Amtrak to Replace Long-Distance Train Fleet

There was welcome news from Amtrak in April when it issued a Request for Suppliers (RFS) for a new fleet – 800 cars in all – on its 14 long-distance routes. The Empire Builder is running nearly 50-year-old Superliner I and II cars built between 1978-1979. The Borealis has been using Superliner cars since March when Amtrak’s Horizon fleet was taken out of service. Amtrak hopes to select a supplier by 2027.

Amtrak’s RFS specifies that the new fleet be single-level with full accessibility for people with disabilities and with modern conveniences. While passengers will miss the views from the Superliners' second level, single-level trains have many advantages and are the standard in countries around the world.

One of Amtrak’s goals is fleet standardization. The agency is running five different models of long-distance passenger coaches and six different models of shorter-distance trains. The agency is already in the process of replacing engines on its long-distance routes. It could take ten years for the full replacement of the long-distance fleet.