Sooner than that, accoring to a Metrolink blog post dated 11-17-10: "Beginning Dec. 6, Metrolink passengers will be among the first in the nation to ride in cars with unique safety features such as collision-absorption technology. Initially, staff is proposing that the first 12 cars be deployed across the Metrolink System to provide the greatest regional benefit."
This would coincide with public displays and ceremonies at various stations over the coming week: Metrolink Rolling Out New Rail Cars at Whistle Stop Debut
While looking into the revenue operation question I happened upon this brief discussion of the new Hyundai Rotem cars' Crash Energy Management (CEM) features in Mass Transit Magazine:
Metrolink's New CEM Trains
"CEM improves crashworthiness with crush zones at the ends of the cars. These zones are designed to collapse in a controlled fashion during a collision, distributing the crush and absorbing the energy among the unoccupied ends of the train cars. This technique preserves the occupied spaces in the train and limits the deceleration of the occupant volumes.
"To achieve this, the crush zones are required to absorb several million foot-pounds of energy and deform gracefully as they crush, minimizing vertical and lateral car motion and preventing override. The crush zones are unique to each end of the Metrolink CEM cars, but share common elements. For instance, the pushback coupler mechanism is designed to absorb energy and has a sliding sill with shear bolts. As the first point of contact, the coupler absorbs crash energy and helps keep cars in line and upright. All cars have structural endwalls to protect the passenger compartment."
