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4/16/2026
Amtrak yesterday announced it has launched the procurement process for its largest-ever long-distance train order.
The railroad issued a formal request for suppliers to bid on a new long-distance fleet replacement contract.
A fleet replacement program calls for acquiring more than 800 new rail cars across 14 routes. All long-distance routes will transition to a universal single-level fleet to replace the current mix of bi- and single-level equipment.
“Following an extensive evaluation, we plan to announce our selected supplier by the end of 2027,” Amtrak officials said in a press release.
The fleet replacement program was developed in close coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration to modernize overnight and cross-country travel. The current fleet includes many cars that are approaching nearly 50 years of service. Amtrak’s long-distance routes link major cities, smaller towns and rural communities.
The procurement is part of Amtrak’s broader systemwide fleet modernization program. For example, the railroad continues to receive new high-powered ALC-42 locomotives for long-distance service, with 79 of 125 units delivered to date.