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On Friday, Amtrak released an updated fleet plan that analyzes the railroad's need to replace its existing conventional and high-speed fleet, and manage capacity to meet projected ridership growth.

Initially published in early 2010, the fleet plan was updated to reflect the current state of the fleet, programs under way and changes in the larger business environment, according to a press release.

In October, Amtrak awarded a contract to Siemens to manufacture 70 locomotives to replace those now in service on the Northeast and Keystone corridors. The procurement will enable Amtrak to improve reliability and support future expansion. The railroad also issued a contract for 130 single-level cars to replace the oldest vehicles in the fleet and provide capacity for long-distance trains.

The updated plan also provides more detail on Amtrak’s recent proposal to procure an additional 40 Acela Express cars in FY2012, which will enable the railroad to increase capacity on all 20 existing high-speed train sets.

New to the plan: information on development work under way to support more frequent Acela service with the acquisition of a new fleet of high-speed trainsets.

The plan also provides an update on the Next Generation Equipment Committee, which has developed specifications for new corridor equipment, including a bi-level car, single-level car and high-speed diesel locomotive. Amtrak will use the specifications when it procures new rolling stock.

The plan will be posted on Amtrak's website under the “Comprehensive Business Plan” section.