Amtrak, Siemens announce deal to transform rail travel

© Siemens Mobility

Amtrak announced Wednesday that it would be entering into a $3.4 billion contract with Siemens to create a new fleet of trains to transform the rail travel industry.

The contract will provide up to 83 multi-powered trains, with modern rail amenities, for state and northeast services but includes an option for up to 130 additional trains to support the company’s growth plans, Amtrak said.

“These new trains will reshape the future of rail travel by replacing our aging 40-to-50-year old fleet with state-of-the-art, American-made equipment,” said Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn. “This investment is essential to preserving and growing our Northeast Regional and state-supported services and will allow our customers to travel comfortably and safely while deeply reducing criteria pollutants.”

Operating on the Northeast Corridor, the long-distance Palmetto line, various state-supported routes, the trains will replace Amtrak-owned Amfleet, Metroliner, and state-owned equipment on certain routes across the country. The new trains will also operate on the Adirondack, Carolinian, Cascades, Downeaster, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Keystone Service, Maple Leaf, New Haven/Springfield Service (Amtrak Hartford Line and Valley Flyer), Pennsylvanian, Vermonter, and Virginia Services.

“Amtrak’s procurement of new rolling stock is historic. These state-of-the-art trainsets will allow Amtrak to operate and provide services more safely, efficiently, and reliably,” said Federal Rail Administration Deputy Administrator Amit Bose. “More importantly, doing so will give riders the modern passenger rail accommodations, amenities, and comforts they want and deserve.”

Amtrak’s entire upgrade investment plan totals $7.3 billion, which includes the Siemens contract as well as the purchase of equipment and a long-term parts supply, as well as facility modifications and upgrades, and other expenses. The long-term service agreement for technical support, spare parts, and material supplies is included in the contract. The new trains include remote monitoring and fully integrated digital diagnostics, providing Amtrak with new maintenance approaches for better efficiency, increased available and lowered long-term costs.

The new trains will feature more comfortable seating, individual power outlets and USB ports, onboard WiFi, enhanced lighting and panoramic windows, larger vestibules, a more contemporary food service experience, and state-of-the-art customer trip information. The trains were designed with the latest health and safety standards, the companies said, including enhanced HVAC, touchless restroom controls, and automated steps.

Additionally, the trains will use multi-power systems, including hybrid battery operation for a portion of the Empire Service fleet. They will include enhanced accessibility features like inductive hearing loops, accessible restrooms and vestibules, an accessible Food Service car, and lifts for customers with reduced mobility.

“These trains will offer Amtrak and its passengers the latest in sustainable and intelligent rail technology. We believe hybrid battery and dual powered trains will play an important role in reducing emissions and protecting the environment in the United States. In addition, through our digital services, Amtrak will receive real-time information about vehicle operations, allowing them to ensure that their passengers arrive safely and efficiently,” stated Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility. “Amtrak’s investment illustrates America’s commitment to enhancing its rail systems, offering passengers a more sustainable option for travel.”