Amtrak issued a request for information (RFI) to find information on all types of rail vehicles including coach cars, trainsets and self-propelled units that could replace the Amfleet I equipment. Based on a thorough examination and review of what vehicle manufacturers have to offer, Amtrak plans to develop and release a Request for Proposal for specific replacement vehicles in 2019.
Amfleet I equipment includes single-level passenger cars used primarily on routes east of the Mississippi River such as the Northeast Regional, Keystone, Carolinian and Illinois Service Trains. The first Amfleet I was introduced in 1975, and the fleet is formed by 450 coaches. The overhaul of Amfleet I equipment is estimated at USD 16 million.
“New equipment will provide our customers with a more modern experience, while improving ride quality and reliability,” Amtrak Vice President of Corporate Planning, Byron Comati said.
Although the Amfleet I fleet has recently undergone a refresh programme that has replaced many interior elements of the vehicles, including seats, carpets and lighting features, the cars are 40 years old and are at the point where replacement is more cost-effective than maintenance.
Amtrak has launched a programme to modernise its rolling stock fleet in order to improve customer experience including modernise or new trains, new fare structures, improved on-time performance, enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity, upgraded facilities and expanded onboard experience options.
This month, Amtrak issued an RFP for new or rebuilt locomotives to supplement and replace its aging National Network diesel locomotive fleet. In 2021, the first of 28 new Acela Express trainsets will start serving customers on the Northeast Corridor, between Washington, DC and New York City and between New York City and Boston. In October 2017, the design of Alstom’s next generation high speed trainset was revealed. They are manufactured at Alstom’s site in Hornell, New York.
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