PACIFICA INC, owned by the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers, has won a contract to assemble five Talgo Pendular trainsets in the state of Washington. Three will be used in the Pacific Northwest rail corridor; two are being purchased by Washington and one by Amtrak at $10m each.
Gustavo Gonzalez, Executive Vice-President & CEO of Talgo Inc, the US subsidiary of Patentes Talgo SA of Spain,says the company has decided to build two speculative extra sets and market them elsewhere in the USA. Washington’s Secretary of Transportation Sid Morrison called the initiative ’not only a commitment to the future of passenger rail in the US, but also a valuable investment in the local economy.’
The first three sets are due to enter service between Eugene, Portland, Seattle and Vancouver during the summer of 1998, under the brand name Cascades, replacing two Talgos currently leased by Washington. However the Portland - Eugene leg will end on June 30 this year unless funding is extended by the Oregon legislature.
Amtrak West President Gil Mallery says ’the Cascade service will look and feel like no other passenger train service currently offered in the USA.’ The 12-car trains will have a custom designed green and white livery, and will be hauled by matching new F59PH diesel locos.
The interior decor will also be distinctive. Each set will have 206 reserved Coach Class seats arranged 2+2, plus 45 Custom Class seats laid out as 2+1; wheelchair accessibility will be provided in both classes. On-train amenities include public telephones, video and audio programmes, electric power for computers and reclining seats with footrests.
Custom Class will offer greater legroom, complimentary beverages, newspapers and access to Amtrak’s first-class lounge in Portland. There will be a bistro car serving light snacks and beverages, a 30-seat dining car offering fresh, local foods and a baggage car with bicycle racks. A service car will supply electrical power. o
