Amtrak has agreed to buy 130 new single-level rail cars to support national long-distance service as the first step in a long-term, comprehensive fleet renewal plan. The five-year, $298.1 million contract was awarded to CAF USA, which will manufacture the cars in Elmira, N.Y., where it will add 575 jobs to support the work. The first car is scheduled to roll off the assembly line in October 2012.
“This major equipment purchase demonstrates our strong belief in the future of intercity passenger rail in America and Amtrak’s leading role in meeting this critical national transportation need,” said President and CEO Joe Boardman.
Included in the purchase are 25 sleepers, 25 diners, 55 baggage cars and 25 baggage/dormitory cars. They will replace and supplement the existing fleet. The new equipment will also allow Amtrak to retire some of its oldest cars, which have been in service for over 60 years.
“Passengers will have a better experience traveling with us but these new cars will also make it easier for our crews to provide great service,” said Boardman.
The new equipment will have modern interiors with better layouts along with better lighting, more efficient HVAC systems and improved accessibility for passengers with disabilities. Passengers will also benefit from additional power outlets and bicycle racks in the baggage cars.
The first year of the five-year contract will be paid for with $29.8 million from Amtrak’s current revenues which are running above budget estimates due, in part, to ridership that is on a record-breaking pace. Amtrak will seek to fund subsequent years of the contract with other sources such as loans or direct Congressional appropriations.
This equipment purchase is just the first step in Amtrak’s multiyear Fleet Strategy Plan to replace its entire fleet of passenger rail cars and locomotives over the next 30 years and help support the growth of a domestic rail manufacturing industry. Amtrak is currently reviewing bids to replace many of the electric locomotives used along the Northeast Corridor and may make a contract award later this summer.
CAF USA, along with its parent company, Spain-based Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, is an experienced rail car manufacturer for the global market. CAF USA currently produces rail equipment for several U.S. transit systems at its Elmira, N.Y., facility.
Source: Amtrak Employee Advisory