The new sets will be manufactured in the USA, and Amtrak expects them to increase passenger interest.
The American railway carrier will purchase a total of 73 non-traction Venture units with hybrid locomotives from Siemens Mobility. The value of the contract is $ 3.4 billion.
Siemens announced the contract in a press release. It also includes options for another 140 non-traction units with locomotives and service contracts.
The new vehicles will run throughout the Northeast Corridor and on several state-sponsored routes, including Maine, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. Amtrak expects that the resulting expansion of capacity and reduction of journey times will lead to an increase in passengers of more than 1.5 million per year.
“The new trains will change the future of rail transport by replacing our existing 40- to 50-year-old fleet with state-of-the-art equipment made in the United States.” said Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn. “This investment is essential to sustain regional and state-sponsored rail traffic in the Northeast and will not only provide our customers with convenient and safe travel options, but also reduce carbon emissions.”
“We believe that battery-powered and dual-drive hybrid propulsion will play an important role in reducing emissions and protecting the environment in the United States. In addition, thanks to our digital services, Amtrak will have real-time vehicle traffic information. This will further increase the efficiency and safety of passenger transport. “ said Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility.
In addition to the production contract, a long-term service contract was also concluded for technical support, spare parts and supplies of materials. The vehicles are equipped with wireless communication services, remote monitoring and fully integrated digital diagnostic functions, which further increase reliability. These features will enable Amtrak to test and develop new technologies and implement new maintenance procedures that will streamline operations, increase availability and reduce costs in the long run.
Locomotives with batteries
In addition to cars, the order also includes dual-drive and hybrid-powered locomotives with rechargeable batteries. Delivery of the first set of vehicles is scheduled for 2024, with testing of the new Venture non-traction unit with battery-powered hybrid locomotive starting in 2025. Trains for the North-East corridor and state-supported routes will be delivered between 2024 and 2030. battery-powered batteries will permanently reduce pollutant emissions compared to the existing vehicle fleet, thus making a significant contribution to environmental protection.
The latest cars will be equipped with more comfortable seats, individual electrical sockets and USB inputs, on-board wifi network, improved lighting and panoramic windows. There will be modern catering on board, including self-service options, as well as a state-of-the-art passenger information system, digital reservation system and navigation displays. The trains have been designed with the latest health and safety standards in mind, including an improved heating, cooling and ventilation system, contactless toilet control and automatic steps. They also meet Amtrak’s latest standards for barrier-free access, are equipped with an acoustic guidance system for the blind, barrier-free washrooms, inter-car crossings and on-board restaurants, as well as lifts for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair users. The vehicles comply with the latest safety guidelines and standards, which ensure increased structural safety.
Vlaky Made in USA
The vehicles will be manufactured at Siemens Mobility’s North American manufacturing facility in Sacramento, California, in accordance with the current requirements of the US Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under the Buy America Act. The plant, which employs more than 2,100 people, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and is still expanding.
It is one of the largest plants of its kind on the continent and one of the most sustainable, thanks to a 2.1 MWp solar power plant that uses mainly the California sun to generate electricity. Siemens Mobility in Sacramento designs and manufactures a full range of rolling stock, including trams, locomotives and passenger cars. Customer service and maintenance is managed by Siemens Mobility’s US maintenance and repair center, located in McClellan Park, also in Sacramento, with an area of approximately 5,600 square meters.
17 comments
–
