Amtrak Long Distance Fleet Replacement - Superliner Replacement - Bilevel or Single Level

I learned of this development on WBBM 780/105.9. Make of this written word from the Minister of Propaganda what you will:

https://media.amtrak.com/wp-content/upl ... ains-1.pdf

Fair Use (the whole thing -press release):

.WASHINGTON – A new era at Amtrak accelerates this year, with as many as ten manufacturers submitting their ideas on replacement railcars for world-famous routes such as the Auto Train, California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Crescent, Empire Builder and Southwest Chief. This 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.

“Purchasing new long distance train cars will allow Amtrak to upgrade and modernize the iconic and vital overnight services that link our nation’s major regions. We are looking for new trains that improve safety, reliability, accessibility, and efficiency while offering the features our customers believe are most important to modernizing overnight train travel for the 21st century,” 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 solicited input from manufacturers regarding the replacement of this equipment. As part of this effort, Amtrak is also researching design elements and customer amenities to evolve overnight and cross-country train travel in the coming decades.

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, Amtrak has invested $580 million toward $1.75 billion in accessibility improvements at Amtrak stations—largely along these routes. Additionally, Amtrak dedicated $28 million to refresh railcars in the current overnight fleet, aiming to bridge the future fleet's arrival.

Reactions:
"Long-distance passenger rail is important to Kansans, and I have been working to secure a commitment from Amtrak to preserve these routes. This announcement demonstrates Amtrak's dedication to routes like the Southwest Chief, which provide valuable service to Kansas and the nation. I look forward to continue working with Amtrak on further investments in long-distance passenger rail service," said Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan.

“The Empire Builder is an asset to small business owners and working folks along the Hi-Line who rely on daily service to sustain their businesses and support their families. I am proud to have worked with Amtrak to restore full Empire Builder service and I will keep fighting to make sure that passengers from rural America have access to the reliable and quality service they deserve. These long-distance upgrades are a step in the right direction,” said Sen. Jon Tester,D-Mont.

“Amtrak’s progress in replacing its overnight trains with funds provided in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill is welcome news for America’s heartland. This investment in modern equipment will bring comfortable, more efficient, and more reliable rail service to Nebraska, and all other states where Amtrak operates long distance trains such as the California Zephyr,” said Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb.
“I am proud that my vote for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is helping to transform long-distance passenger rail service and modernize Amtrak. This funding will support the iconic City of New Orleans route that passes through Memphis on its way south from Chicago. I look forward to working with Amtrak as it makes these major improvements in passenger rail service,” said Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., a senior member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

We should note, that IIJA21 did not give any authority to spend, or otherwise Appropriate. It only gave Authorization, which says that to accomplish the objectives of this legislation, this is what you must be prepared to spend. Considering how the Republican majority House is potentially holding my monthly RRB check and paying my "Docs" hostage until they get spending cuts, this "initiative" could well end up "words".

Oh and finally; it appears that Chicago Minister Magliari has (or has been) "reloed" to Wash.

It would certainly appear that Bob Johnston writing in TRAINS is expecting a fiasco that somehow will make the V-II's and CAF look like Budd "on time and on budget"

https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews ... -analysis/

Equipment to be ordered and put in service over the next 4 decades. Possible new long distance service. https://media.amtrak.com/2023/01/amtrak ... ht-trains/

Let me reduce this mess down...

Amtrak's requesting info on replacing the Superliner, Viewliner, and Amfleet cars from 10 manufacturers, funded by the Infrastructure bill from 2021.

There, saved you a few kilobytes. The only thing worthy here is that they're basically asking 10 groups for their catalog.

I so want to be "a fly on the wall" when Amtrak compares the results back.

Privately, it has been brought to my attention that my statement that IIJA21 approprates, as distinct from authorizes, funds for various activities, one of which is replacement of Amtrak equipment.

Here's the Act:

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLA ... publ58.htm

Amtrak related matters start @ 22201

Language throughout the Act uses the phrase "Authorized to be Appropriated".. The actual appropriation is enacted through separate legislation often known as a Spending Bill identifying which Fiscal Year those funds must be spent.

For equipment, Amtrak in the recent past, has been able to access the Private Capital markets, but post-COVID, they simply do not have the financial wherewithal to do so at present.

The Viewliner IIs are brand new... and they're already looking to replace them?

Stadler's getting more and more involved in the North American market, I would be surprised if they didn't tender a proposal.

We're covering this in the Superliner thread.

post1613939.html#p1613939

I also don't read that press release as an intention to replace the V-I and V-II fleet (certainly not the V-IIs), but more that Amtrak is providing information about its entire long distance fleet to manufacturers.

Requires money to be appropriated. They can RFP all they want, but it is far from an order.

Gilbert B Norman wrote: ↑Fri Jan 20, 2023 11:57 am Privately, it has been brought to my attention that my statement that IIJA21 approprates, as distinct from authorizes, funds for various activities, one of which is replacement of Amtrak equipment.

Here's the Act:

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLA ... publ58.htm

Amtrak related matters start @ 22201

Language throughout the Act uses the phrase "Authorized to be Appropriated".. The actual appropriation is enacted through separate legislation often known as a Spending Bill identifying which Fiscal Year those funds must be spent.

For equipment, Amtrak in the recent past, has been able to access the Private Capital markets, but post-COVID, they simply do not have the financial wherewithal to do so at present.

The bill has two segments - the reauthorization of surface transportation programs (which are subject to annual spending bills) and a direct five year appropriations segment - this is the source of the “$66 billion” for rail comes from.

rcthompson04 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 20, 2023 5:10 pm Requires money to be appropriated. They can RFP all they want, but it is far from an order.

$66 billion was appropriated for intercity rail as part of the IIJA - another several billion was authorized under this bill for the accounts. The first section is NOT subject to appropriations and some of this money has been flowing to Amtrak. The latter is subject to annual appropriations.

OK; I will concede to Mr. Lord that included within IIJA21, there is a Division 3 Appropriations.

Amtrak related appears to be Title VIII

I think the Viewliner II sleepers are great and I'd love to see more of that design, but I'm guessing that may be unlikely so I hope whatever comes next at least incorporates the best elements of those. Perhaps this is indicative of what Siemens might base its design on, though likely not with the Euro-style shared compartments that thankfully we don't have in the US.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pZkdvbgTnI

https://media.amtrak.com/2023/01/amtrak ... ht-trains/

WASHINGTON – A new era at Amtrak accelerates this year, with as many as ten manufacturers submitting their ideas on replacement railcars for world-famous routes such as the Auto Train, California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Crescent, Empire Builder and Southwest Chief. This 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.

“Purchasing new long distance train cars will allow Amtrak to upgrade and modernize the iconic and vital overnight services that link our nation’s major regions. We are looking for new trains that improve safety, reliability, accessibility, and efficiency while offering the features our customers believe are most important to modernizing overnight train travel for the 21st century,” 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 solicited input from manufacturers regarding the replacement of this equipment. As part of this effort, Amtrak is also researching design elements and customer amenities to evolve overnight and cross-country train travel in the coming decades.
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