photo: Amtrak/Amtrak
According to information from Amtrak Media center and Siemens Mobility GmbH from July 7, 2021, the Railways will sign a contract with Siemens Mobility as a supplier of new equipment.
Amtrak enters a contract with California-based Siemens Mobility Inc. to produce a new fleet of up to 83 upgraded trains to be used for government and Northeast services, with additional options for up to 130 additional trains to support the growth of Amtrak plans. The new fleet will offer modern railway facilities that better serve Amtrak customers.
The new equipment will operate along the Northeast Corridor, the Palmetto long distances, and various state-supported routes, which will replace the ownership of Amtrak Amfleet, Metroliner, and government equipment on certain routes across the country. In addition to the Northeast region, other routes will include Adirondack, Carolinian, Cascades, Downeaster, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Keystone Service, Maple Leaf, New Haven / Springfield Service (Amtrak Hartford Line and Valley Flyer), Pennsylvanian, Vermonter, and Virginia Services.
The order includes dual power trains and hybrid batteries. The first will be delivered in 2024, while the first-of-its-kind Venture Hybrid train will begin testing in 2025. The trains for the Northeast Corridor and the state-supported routes will be delivered from 2024 to 2030. Using multi-energy systems, including working with hybrid batteries, will also provide significant environmental benefits through reduced emissions compared to the existing fleet.
The latest trains will have more comfortable seating, separate electrical outlets, and USB ports, onboard Wifi, improved lighting and panoramic windows, a more modern food service experience, including self-service options, and state-of-the-art travel. customer information, digital seat reservation system, and navigation display systems. The trains are designed with the latest health and safety standards, including improved HVAC, contactless toilet management, and automated steps. In addition, they will be designed with Amtrak's new standard for improved accessible features, including inductive hearing circuits, accessible toilets, and vestibules, an affordable car for food services, and elevators for customers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair users. The trains meet all the latest safety norms and standards.