Amtrak begins search for new high-speed train fleet

Amtrak has gone out to the market as it looks to procure 28 ‘next generation’ high-speed trainsets for the Northeast Corridor (NEC).

The new trains will operate alongside the current fleet of Acela Express trains before eventually replacing the Bombardier stock.

Amtrak has published a Request for Proposals (RFP) which stipulated that the new vehicles will need to have 40 per cent more seating capacity than the current trainsets and an operating speed in excess of 250 km/h.

President and chief executive Joseph Boardman said: “The Northeast Corridor needs more high-speed rail capacity to help move the American economy forward.

“More and more people are choosing Amtrak for travel between Washington, New York and Boston. New equipment means more seats and more frequent departures to help meet that growing demand.”