July 07, 2021
From Siemens: Amtrak’s Next-Gen Trainsets
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
A rendering of one of the new Amtrak trainsets to be built in the U.S. by Siemens Mobility. More formal design images will be released at a later date
Amtrak has awarded Siemens Mobility $3.4 billion in contracts to design, manufacture and provide technical support services and maintenance for 83 trainsets of two power configurations, with options for up to 130 additional trainsets. For Siemens, it is the company’s largest North American contract in history. For Amtrak, its total investment, with a long-term parts supply and service agreement, facility modifications and upgrades, and contingencies, is $7.3 billion. Deliveries are slated to commence in 2024.
The new equipment, which includes dual-power (AC catenary/diesel) locomotives and first-of-their-type Venture Hybrid battery trainsets,will operate on the Northeast Corridor, long distance Palmetto and various state-supported routes. It will replace Amtrak-owned Amfleet, Metroliner, and state-owned equipment on certain routes throughout the country. In addition to the Northeast Regional, other routes will include the Adirondack, Carolinian, Cascades, Downeaster, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Keystone Service, Maple Leaf, New Haven/Springfield Service (Amtrak Hartford Line and Valley Flyer), Pennsylvanian, Vermonter and Virginia Services.
Trainsets for the Northeast Corridor and state-supported routes will be delivered from 2024 through 2030, while the Venture Hybrid battery trainsets will begin testing in 2025. Hybrid battery operation will be employed for the portion of the fleet used on New York State’s Empire Service.
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