construction shifted to steel and later aluminum for improved strength. Passenger cars have grown greatly in size since their earliest versions, with modern bi-level models capable of carrying over 100 passengers. Amenities for passengers have also improved over time, with developments such as lighting, heating, and air conditioning added for improved passenger comfort. In some systems, a choice is offered between first- and second-class carriages, with a premium for the former.

In some countries, such as the UK, coaching stock that is designed, converted, or adapted not to carry passengers is referred to as "NPCS" (non-passenger coaching stock); similarly, in the US, some maintenance (engineering) stock can be known as "MOW" (maintenance of way).

History

19th century: First passenger cars and early development

Up until about the end of the 19th century, most passenger cars were constructed of wood. The first passenger trains did not travel very far, but they could carry many more passengers over longer distances than wagons pulled by horses.