Siemens Mobility has been awarded $3.4 billion in contracts in the US to design, manufacture and technically support 73 multi-powered trains for Amtrak, the national railroad passenger corporation.
There is also a possibility for up to 140 additional trains and further maintenance agreements. The order is the Railroad’s latest endeavour to acquire the most sustainable and efficient trains on the market, which include dual powered and hybrid battery vehicles.
The trains will operate across the Northeast Corridor and across various state-supported routes, including operations in Maine, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. With expanded capacity and the ability to shorten trip time, Amtrak expects the new trains will add over 1.5 million riders annually.
“These new trains will reshape the future of rail travel by replacing our aging 40-to-50-year old fleet with state-of-the-art, American-made equipment,” said Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn. “This investment is essential to preserving Northeast Regional and state-supported services for the future and will allow our customers to travel comfortably and safely, while reducing carbon emissions.”
“These trains will offer Amtrak and its passengers the latest in sustainable and intelligent rail technology. We believe hybrid battery and dual powered trains will play an important role in reducing emissions and protecting the environment in the United States. In addition, through our digital services, Amtrak will receive real-time information about vehicle operations, allowing them to ensure that their passengers arrive safely and efficiently,” stated Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility.
Accompanying the manufacturing contract will be a long-term service agreement for technical support, spare parts and material supply. The trains include wireless communications, remote monitoring and fully integrated digital diagnostics for increased reliability. These advanced features will enable Amtrak to test and develop new technology and introduce new maintenance approaches to drive efficiency, increase availability and reduce long term costs.
The order includes dual power and hybrid battery trains. The first will be delivered in 2024, while the first of its kind Venture Hybrid battery train will begin testing in 2025. The trains for the Northeast Corridor and State Supported routes will be delivered from 2024 through 2030. Through the use of multi-power systems, including hybrid battery operation, they will also provide a substantial environmental benefit through reduced emissions compared to the existing fleet.
The latest trains will feature more comfortable seating, individual power outlets and USB ports, onboard Wi-Fi, enhanced lighting and panoramic windows, a more contemporary food service experience, including self-service options, as well as state-of-the-art customer trip information, digital seat reservation system and navigation display systems. The trains were designed with the latest health and safety standards, including enhanced HVAC, touchless restroom controls, and automated steps.
In addition, they will be designed with Amtrak’s new standard of enhanced accessible features, including inductive hearing loops, accessible restrooms and vestibules, accessible Food Service car, and lifts for customers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair users. The trains meet all the latest safety regulations and standards, providing improved structural safety.
The trains will be manufactured at Siemens Mobility’s North American rail manufacturing facility in Sacramento, California and will comply with the Federal Railroad Administration Buy America Standards. – TradeArabia News Service
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