This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
5/1/2012
Yesterday, Amtrak released an updated version of its fleet plan outlining the railroad’s approach to replace aging locomotives and rail cars to meet future high-speed and intercity passenger-rail service needs.
Developed to align with Amtrak’s broader strategy, the plan calls for replacing and supplementing the fleet with tiered procurements through 2023. Amtrak officials created the strategy with a conservative view of growth and a vision of a significantly expanded U.S. intercity passenger-rail network, the railroad’s officials said in a prepared statement.
Amtrak has awarded two major equipment contracts during the past two years. The railroad purchased 70 electric locomotives to replace the fleet currently operating on the Northeast and Keystone corridors. The $466 million contract was awarded to Siemens, which is scheduled to begin delivering units in 2014.
Amtrak also ordered 130 single-level long-distance diner, sleeper, baggage and dormitory cars under a $298 million contract with CAF USA, which is scheduled to begin delivering units in fall 2013. The new equipment will improve reliability, enhance financial and on-time performance, and “foster a more positive and modern image of Amtrak,” officials said.