SEATS IN FRONT ROWS ROPED OFF.

Byline: Lisa Mascaro Staff Writer

Even as they reassure passengers that the cab-car configuration is safe, Metrolink officials have roped off the front rows of the cars that are pushed by a locomotive from the rear.

Questions have been raised about the configuration after the Jan. 26 Metrolink crash that killed 11 passengers and injured nearly 200.

A passenger or ``cab car'' was leading the southbound Metrolink train that hit a sport utility vehicle abandoned on the tracks. It derailed and hit a work train parked on a parallel track, then careened into the locomotive pulling a northbound Metrolink train.

Critics say the heavier locomotive in the front would have more easily pushed the SUV out of the way.

Metrolink officials say they believe the cab-car configuration is safe, but roped off the front rows for the peace of mind of passengers.

``It just seemed like something we could do that would make our passengers feel a little more comfortable until all the questions are answered,'' said Metrolink spokeswoman Denise Tyrrell.

``We believe that the push-pull configuration has a good safety record and it is not necessarily less safe.''

Federal officials are investigating the crash, and the Public Utilities Commission is looking into the car configuration.