USA: Amtrak has revised its long-distance rolling stock fleet replacement strategy, with its previous plan to acquire double-deck coaches dropped in a favouring of transitioning to a universal single-deck fleet to replace the current mix of single and double-deck stock.
The national passenger operator said the revised plan announced on February 26 prioritises fleet standardisation and would broaden competition among potential suppliers, reduce programme risk and accelerate the replacement of ageing vehicles.
Amtrak plans to issue a formal request for bids ‘soon’. It would then work closely with the selected manufacturer to finalise the delivery schedule.
Extensive analysis
The new approach follows extensive analysis of challenges associated with operating a mixed fleet, industry feedback received during a request for proposals for the supply of double-deck stock and the findings of a joint Amtrak-Federal Railroad Administration review to identify the most effective way forward.
‘This new approach will deliver a more consistent and accessible customer experience across the Amtrak network while maintaining our commitment to introduce the first new long-distance cars in the early 2030s’, said Amtrak President Roger Harris. ‘Thanks to support from FRA Administrator David Fink and the entire Federal Railroad Administration team, Amtrak’s long-distance fleet replacement is moving forward more effectively and efficiently than originally planned.’
Fink said ‘FRA stands ready to work with Amtrak on behalf of President Trump and Transportation Secretary Duffy to update Amtrak’s ageing passenger rail fleet with modern American-made cars’.
Fleet renewal
The procurement of new long-distance night train stock is part of a wider fleet modernisation programme, with Siemens Mobility now having delivered 79 of 125 ALC-42 Charger diesel locomotives for long-distance routes, the Alstom NextGen Acela trainsets entering service from August 2025 and the Siemens Mobility Airo push-pull fleet for short and medium-distance routes expected to start entering service later this year.
Many of Amtrak’s current long-distance coaches were delivered more than 40 years ago, and it will continue to evaluate the their condition to determine any measures necessary to ensure safe and reliable operation until the new fleet enters service.
