USA: Amtrak has issued a Request for Proposals for the supply of single-deck coaches to replace its 470 Amfleet I and ex-Metroliner vehicles, which are more than 40 years old. This follows a request for information issued last July. Requests to participate should be submitted by February 13.
The base order would include ‘75 trainsets or their railcar equivalents’, with options for more.
Amtrak said it is seeking coaches with improved wi-fi and connectivity, improved seating, large picture windows, climate control for passenger comfort and new designs for toilets and inter-vehicle gangways. The fleet should meet federal requirements for operation at up to 200 km/h. Bidirectional operation is envisaged to reduce turnaround times and improve efficiency.
The Amfleet I cars supplied by Budd in the 1970s are used primarily on the Northeast Corridor and adjacent State Corridor routes, including the Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Maple Leaf, Adirondack, Vermonter, Downeaster, Carolinian, Pennsylvanian, Keystone Service, Virginia Service and New Haven/Springfield Service.
The interiors underwent a $16m refurbishment in 2017-18, but Amtrak said the long lead times for new vehicles meant it was now time to start considering their replacement.
‘Nearly half of Amtrak’s annual ridership is comprised of trips along the Northeast Corridor and adjoining corridors, and this new state-of-the-art equipment will provide customers with an enjoyable and efficient travel experience’, said Vice-President of Corporate Planning Byron Comati.
