Published On: January 26th, 2023Categories: Delaware News

Amtrak photo of Siemens Sprinter electric locomotive.

As many as ten manufacturers are submitting their ideas on replacement railcars for long-distance routes, a few of which pass through Wilmington on their way south.

It marks the first formal step to completely reequip the Amtrak Long Distance Network that provides vital service on 14 overnight routes from coast to coast. Amtrak operates a passenger car refurbishment site in Bear.

“Purchasing new long distance train cars will allow Amtrak to upgrade overnight services that link major regions said Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia.

Last month, a Request for Information was sent to potential suppliers defining and describing the scope of Amtrak’s overnight train fleet—including Superliner I & II, Viewliner I & II and Amfleet II railcars— and sought input from manufacturers regarding the replacement of this equipment. As part of this effort, Amtrak is also researching design elements and customer amenities.

Later this year, Amtrak plans to take the next step by issuing a formal procurement request. Funding for the future purchases is being provided to Amtrak through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act enacted by Congress and the Biden Administration in 2021.

“This represents the final phase in our long-term plan to replace our trains—beginning with new Acela equipment and continuing with the Amtrak AiroTM trains announced last month,” Coscia said. “We believe in the future of our long-distance service, and we look forward to enhancing the customer experience across the Amtrak network, and further supporting U.S. manufacturing.”

The existing fleet of overnight railcars has been delivered to Amtrak over the course of 40 years — with the first of more than 800 cars entering service in 1979. Most of the equipment in the current fleet will approach the end of its service life after the next decade.

Last year, Amtrak ordered 125 new diesel-electric locomotives, primarily for use on long-distance routes. Over the last two years, Additionally, Amtrak dedicated $28 million to refresh railcars in the current overnight fleet, aiming to bridge the future fleet’s arrival.

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