If the idea is to keep the R68(A)s (and the R62(A)s since they're around the same age) until the mid 2020s at the earliest, wouldn't it make more sense to have these trains look and feel similar to the newer R142s and up? One of the major qualms with the older fleet is its lack of NTT amenities (clear announcements and displays, ADA requirements) and while that may not seem like a big issue now given the varied (though increasingly limited) types of trains on the rails right now, it will become one as the older fleet is eventually fazed out. No one will want to deal with what will be the oldest trains in service, especially if they're relegated to one or two lines only.