- Amtrak has outlined plans for replacement of its long distance train fleet.
- The company plans to add over 800 new railcars across 14 cross country routes.
- All long distance services will transition to a standardised single level fleet.
- Amtrak issued a request for proposals and expects to select a manufacturer by 2027.
- Many current rail cars approach 50 years of operations and new trains are unlikely before the early 2030s.
Amtrak has outlined plans for the replacement of its long distance train fleet and is advancing the modernisation programme. The company has issued a request for proposals for what it describes as the largest ever procurement of long distance railcars.
Amtrak plans to add over 800 new railcars to operate across 14 cross country routes and transition the entire long distance network to a standardised single level fleet. Many current rail cars approach 50 years of operations. The programme follows an announcement in February 2026 and Amtrak expects to select a manufacturer by 2027 with new trains unlikely to enter service until the early 2030s. The renewal aims to improve safety reliability and the passenger experience while reducing long term operational costs.
Amtrak long distance services link major cities with small towns and rural communities. The shift to single level cars replaces the current mix of single and bi level equipment. The Federal Railroad Administration has coordinated with Amtrak on the strategy. The programme marks a step in efforts to modernise the United States passenger rail network which began operations in 1971.
Federal Railroad Administration Administrator David Fink shared the new fleet will give passengers the world class service they deserve.
