WASHINGTON — Amtrak is scrapping plans for a new generation of bi-level passenger equipment to replace its aging Superliner fleet, announcing that it will instead move ahead with developing a single-level fleet for use across its system.
The company said in a press release that the move reflects “extensive analysis of the challenges associated with operating a hybrid fleet;” industry feedback from its prior proposals on new bi-level cars; and findings from a joint review by Amtrak and the Federal Railroad Administration.
At its Jan. 28 meeting, the Amtrak board of directors ordered management to pursue single-level equipment for the long-distance network, based on a recommendation from the Department of Transportation, sources told Trains.
“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,” Amtrak President Roger Harris said in a press release today (Feb. 26). “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.”
Deputy Transportation Secretary Steve Bradbury said the new equipment means “Amtrak will finally replace its aging fleet and provide American travelers with the world-class rail service they deserve … These new cars won’t just benefit American train passengers, but workers, too, by support good paying domestic manufacturing jobs.”
The railroad said it will issue a formal request for bids on the new long-distance fleet in “the coming months” and cancel the bi-level procurement process. A delivery schedule will be determined once Amtrak chooses a builder.
Amtrak originally sought to buy both single- and bi-level equipment, issuing a request for information from potential builders in 2022 [see “Amtrak seeks carbuilder interest …,” Trains.com, Jan. 19, 2023]. Responses to that inquiry shaped preliminary plans for both types of equipment that were displayed as part of a public hearing on equipment accessibility held in August 2023 [see “Amtrak reveals new long-distance trainset concepts …,” Aug. 30, 2023].
A formal request for proposals came in December 2023; at the time, a railroad spokesman said it was “Amtrak’s highest priority to replace the oldest portion of the long-distance fleet.” [See “Amtrak issues Request for Proposals …,” Dec. 22, 2023]. The first of the Superliners, built by Pullman-Standard, entered service in 1979. A second generation of the cars, the Superliner II fleet built by Bombardier, was completed in 1996.
The procurement process stalled when Amtrak sought features that potential manufacturers had warned against and subsequently rejected, according to the independent Amtrak Office of Inspector General [see “Amtrak Inspector General report …,” Dec. 18, 2024]. Problematic aspects of the order included a request for elevators in the bi-level cars, as well as the desire to have builders deliver complete trainsets of multiple car types.
The bi-level request process has apparently not advanced since, although it originally carried a May 2024 deadline for responses.
— Updated at 12:20 p.m. CT with link to Amtrak announcement. To report news or errors, contact trainsnewswire@firecrown.com.
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