Amtrak has officially launched the procurement process for its new fleet of long-distance trains, the largest program of its kind in the history of the U.S. passenger rail carrier. The operator has sent the official request for proposals to manufacturers for the contract to replace the current long-distance fleet, in a program targeting over 800 cars for 14 routes across the United States.
According to Amtrak, the selected supplier is expected to be announced by the end of 2027, following the evaluation of the bids. The program was developed in collaboration with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and aims to modernize night and long-distance services, which are currently operated with rolling stock that, in many cases, is approaching half a century of service.
Amtrak is moving toward a unified fleet of single-level cars
Amtrak’s new strategy calls for transitioning all long-distance routes to a standardized fleet of single-deck cars, replacing the current mix of single- and double-deck rolling stock.
The company says this change should reduce program risks, broaden competition among manufacturers, and accelerate the replacement of the aging fleet.
Amtrak President Roger Harris previously stated that the new approach should provide “a more consistent and accessible experience” for passengers, while maintaining the goal of introducing the first new cars in the early 2030s.
Part of a broader modernization program
The acquisition of the new long-haul railcars is part of Amtrak’s broader fleet modernization program. The U.S. operator announced that it has already received 79 of the 125 ALC-42 locomotives intended for long-haul service.
Meanwhile, the new NextGen Acela trains entered service last year on the high-speed corridor in the northeastern U.S., and the new Airo fleet is set to enter service on the Amtrak Cascades in 2026, followed by other short- and medium-distance routes.
The goal: more reliable service on routes connecting major cities to rural America
Amtrak emphasizes that its long-distance routes remain a vital part of the national transportation system, as they connect major cities to small towns and rural communities. For this reason, the fleet renewal is presented not only as an investment in comfort, but also as one in the reliability of a network that covers long distances and areas poorly connected by other modes of transportation.
From an industrial perspective, the program also has a broader stake: the revival of passenger railcar production in the U.S. The Rail Passengers Association welcomed the launch of the new request for proposals, stating that it is not just about purchasing new trains, but also about rebuilding American industrial capacity for passenger rail transport.
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