• Passenger rail cars are used all over the world.eisenbahn image by Angelika Bentin from Fotolia.com
  
  Passenger rail car specifications have evolved since the introduction of the railroad as a means of human transportation. Pre-twentieth century diagrams outline on-board lavatory facilities and sleeping facilities, according to the Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum. Advancements in railroad travel over the years has shown enhancement to passenger car speeds and versatility in means of travel.
  
  

Historic Passenger Cars

• Historic passenger cars from the year 1899 were fitted with many of the same conveniences recognized in modern railroad travel, according to the Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum. Air brake systems were manufactured with upper and lower level spring balances along with inside and outside connecting rods. A brake lever was available to conductors to bring trains to immediate stops. Lavatory conveniences featured a porcelain toilet bowl with a single paper holder, a coat hook and a decorative window pane. Sleeping quarters contained a pillow box and a single sofa. A single wooden table and closed-door smoking room facilities were connected to sleeping areas. Buffet kitchen areas were also designed with an elevated water tank, built in drip trays, one working sink, carving table, ice box and refrigerator.
  
  

Modern Passenger Cars

• The 2012 Diesel Multiple Unit passenger rail car specs include a 600 hp, propulsion engine and "800,000 lb compressive end load strength," according to the Michigan state government. The DMU is designed to produce only 28 percent of the air pollution as a standard locomotive, and only 25 percent of the noise. DMUs can be manufactured to support single or double passenger levels, with each individual level containing between 94 to 102 seats. The total height of each individual passenger car is 14 feet 11 inches, while 10 feet is the average width.
  
  

Crash Energy Specs and Testing

• Passenger cars are often updated in safety specifications. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, the crash energy specs ensure passenger protection with improved structural designs. Car crush zones must support a maximum of 3.0 million ft-lbs of pressure on both forward and rear ends. Testing the reliability of crash energy designs requires a strict and straightforward process. Load case specifications are predetermined prior to physical crash testing and analysis. Once test results are analyzed, safety specs are either deemed compliant or non-compliant. Cars failing physical tests must undergo reevaluation of design and case load specs, and tests must be repeated.