Amtrak is betting big on a return of ridership.
The nation’s passenger railroad wants to replace its nearly half-century-old fleet with state-of-the-art trains that can operate on electricity or diesel fuel. It plans to spend $7.3 billion to buy 83 trains made by Siemens, with options to buy more if ridership increases. Funding must still be approved by Congress, but William Flynn, Amtrak’s CEO, says he’s confident it will happen.
If it doesn’t, then Amtrak will finance the trains and repay its debt with money from state train services and passenger fares.
The more efficient trains, which will be built in California, are scheduled to start running in 2024. They will have more comfortable seating, better ventilation systems, power outlets and USB ports, Wi-Fi, and panoramic windows. Many can run on either diesel fuel or battery power when it’s needed.
Amtrak is replacing its fleet of trains: What riders can expect
indystar.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from indystar.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Amtrak Bets Riders Will Return
kasu.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from kasu.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Touting new trains, Amtrak CEO foresees riders heading back
mynorthwest.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from mynorthwest.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.