Amtrak voids plans for new bi-level rail cars

Amtrak yesterday announced it's revising its long-distance fleet replacement strategy and now will order only single-level rail cars instead of a mix of bi-level and single-level equipment.

The revised plan "prioritizes fleet standardization, broadens competition among potential car builders, reduces program risk and accelerates the replacement of its aging passenger cars," Amtrak officials said in a press release. 

The move follows an extensive analysis of the challenges associated with operating a hybrid fleet, they said. It also incorporates industry feedback received during the previous request for proposals on new bi-level trains, along with findings from a review with the Federal Railroad Administration that identified the most effective path forward, they added.

"This new approach will deliver a more consistent and accessible customer experience across the Amtrak network while maintaining our commitment to introduce the first new long-distance cars in the early 2030s,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. "Thanks to support from FRA Administrator David Fink and the entire Federal Railroad Administration team, Amtrak’s long-distance fleet replacement is moving forward more effectively and efficiently than originally planned.”

Amtrak will soon issue a formal request for suppliers to bid on the new long-distance fleet replacement contract and cancel the bilevel procurement. Once a selection is made, Amtrak will work with the selected car builder to finalize the delivery schedule.

Many of Amtrak’s long-distance rail cars were delivered more than 40 years ago. Amtrak will continue to evaluate the condition of the existing fleet, assess remaining service life and determine any life extension measures necessary until the new fleet enters service, Amtrak officials said.