WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/
-- Amtrak is contracting with Alstom to produce 28
next-generation high-speed trainsets that will replace the
equipment used to provide Amtrak's premium Acela Express
service. The contract is part of $2.45
billion that will be invested on the heavily traveled
Northeast Corridor (NEC) as part of a multifaceted modernization
program to renew and expand the Acela Express service.
"Amtrak is taking the necessary actions to keep our customers,
the Northeast region and the American economy moving forward," said
Amtrak President & CEO Joe
Boardman. "These trainsets and the modernization and
improvement of infrastructure will provide our customers with the
mobility and experience of the future."
The new trainsets will have one-third more passenger seats,
while preserving the spacious, high-end comfort of current Acela
Express service. Each trainset will have modern amenities that
can be upgraded as customer preferences evolve such as improved
Wi-Fi access, personal outlets, USB ports and adjustable reading
lights at every seat, enhanced food service and a smoother, more
reliable ride.
This procurement comes as demand for Acela Express
service is as popular as ever, with many trains selling out during
peak travel periods. The new trainsets will allow for increased
service including half-hourly Acela Express service between
Washington D.C. and New York City during peak hours, and hourly
service between New York City and
Boston.
"As more people rely on Amtrak, we need modernized equipment and
infrastructure to keep the region moving," said Chairman of the
Amtrak Board of Directors Anthony
Coscia. "These trainsets will build on the popularity
and demand of the current Acela Express and move this
company into the future as a leader in providing world-class
transportation."
The new trainsets will operate along the Washington – New
York – Boston Northeast Corridor initially at speeds up to
160 mph and will be capable of speeds up to 186 mph and thus will
be able to take advantage of future NEC infrastructure
improvements.
Additionally, the trainsets use the base design of one of the
safest high-speed trainsets. Concentrated power cars, located at
each end of the trainset, provide an extra buffer of protection.
The trainsets will also meet the latest Federal Railroad
Administration (FRA) guidelines including a Crash Energy Management
system.
"The next generation of Acela service will
mean safer, faster and modern trains for customers
throughout the Northeast," said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. "This investment will pay
immediate dividends for businesses and travelers from Washington D.C. to Boston, and the fact that these new trains
will be built in Upstate New York makes this project a win-win.
These New York-made Acela
trains will soon be zipping along the Northeast Corridor
and – as a regular customer – I can't
wait for my first ride."
"The Northeast Corridor is a national economic engine that
carries a workforce contributing $50
billion annually to the national GDP," said U.S. Senator
Cory Booker. "Amtrak's continued
investment in modernizing its fleet will only serve to enhance this
vital rail link between Boston and
Washington D.C. while allowing for
safer and faster travel at a time when passenger demand is expected
to rise. Strengthening our nation's infrastructure is essential to
the economic growth of our region and the nation and this
investment by Amtrak will help ensure the reliable service
travelers expect."
Amtrak is funding the trainsets and infrastructure improvements
through the FRA's Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement
Financing program that will be repaid through growth in NEC
revenues.
"Amtrak is grateful for all of the support we have received from
Congress, especially from Sen. Schumer and Rep. Reed who represents
Hornell, New York – home of the
Alstom facility," said Boardman. "We would also like to thank
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson
and House Transportation Committee Chairman Shuster and Ranking
Member DeFazio for their leadership on the FAST Act.
Additionally, we appreciate the efforts of Senators Booker and
Wicker for their support on the inclusion of the rail title, the
first time Amtrak reauthorization has been included in surface
transportation legislation."
In addition to the trainsets, Amtrak is also investing in
infrastructure needed to improve the on-board and station customer
experience that will accommodate the increased high-speed rail
service levels. Amtrak will invest in significant
station improvements at Washington Union Station, Moynihan Station
New York, as well as track capacity and ride quality improvements
to the NEC that will benefit both Acela Express riders and
other Amtrak and commuter passengers. Amtrak will also
modify fleet maintenance facilities to accommodate the new
trains.
The trainsets will be manufactured at Alstom's Hornell and Rochester, N.Y., facilities, creating 400
local jobs. Additionally, parts for the new trainsets
will come from more than 350 suppliers in more than 30 states,
generating an additional 1,000 jobs across the country.
The first prototype of the new trainsets will be ready in 2019,
with the first trainset entering revenue service in 2021. All of
the trainsets are expected to be in service, and the current fleet
retired, by the end of 2022.
High-resolution photos, a video, fact sheet and other materials
are available here.
About Amtrak®
Amtrak – America's Railroad® – is
dedicated to safe and reliable mobility as the nation's intercity
passenger rail service provider and its high-speed rail operator.
With our state and commuter partners, we move people, the economy
and the nation forward, carrying more than 30 million Amtrak
passengers for each of the past five years. Formally known as the
National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak is governed by a
ten member board of directors appointed by the President of
the United States and confirmed by
the U.S. Senate. Anthony R. Coscia
is board chairman and Jeffrey R.
Moreland is vice chairman. Amtrak operates more
than 300 trains daily – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) –
connecting more than 500 destinations in 46 states, the
District of Columbia and three
Canadian Provinces. Learn more at Amtrak.com or call
800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares
and other information. Check us out at blog.Amtrak.com, Like us on
Facebook.com and Follow us on Twitter @Amtrak.
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SOURCE Amtrak