Motor coach

nounStandard termRailroad

A passenger rail vehicle equipped with its own propulsion system that can pull unpowered trailer cars.

A self-propelled passenger car that contains both seating for riders and an integrated power plant, typically electric or diesel. Unlike a standalone railcar, a motor coach is designed with enough tractive effort to haul or push additional unpowered passenger carriages in a multiple-unit consist.

Heard on the job

The commuter line runs a motor coach pulling two trailer cars during the morning rush hour.