Amtrak train. Photo: Ian Dewar Photography / Shutterstock The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak, has officially launched the procurement process for what will become the largest long-distance train fleet order in its history, marking a major step in modernizing rail travel across the United States.
The company, which celebrated its 50th anniversary on April 30, 2021, has officially issued a request for proposals (RFP), inviting railcar manufacturers to submit bids for the new fleet. The company that strives to "deliver a high quality, safe, on-time rail passenger service that exceeds customer expectations" expects to select a supplier by the end of 2027.
WATCH AMTRAK'S NEW LONG-DISTANCE FLEET (Source: Amtrak)
Developed in coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration, the program aims to replace aging railcars, many of which have been in service for nearly 50 years, with a modern, standardized fleet.
The plan includes the acquisition of more than 800 new railcars that will serve 14 long-distance routes, connecting major cities with smaller towns and rural communities across the country.
"Our customers deserve the best, and this new fleet will move us full speed ahead into a new era of American train travel," said Amtrak.
A key element of the strategy is the transition to a fully single-level fleet across all long-distance services. This will replace the current mix of single- and bi-level equipment, simplifying operations, reducing maintenance complexity, and improving overall efficiency.
Amtrak says the approach is designed to broaden competition among manufacturers, reduce project risks, and accelerate the replacement timeline.
The long-distance fleet renewal is one component of Amtrak’s broader systemwide modernization program. The company is already introducing new ALC-42 locomotive units, with 79 of 125 delivered so far.
At the same time, new high-speed Acela train sets have entered service on the Northeast Corridor, while the upcoming Airo fleet is set to roll out starting in 2026 on regional routes.