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.
The procurement is being done on behalf of the DOTs from five states: Illinois, California, Michigan, Washington and Missouri.
Also plans to expand station accessibility for passengers with disabilities, with continuation of existing construction work at eight stations in three states and new construction activities at 21 stations in eight additional states.
Amtrak is now poised to move forward with state partners to further expand and improve the intercity passenger rail network.
Year-over-year ridership in July grew 4.8% to more than 2.9 million passengers, an all-time record for most passengers in one month.
Joseph Boardman said the federal government's de-capitalization of NEC assets leads to rapidly increasing degradation of ride quality, reliability and the ability to support major improvement projects.
Anthony R. Coscia, an Amtrak board member since June 2010, and current chairman of its audit and finance committee, succeeds departing board chairman Thomas C. Carper whose term on the board expires this month.
Adding a new weekday Acela Express round-trip between New York and Washington, D.C., beginning on Jan. 28. The service will also make stops in Baltimore, Wilmington, Del.; Philadelphia, and Newark, N.J., and offer reserved Business Class and First Class service options.
In early 2013, Amtrak will issue a Request for Information to formally start the process that will replace the existing 20 Acela Express train sets and add additional train sets to expand seating capacity and provide for more frequent high-speed service on the NEC.
Environmental Impact Statement to evaluate potential passenger rail improvements between Washington, D.C. and Boston.
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