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3/6/2024
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission yesterday launched the state's new Venture passenger trains, which will operate on the Amtrak San Joaquins line in California.
Siemens Mobility, under contract to Sumitomo Corp. of Americas, built the rail cars in Sacramento, with finish work performed at the Stockton Regional Maintenance Facility owned by the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission. Caltrans purchased the new rail cars with $132 million in federal and state funds, according to a Caltrans press release.
The Amtrak San Joaquins line runs five daily roundtrips between Oakland and Bakersfield and two daily roundtrips between Sacramento and Bakersfield. The first six-car set is in operation on the Oakland-Bakersfield route and helps restore service to pre-pandemic levels and sets the course for future service improvements.
The new rail cars are the first upgrade on the Amtrak San Joaquins line in nearly three decades. The fully ADA-accessible passenger cars provide wider aisles, accessible restrooms and fully-automated doors.
All seven trainsets are expected to be in operation on the San Joaquins line by the end of 2025. The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority manages the Amtrak San Joaquins service.
"These trains are a giant leap forward in passenger experience," said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares.