Amtrak announced it has revised its long-distance fleet replacement strategy to replace its aging passenger cars.
Under the new plan, all long-distance routes will transition to a universal single-level fleet to replace the mix of bi-level and single-level equipment. The replacement strategy will prioritize fleet standardization, reduce program risk and accelerate car replacement.
“This new approach will deliver a more consistent and accessible customer experience across the Amtrak network while maintaining our commitment to introduce the first new long-distance cars in the early 2030s,” Amtrak President Roger Harris said. “Thanks to support from FRA Administrator David Fink and the entire Federal Railroad Administration team, Amtrak’s long-distance fleet replacement is moving forward more effectively and efficiently than originally planned.”
Amtrak said the change comes after extensive review and analysis of the challenges associated with operating a hybrid fleet. The new plan also incorporates feedback from industry stakeholders received during a previous request for proposals, and from joint Amtrak Federal Railroad Administration findings.
“With these new cars, Amtrak will finally replace its aging fleet and provide American travelers with the world class rail service they deserve, helping usher in Secretary Duffy’s vision for a new Golden Age of travel,” U.S. Deputy Transportation Secretary Steve Bradbury said. “These new cars won’t just benefit American train passengers, but workers too by supporting good paying domestic manufacturing jobs.”
The railroad company said it would issue a formal request for suppliers to bid on the new replacement contract soon. An existing bi-level procurement contract will be canceled, the company said.
Many of the company’s current long-distance railcars were delivered more than 40 years ago, officials said. Amtrak said it will continue to assess the remaining service life of its existing fleet and determine if any life extension measures are necessary to ensure safe and reliable operations until the new fleet is in service.