Amtrak has recently been focusing on making their service comfortable and efficient for all–from offering epic BOGO ticket deals and adding more trains to connect NYC with the mid-Hudson Valley to unveiling their sleek new Acela train cars.
Now, they’re turning their attention to their long-distance overnight trains.
More than 800 of Amtrak’s existing fleet of overnight railcars have been in service since 1979 and, simply put, they’re definitely outdated. In fact, most of the current fleet will reach the end of their service life after the next decade.
The good news–replacements are on the horizon.
As many as ten manufacturers have submitted their ideas on replacement railcars for Amtrak’s 14 overnight routes, including the Crescent train, which connects NYC to New Orleans.
What this encompasses–trains that will improve safety, reliability, accessibility, and efficiency, as well as design elements and customer amenities to evolve overnight and cross-country train travel in the coming decades.
Overall, the company is looking to modernize their overnight trains for the 21st century.
The next step, which Amtrak will take later this year, is to a issue a formal procurement request. Funding for the project will be provided through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act enacted by Congress and the Biden Administration in 2021.
“This represents the final phase in our long-term plan to replace our trains—beginning with new Acela equipment and continuing with the Amtrak AiroTM trains announced last month,” stated Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia. “We believe in the future of our Long Distance service and we look forward to enhancing the customer experience across the Amtrak network, and further supporting U.S. manufacturing.”