Oregon DOT unveils new Talgo train for Amtrak Cascades route

A Talgo-made passenger train made its official debut late last week in Oregon, where it will operate as part of Amtrak Cascades service.

Talgo representatives joined Oregon state officials at a ceremony in Eugene, Ore., to offer the public a first look at one of the new Series 8 trains. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) purchased two of the 13-car trains sets, which were manufactured and assembled at Talgo's plant in Milwaukee.

ODOT funded the train purchase with federal stimulus dollars. Adding the trains to the Amtrak Cascades corridor will ensure better passenger-rail service from Eugene to Portland, state and Amtrak officials said.

"Amtrak values our state partnerships and their interest in growing the nation's railroad through operational support and equipment acquisition," said Jay Commer, Amtrak's general manager of state corridor services.

Oregon is the first state to receive high-speed rail train sets purchased with federal stimulus dollars, said Talgo President and Chief Executive Officer Antonio Perez.

"Talgo's team is committed to the continued success of the Pacific Northwest Corridor passenger-rail service," he said.

Each of the new Series 8 trains seats 286 passengers and features a cab car, bistro car, dining car, bicycle storage, business class seating, Wi-Fi and other amenities.