US fleet modernization: Amtrak orders 73 trains from Siemens

The US railroad company Amtrak is swapping a decade-old part of its fleet for modern locomotives and wagons. Siemens Mobility is to deliver 73 new trains for $ 3.4 billion.

Many of the locomotives of the American railroad company Amtrak are between 40 and 50 years old. The company has now ordered new trains from Siemens Mobility for $ 3.4 billion. 73 modern units of locomotives and wagons should make rail travel in the USA more convenient, faster and therefore more attractive.

The trains are all to be built in Sacramento, California, in the American factory of Siemens Mobility. An option to purchase additional trains was agreed.

Delivery in three model variants

With the modern trains Amtrak wants to become more energy efficient. These will be delivered in three models between 2024 and 2030: some of them can run on both diesel and electricity. This eliminates the need for a tedious change of locomotive when you come to non-electrified routes. For the west coast, where many lines are not electrified at all, Siemens is building pure diesel locomotives and hybrids with additional batteries.

In addition, the new trains can run in both directions, similar to most Deutsche Bahn trains. This should enable the trains to be used again more quickly and improve the cycle on the line.