Amtrak Announces New and Improved Long Distance Fleet Replacement Strategy

WASHINGTON - Following a comprehensive evaluation, Amtrak is announcing a revised long-distance fleet replacement strategy that prioritizes fleet standardization, broadens competition among potential carbuilders, reduces program risk, and accelerates the replacement of its aging passenger cars. Under this plan, all long-distance routes will transition to a universal single-level fleet, replacing today's mix of bi-level and single-level equipment.

Today's announcement reflects extensive analysis of the challenges associated with operating a hybrid fleet. It also incorporates industry feedback received during the previous request for proposals on new bi-level trains, along with findings from a joint Amtrak-Federal Railroad Administration review that identified the most effective path forward.

"This new approach will deliver a more consistent and accessible customer experience across the Amtrak network while maintaining our commitment to introduce the first new long-distance cars in the early 2030s," said Amtrak President Roger Harris. "Thanks to support from FRA Administrator David Fink and the entire Federal Railroad Administration team, Amtrak's long-distance fleet replacement is moving forward more effectively and efficiently than originally planned."

"With these new cars, Amtrak will finally replace its aging fleet and provide American travelers with the world class rail service they deserve, helping usher in Secretary Duffy's vision for a new Golden Age of travel," said U.S. Deputy Transportation Secretary Steve Bradbury. "These new cars won't just benefit American train passengers, but workers too by supporting good paying domestic manufacturing jobs."

"The FRA stands ready to work with Amtrak on behalf of President Trump and Transportation Secretary Duffy to update Amtrak's aging passenger rail fleet with modern American made cars," said FRA Administrator David Fink.

Amtrak will soon issue a formal request for suppliers to bid on the new long-distance fleet replacement contract and cancel the bi-level procurement. Once a selection is made, Amtrak will work closely with the selected car builder to finalize the delivery schedule to replace our long-distance aging fleet.

Many of Amtrak's current long-distance railcars were delivered more than 40 years ago. Amtrak will continue to evaluate the condition of the existing fleet, assess remaining service life, and determine any life extension measures necessary to ensure safe and reliable operations until the new long-distance fleet enters service.

Procurement of new long-distance passenger cars represents one piece of Amtrak's broader systemwide fleet modernization program. Amtrak continues to receive new high-powered ALC-42 locomotives for long-distance service, with 79 of 125 units delivered to date. New NextGen Acela trains launched last fall on America's only high-speed rail corridor, and the new Airo fleet will begin service on Amtrak Cascades in 2026, followed by the Northeast Regional and other short- and mid-distance routes in the coming years.

Additional Reactions

U.S. Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09-D):

"Amtrak's modernized fleet will mean better service for our constituents. Whether it involves going to or from Chicago and New Orleans, or any points in between, these new long-distance cars will provide a more accessible and more comfortable experience."

U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-16-R):

"The Erie Amtrak station serves as a great halfway point on the Lake Shore Limited line, connecting New York City and Chicago, along with other major cities along the way. This new fleet will serve passengers not only from Northwest Pennsylvania, but across the Great Lakes and Northeast corridors. It's a valuable addition to Amtrak's service into and out of Erie."

U.S. Representative Joe Morelle (NY-25-D):

"Modernizing Amtrak's fleet is critical to delivering the safe, reliable service passengers deserve. I'm grateful to Amtrak President Roger Harris and our federal, state, and local partners for their continued work to reinvigorate our rail infrastructure and ensure families can have peace of mind when they travel."

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10-D)

"Modernizing long-distance fleet cars will benefit passengers in our region and state," said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10). "I am proud to support Amtrak and their growing ridership on the West Coast and across the country."

U.S. Representative Paul Tonko (NY-20-D):

"As a longtime supporter of Amtrak's efforts to strengthen, expand, and modernize the services it offers to riders across the country, I'm encouraged by this thoughtful and forward-looking long-distance fleet replacement strategy. Standardizing the fleet and accelerating the replacement of aging cars is a major step forward in delivering a safer, more reliable, and more accessible passenger rail experiences for communities in New York's Capital Region and beyond. Investments like these are essential to building a 21st-century rail network that meets the needs of today's travelers while preparing for the economy of the future. I look forward to seeing Amtrak's new fleet pay dividends for passengers across the nation for years to come."

Rail Passengers Association President & CEO Jim Mathews

"These cars have carried the country for more than 40 years. It's long-past time to replace them. Issuing this new Request for Proposals is about not only reliability for passengers but about continuing the steady rebuilding of America's passenger-rail manufacturing base that we've seen with the Airo fleet and the NextGen Acela. When we maintain that momentum, we don't just buy trains: we rebuild capability and set the stage for creating the world-class service all of us want and that American passengers deserve."