In an RFP, Amtrak is seeking up to 28 next-generation high-speed trainsets capable of meeting or exceeding current Acela trip-times on the existing NEC infrastructure. The new equipment is intended to have 40% more seats per train than current trainsets.
With demand for high-speed rail service at record levels, Amtrak is moving to acquire new trainsets to supplement and eventually replace its aging Acela Express equipment currently operating on the heavily-traveled Northeast Corridor (NEC).
In a Request for Proposals (RFP), Amtrak is seeking up to 28 next-generation high-speed trainsets capable of meeting or exceeding current Acela trip-times on the existing NEC infrastructure. The new equipment is intended to have 40% more seats per train than current trainsets.
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“The Northeast Corridor needs more high-speed rail capacity to help move the American economy forward,” said President/CEO Joseph Boardman. “More and more people are choosing Amtrak for travel between Washi ngton, New York and Boston. New equipment means more seats and more frequent departures to help meet that growing demand.”
Amtrak’s Acela Express service is as popular as ever, according to officials. Ridership is up 7% over last year and trains are often sold out, especially during peak periods. On 25 occasions so far in FY 2014, the number of daily trips on Acela topped 14,000. That’s compared to five times in FY 2013 and is an indication of the value placed on the convenience and comfort of high-speed rail. Current manufacturers of high-speed rail equipment, defined as manufacturers with equipment in commercial operation at speeds of at least 160mph, will be eligible to submit bids.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.
The upgraded system, which went live earlier this month, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
