US-based passenger railroad service provider Amtrak has issued a request for information (RFI) to find information on new rail vehicles that could replace its outdated Amfleet I equipment, including its single-level passenger cars.

The cars run primarily on routes east of the Mississippi River such as the Northeast Regional, Keystone, Carolinian and Illinois Service Trains.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Through the RFI, Amtrak is seeking information on all variants of rail vehicles, from coach cars and trainsets to self-propelled units.

After reviewing offers from manufacturers, Amtrak plans to release a request for proposals (RRFP) for specific replacement vehicles in 2019.

Amtrak Corporate Planning vice president Byron Comati said: “New equipment will provide our customers with a more modern experience while improving ride quality and reliability.”

“New equipment will provide our customers with a more modern experience while improving ride quality and reliability.”

Although the Amfleet I fleet was recently refurbished, Amtrak believes that replacing its almost 40-year-old cars would be a more cost-effective option than maintenance.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The move is part of Amtrak’s plan to update and replace its fleet. Earlier this month, Amtrak issued an RFP for new or rebuilt locomotives to supplement and replace its National Network diesel locomotive fleet.

The company expects that the first of 28 new Acela Express trainsets will start serving customers on the Northeast Corridor from 2021.

Amtrak also recently undertook a number of initiatives, including updating its trains, launching new fare structures, improving on-time performance and enhancing Wi-Fi connectivity in a bid to improve the customer experience.

Amtrak operates over 300 trains per day and connects more than 500 destinations in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces, reaching 400 further destinations through connecting bus routes.