This “once-in-a-generation, multi-billion-dollar procurement” will start reequipping a fleet that provides vital train service from coast to coast and is made possible through funding provided by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Congress.
“We believe in the future of our long-distance service,” said Amtrak board chair Tony Coscia. “Amtrak’s long-distance network provides vital mobility and an economic link for communities around the country. A new Amtrak long distance fleet will help us modernize and transform the service to meet the needs of customers now and into the future.”
This new fleet will allow Amtrak to introduce an updated product that meets current and future market expectations, improves customer experience, reimagines onboard accessibility and mobility, improves operational efficiency, and bolsters sustainability, resiliency, and ridership.
“Procuring new equipment for our long-distance trains is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine our iconic routes through a modern, accessible, and sustainable fleet,” added Amtrak president Roger Harris.
This step follows a formal Request for Information (RFI) issued in December 2022 – sent to potential railcar builders defining and describing the scope of replacing the long-distance fleet. Multiple suppliers responded to the RFI in early 2023, which helped to shape this RFP, Amtrak noted.
The RFP outlines requirements to improve core elements of long-distance service. Following vendor selection, critical steps of final design, development and production are expected to occur over the next several years. Fleet deliveries are projected to begin in the early 2030s.
“The Federal Railroad Administration firmly believes that intercity passenger rail service, including long distance service, has an important role to play in America’s transportation network,” said FRA administrator Amit Bose. “Millions of Americans depend on long distance service annually as a transportation alternative to congested highways and airports, and they deserve a modern, safe, and convenient experience.”
The long-distance fleet replacement RFP is one of several Amtrak investments aimed at upgrading and enhancing the long-distance customer experience. As part of this, Amtrak recently purchased 125 ALC-42 long distance locomotives, with more than three dozen already in service. Made in the US, these locomotives are cleaner, faster, more fuel efficient and more environmentally friendly than their predecessors, according to the firm.
Amtrak long distance ridership grew by more than 12% across the network in FY23 (October 2022 to September 2023), serving nearly 3.9 million customer trips.