Amtrak has released a Request for Proposals for a new fleet of rail passenger vehicles to replace Amfleet I cars, providing new equipment with modern rail amenities. The base order for the new replacements includes 75 trainsets or their railcar equivalents with options to provide equipment for future service growth along the Northeast Corridor and other state-supported routes.
The new railcars and trainsets will include all necessary equipment for Positive Train Control technology and meet recently updated federal Tier I safety standards for equipment operating at speeds of up to 200 km/h (125 m/ph). Also, the new equipment will adhere to all accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Amenities will include improved Wi-Fi equipment and connectivity, improved seating, weather-tight doors and vestibules as well as freedom to move throughout the train conveniently. The modernized fleet will also feature large picture windows, improved climate control systems for passenger comfort and completely new designs for restrooms and passageways between cars. Also, the new rail equipment will feature bi-directional operating capability, which will minimize endpoint turnaround times and provide operating efficiency.
The new trainsets will replace Amtrak’s fleet of 470 Amfleet I and ex-Metroliner railcars. Amfleet I railcars are over 40 years of age, while Amtrak’s fleet of ex-Metroliner equipment entered service 50 years ago this week for Amtrak’s predecessor, Penn Central.
Amfleet I cars are used primarily on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) and adjacent State Corridor routes, including Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Maple Leaf, Adirondack, Vermonter, Downeaster, Carolinian, Pennsylvanian, Keystone Service, Virginia Service and New Haven/Springfield Service.
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