and that meant that a few seats were removed.

It's still a crapshoot trying to board during the heart of rush hour (first three cars are forbidden, other 7 only on a space available basis) but the real improvement is that bikes can easily board during the quieter parts of rush hour, like really early or after 8:30 AM in the morning and between 3:30-4:30 in the PM.

The station access is still convoluted though -- bikes must be carried up or down stairs or use the elevators -- if you can find them, if they're operational, and if no one with disability needs them for the same trip because most elevators can't accommodate a bike and a larger wheelchair.

Still, I'm glad that I have the option to get a train a few more hours each day.

some chair users report that the addition of bikes makes it even more difficult for them to get on and off the crowded rush hour trains.

The news on the new car designs isn't good, either. Poles right in front of the doors, and chair "seating" areas at only one far end of each car.

and from what I've observed the biggest problems are bicyclists getting on cars that are already crowded and bicyclists being crowded out on a car that fills up after they board.

I've noticed that most passengers don't understand that there are now bike spots as well as chair spots. Then there's always been the clueless crowd who don't cede the open space for chairs, or who block the senior/disabled seats with their bikes.

but not only is there no definition of "crowded car", there is no such thing as a "non-crowded car" heading into or out of The City at rush hour.