Amtrak is moving to acquire new trainsets to supplement and eventually replace its Acela Express equipment that stops in Wilmington and other cities along the Northeast Corridor.
Amtrak has maintenance and operating centers in northern Delaware.
In a request for proposals, Amtrak is seeking up to 28 next-generation high-speed trainsets capable of meeting or exceeding current Acela trip times.
The new equipment is intended to have 40 percent more seats per train than current trainsets. Travel on the Northeast Corridor has been growing as air fares and airport security increased.
“The Northeast Corridor needs more high-speed rail capacity to help move the American economy forward,” said President and CEO Joseph Boardman. “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.”
Amtrak’s Acela Express service remains popular. Traffic is up 7 percent over last year and trains are often sold out, especially during peak periods. On 25 occasions so far in fiscal 2014, the number of daily trips on Acela topped 14,000. That’s compared to five times in fiscal 2013 and is an indication of the value placed on the convenience and comfort of high-speed rail, an Amtrak release stated.
Current manufacturers of high-speed rail equipment, defined as manufacturers with equipment in commercial operation at speeds of at least 160 mph, will be eligible to submit bids.
Amtrak is the nation’s government owned intercity passenger rail service and its high-speed rail operator.
Formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak is governed by a nine member board of directors appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. In fiscal 2013, a record 31.6 million passengers traveled on Amtrak on more than 300 daily trains.
