We all love Amtrak, but we want to see more sleek, up-to-date trains. Last month, Amtrak issued a formal Request for Proposals to companies that manufacture railcars because it’s planning to replace its current long-distance fleet completely. We hope the manufacturers are going to their design boards to create beautiful and eco-friendly cars. We like the Airo, which is already planned for a 2026 launch—see photos here.
How much is Amtrak going to invest?
Amtrak’s planning to spend billions of dollars on revamping the coast-to-coast fleet, with funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Congress. These new cars will improve what it’s like for all passengers, including wheelchair users and others with mobility issues, and operate more sustainably and efficiently.
What's in the Request for Proposals?
The document specifies that any respondents address coach seating, private rooms such as Amtrak’s current roomettes and bedrooms, onboard food service, accessibility, and route experience. Amtrak will then choose a vendor, finetune the designs, and then production will follow.
When should we expect to see these new trains on the rails?
The early 2030s.
Are there specific details about the cars?
According to Amtrak’s press release, it plans to purchase 125 ALC-42 long-distance locomotives; there are already more than 30 in service. These American-made locomotives are “cleaner, faster, more fuel efficient and more environmentally friendly than their predecessors,” says Amtrak. As we reported previously, it will also invest $28 million in interior upgrades to 400 Superliners and 49 Viewliners. To date, almost 200 Superliners have gotten their glow-up and are in service. Finally, Amtrak wants to revive 63 railcars that have been sitting idle; that should happen by the end of this year.
Is this a big deal or not really?
“Issuing this RFP kicks off what will be the biggest rolling stock acquisition since the 1940s,” says Jim Mathews, president and CEO of the Rail Passengers Association, “when the New York Central turned to three manufacturers for a blockbuster order for more than 700 cars.” His organization “acts as a voice for Amtrak, commuter and transit passengers,” according to the website.
So, who will ride these trains?
You and me. Long-distance ridership on Amtrak rose by more than 12 percent in the fiscal year that just ended in September: that’s nearly 3.9 million customer trips.