The newest Amtrak train, Acela, is a joint project between Amtrak and Alstom, and now, the pair are lauding what the machine will be able to do for the U.S. economy.
Amtrak claims the trains will be the fastest in the hemisphere, boasting speeds of up to 160 miles per hour. Alstom is also building Acela from parts produced by nearly 250 suppliers from 27 states. Its manufacturing focus is heavily domestic, and with that focus will come more than 1,300 new jobs across the United States, the company said.
“While these new trains will provide world-class accommodations for customers traveling in the Northeast, this production will benefit communities across the country by creating jobs and stimulating local economies,” Amtrak Executive Vice President Roger Harris said.
At Alstom’s Hornell, New York facility, 28 high-speed Acela train sets will be produced for Amtrak by 2021, when they are slated to enter service. They will run the Northeast Corridor and, in addition to their higher speeds, allow for more passengers at once — approximately 25 percent more.
“We are proud to have been selected by Amtrak, not only to design and build the new Avelia Liberty high speed train sets, but also to provide long-term technical support, and supply spare components and parts for the maintenance of the new trains,” Michael MacDonald, site managing director for Alstom’s Hornell facility, said. “Alstom is partnering with suppliers across the country for this project, and the emergence of a high-speed rail manufacturing industry here in the U.S. is becoming a reality.”
Suppliers include ABB Power Transformers, Bode Doors, Centum Adetel Transportation Solution, Eaton, Wabtec Faiveley Doors, Gessman, Hoppecke, Kelox IRT USA, Knorr Brake, Merrill Technologies, Seisenbacher Rail Interiors Inc., Thermo King, Transitair Systems, UTC, Voith Couplers and Wabtec, among others.