Amtrak awarded Siemens Mobility a USD 3.4 billion contract to design, manufacture and technically support 73 multi-powered trains which will operate primarily on the Northeast Corridor (NEC). The contract includes an option for up to 140 additional trains and further maintenance agreements. The order is the company’s latest endeavor to acquire the most sustainable and efficient trains on the market, which include dual powered and hybrid battery vehicles.

According to Amtrak, the manufacturer will supply 83 multi-powered modern trains for the northeast services while 130 additional trains will support operator’s expansion strategy to connect up to 160 communities throughout the United States by building new or improved rail corridors in over 25 states.

The order includes dual power and hybrid battery trains. The first will be delivered in 2024, while the first of its kind Venture Hybrid battery train will begin testing in 2025. The trains for the Northeast Corridor and State Supported routes will be delivered from 2024 through 2030. Through the use of multi-power systems, including hybrid battery operation, they will also provide a substantial environmental benefit through reduced emissions compared to the existing fleet.

“Amtrak’s procurement of new rolling stock is historic. These state-of-the-art trainsets will allow Amtrak to operate and provide services more safely, efficiently, and reliably. More importantly, doing so will give riders the modern passenger rail accommodations, amenities and comforts they want and deserve,” FRA Deputy Administrator Amit Bose said.

Amtrak intends to invest USD 7.3 billion which includes the purchase of equipment and a long-term parts supply and service agreement, facility modifications and upgrades, and other programme expenses. A long-term service agreement for technical support, spare parts and material supply will accompany the contract to manufacture the trains.

The trains include wireless communications, remote monitoring and fully integrated digital diagnostics for increased reliability. These advanced features will enable Amtrak to test and develop new technology and introduce new maintenance approaches to drive efficiency, increase availability and reduce long term costs.

The trains will feature more comfortable seating, individual power outlets and USB ports, onboard Wi-Fi, enhanced lighting and panoramic windows, a more contemporary food service experience, including self-service options, as well as state-of-the-art customer trip information, digital seat reservation system and navigation display systems.

The trains were designed with the latest health and safety standards, including enhanced HVAC, touchless restroom controls, and automated steps. In addition, they will be designed with Amtrak’s new standard of enhanced accessible features, including inductive hearing loops, accessible restrooms and vestibules, accessible Food Service car, and lifts for customers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair users. The trains meet all the latest safety regulations and standards, providing improved structural safety.

The new trains will be manufactured at Siemens Mobility’s North American rail manufacturing facility in Sacramento, California and will comply with the Federal Railroad Administration Buy America Standards.

Sursa: Railway Pro

In 1992-1993 Amtrak a testat o garnitura ABB X2000 din Suedia si un ICE1 din Germania.

Despre problemele sistemice ale transportului feroviar din America, dar și despre oportunitățile prețioase de dezvoltare post-pandemie:

Oricum ideea de a avea un operator federal (care trebuie sa aduca si un profit mind you!) precum Amtrak este contra naturii. E ca si cum ai avea la nivel de UE un singur operator feroviar de calatori.

Acolo trebuie facut pe bucati. Amtrak nationalizat si sa ramana doar cu rutele lungi, inter-statale, Iar ce ramane doar pe teritoriul fiecarui stat in parte sa fie ori privatizat sau sa fie operat de statele cu pricina. FL cu Brightline comes to mind pe partea privata, respectiv SEPTA/NJT in PA respectiv NJ pe partea de public.

Pe de altă, ce impact benefic ar fi asupra călătorilor și a bugetului de stat?

Practic tai feliile profitabile și le dai altora, iar feliile cele mai neprofitabile și mai proaste rămân în grija statului.

Trenurile de călători cross-country tot vor rămâne un "serviciu social" și vor aștepta după cele de marfă, pentru că infrastructura e dețiuntă de companiile feroviare de marfă.

Un (alt) documentar interesant, care încearcă să clarifice de ce Amtrak e într-o stare precară:

Un "studiu de caz" despre problemele transportului feroviar regional din SUA:

Podul unicat de pe Northeast Corridor (NEC), peste care nu există catenară:

Un tren Amtrak a deraiat în urma unei coliziuni cu un camion rămas în gabaritul căii de rulare. S-a întâmplat acum câteva zile, în Colorado.