July 7, 2021
Amtrak Signs $7.3 billion Deal for 83 Multi-Powered Trains for its Northeastern Services
A rendering of one of the new Amtrak trains to be built in the U.S. by Siemens Mobility (Photo Credit: Siemens)
Amtrak is contracting with California-based Siemens Mobility Inc. to manufacture a new fleet of up to 83 multi-powered modern trains that will be leveraged for state and northeast services, with further options for up to 130 additional trains to support Amtrak growth plans. The new fleet will offer modern rail amenities that better serve Amtrak customers. “These new trains will reshape the future of rail travel by replacing our aging 40-to-50-year old fleet with state-of-the-art, American-made equipment,” said Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn. “This investment is essential to preserving and growing our Northeast Regional and state-supported services and will allow our customers to travel comfortably and safely, while deeply reducing criteria pollutants.”
The new equipment will operate on the Northeast Corridor, long distance Palmetto and various state-supported routes that will replace Amtrak-owned Amfleet, Metroliner, and state-owned equipment on certain routes throughout the country. In addition to the Northeast Regional, other routes will include the Adirondack, Carolinian, Cascades, Downeaster, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Keystone Service, Maple Leaf, New Haven/Springfield Service (Amtrak Hartford Line and Valley Flyer), Pennsylvanian, Vermonter and Virginia Services. The $7.3 billion investment includes the purchase of equipment and a long-term parts supply and service agreement, facility modifications and upgrades, and other program expenses.
Using multi-power systems, including hybrid battery operation for a portion of the fleet used for New York’s Empire Service, these trains will also provide a substantial environmental benefit through reduced criteria pollutants compared to the existing fleet. “These new trains, some of which will be our first hybrid battery operations in the United States, will transform the way Americans travel. Offering a more sustainable and comfortable travel experience, they will be built for excellence and built with pride in Sacramento, California,” stated Michael Cahill, President of Siemens Mobility, Rolling Stock in North America. “Over the past decade, we’ve worked closely with Amtrak and its state partners to develop and deliver trains that meet the needs of America’s travelers, these next generation trainsets build on that experience and offer much more.”
“New York State congratulates Amtrak Chair Anthony Coscia and CEO William Flynn on their sustained commitment to service innovation and eco-friendly travel,” said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. “Today’s historic trainset award will serve to accelerate the replacement of the nearly 50-year-old Amfleet cars currently in operation and serve to complement New York’s unprecedented investments in new passenger stations, service reliability, and safety. The 17 new trainsets being dedicated to New York State-supported routes will significantly enhance the passenger experience and incorporate cleaner fuel technologies, in support of New York’s nation-leading climate laws. The State is committed to working with Amtrak and the State’s Congressional Delegation to secure the federal funding necessary for the manufacture of these new trainsets.”