Proven equipment wanted to operate on routes east of the Mississippi
WASHINGTON – In a continued effort to modernize equipment and improve the experience for our customers, Amtrak is going to the marketplace to explore the availability of rail vehicles to eventually replace the current Amfleet I equipment. This equipment includes single-level passenger cars used primarily on routes east of the Mississippi River such as the Northeast Regional, Keystone, Carolinian and Illinois Service Trains.
Activation on BNSF subdivisions is Amtrak’s first host-owned territory implemented with PTC
WASHINGTON – Amtrak, in coordination with BNSF Railway, will implement Positive Train Control (PTC) over several BNSF-owned subdivisions this week, marking the first activation on host-owned territory used by Amtrak.
“Amtrak’s highest priority is ensuring the safety of our passengers, our crews and the communities we serve, and full implementation of PTC will make the entire network safer,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President of Safety Ken Hylander. “While we are excited to achieve this milestone, we must continue to work together to activate PTC and make the national railroad network safer.”
New or rebuilt locomotives will provide more reliable service, a smoother ride and improved safety features
WASHINGTON – With demand for Amtrak service at record levels, Amtrak is moving to either acquire new locomotives or rebuild its current diesel fleet of locomotives to supplement and replace its aging National Network diesel locomotive fleet used on Long Distance and some State Supported routes.
In a Request for Proposals (RFP), Amtrak is seeking to rebuild its current diesel fleet or purchase a minimum of 50 to 75 next-generation locomotives, with options to rebuild or acquire additional units. The locomotives will offer the latest safety features, have more horsepower, and the lowest emissions possible.
Issues RFQ Seeking Developer Partner
PHILADELPHIA – As part of its ongoing work to enhance the customer experience at Philadelphia 30th Street Station, Amtrak announced today it is seeking a master developer partner to update the historic station. With the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), Amtrak begins a two-phase process that will result in the selection of a preferred developer who will assist in: introducing new customer amenities, reinvigorating the retail and commercial potential of the station, enhancing transit and pedestrian circulation and expanding the station’s concourses to accommodate anticipated increases in ridership.
Numerous customer improvements completed, more underway
WASHINGTON – Today, Amtrak celebrates 47 years of providing passenger rail service across the nation by looking ahead, continually improving the customer experience and making Amtrak the preferred choice of the 21st century for business and leisure travel.
“While we celebrate our history, we have a keen eye on the future and are making necessary changes to provide our customers with an unparalleled travel experience,” said Amtrak President & CEO Richard Anderson. “Many customers have already noticed these improvements, and can look forward to several more upgrades that are on the way.”
Critical work to benefit New York State, improve reliability for LIRR, NJT and Amtrak customers
NEW YORK – Amtrak will continue its Infrastructure Renewal program at New York Penn Station during Summer 2018 by performing critical reconstruction of three major railroad infrastructure assets in New York City: The Empire Tunnel and the Spuyten Duyvil Bridge, which provides train access between Upstate New York and New York Penn Station, as well as renewal work on Track 19 in New York Penn Station, which will help provide commuters with more reliable service. The total cost of the projects is estimated between $45 and $50 million, which will keep this important infrastructure in a state of good repair for Amtrak and benefit New York State with an upgraded, state-of-the art railroad.
Due to the work on the Empire Connection and Spuyten Duyvil Bridge, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Adirondack, and Maple Leaf trains will all be rerouted from New York Penn Station to Grand Central Terminal between Saturday, May 26, and Tuesday, Sept. 4. The Lake Shore Limited will only operate between Boston and Chicago, with New York City and Hudson Valley customers connecting from Empire Service trains at Albany-Rensselaer.
